I'm going to a film premiere party...via a friend. I'm bringing along a handful of my pocket-size marketing materials (i.e. postcards with abbreviated resume on back). If this party does indeed contain a few casting directors / agents, what are some tips for marketing yourself - without coming off like an over-zealous douche?

I'm transitioning from pursuing theater to film. I have near diddly film credits - featured background really, but some decent NY theater credits.

Good question. I'm curious as to what should be done aswell, considering that I might be going alongside a good friend of mine who will be going to "The Last Song" premiere.

Curious.

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I might be going alongside a good friend of mine who will be going to "The Last Song" premiere.

Where will it be premiering? The schmooze protocol is somewhat different in L.A. than Wilmington, NC (in NC, it would be far more friendly, with considerably fewer industry people). Either way, you need to treat a film premiere party much like any other party. You introduce yourself to people, talk about the movie (and always have good things to say about it, just in case you discover you're talking to one of the people involved in its production, which is extremely likely at a premiere.) Then, if you see someone you know is a casting director or agent (they don't wear name tags or have special CD/agent hats... well, some of them do), you could introduce yourself and talk about the movie and then let it be known that you're an actor (never "an aspiring actor"), and say "can I give you a card?" (which hopefully you'll have). If they're open and friendly, you might find you can have a further conversation. (Be warned, that as soon as they find out you're an actor, they may not want to talk to you any more.) If the further conversation is a pleasant/nice/fun/funny one, you might want to ask if they're working on anything interesting right now. And then, you could send a follow-up note to them at their office, saying how nice it was to meet them. And then follow that up with a pic/resume. That's one marketing plan. There are numerous scenarios you could dream up. If this is just the premiere and not a party, chances are you won't get to talk to anybody other than your friend. You probably don't wanna run up to Miley Cyrus and tell her how fantastic she was in the movie.

(And to the creator of this thread... you'd come off "like an over-zealous douche" if you push your way to meet a CD/agent, announce you're an actor, and shove your card in their hand. If you get to meet any of these people, live-and-in-person, you should always be a regular person talking to another regular person.)

And that's what I think.

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Originally posted by GreenActor:
I'm going to a film premiere party...via a friend. I'm bringing along a handful of my pocket-size marketing materials (i.e. postcards with abbreviated resume on back).

Business cards are always appropriate.

The larger the item the more inappropriate it becomes.

We were at an event last nite where we were introduced to the head of a major city agency. {not show biz connected]I gave him a business card appropriate to the situation. We have multiple cards for different things that we are involved in.

No no, no running up and slobbering over stars or CD's, or Agents. That'd just be rude, wouldn't it? :P

I'm a level-headed person, and I apply myself only in a business sense. I don't see people as a "Way In" or a "Means Only". I gauge people as just that: People. So many thanks on letting me know that my mindset is the correct one!

The premiere would undoubtedly be in LA, so I can guarantee that the niceties of the south will quickly be demolished.

Again, thanks for the info! I'm definitely keeping this all in mind.

The moment you're talking about bringing "marketing materials" you're on the wrong track. Maybe some business cards? And if you don't have a Web site with at least your headshot and resume (and whatever else you might put on your marketing materials), put one up and be sure the link is on the card.

Just talk to people, see how you connect on a personal basis. They're not idiots - they know what actors want and they also know to give or ask for a card if they think you're likely for any of their purposes (legit or otherwise).

Low key, no more.

Business cards and nothing more.

Don't be pushy. Enjoy the party. If you make one good friend who is in the industry remember that is literally worth more than 2000 "industry people" receiving your business card.

Do not hand out a resume to anyone. That's just a bad idea. If someone was at my premier party and I got wind they did that I'd have security kick them out. Parties are meant for you to meet people and have a good time, not dump your marketing materials everywhere.

Business cards ARE marketing materials.

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Originally posted by Broadway2Hollywood:
Business cards ARE marketing materials.

Yes, but it's more acceptable to use them in social settings.

I've met plenty of people who I could have cared less what they did for a living, but just so I'd have an email address/phone number to contact them with I asked for a business card.

You know why people cringe when they find out you're an actor? It's because most of the time, that means they're going to be subjected the intense needs of a stranger. It's the same reason we don't like telemarketers. We know they want something, but that they're desperately trying to figure out a clever way of seeming like they don't want anything.

My advice: Put yourself in the other person's shoes. You've been invited to a premiere. You've come to see the film and socialize with your peers and enjoy the evening. But someone who knows you're in a position to do something for them has approached you and put a mini picture/resume in your hand. Are you glad to have it? Are you looking forward to getting in touch with this person later to forward his career? Or are you going to ditch the postcard on your next trip to the restroom?

As hard as it is to be around potential connections and not take advantage of the situation, it's unlikely that anything you do to promote yourself in a setting like this will produce your desired results.

Want to do something really cool with the opportunity? Hang out, discuss the film, meet people, and don't mention what you do unless someone asks. And even then, don't promote. If they ask about your career, just say, "Oh, it's going well, thanks. But I'm not here to talk about me. Wasn't the film terrific?" That will leave them far more intrigued than anything you could do. Make them ASK for your business card. Otherwise, focus on others. It' makes you much, much more appealing.

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Originally posted by Michael Kostroff:
Want to do something really cool with the opportunity? Hang out, discuss the film, meet people, and don't mention what you do unless someone asks. And even then, don't promote. If they ask about your career, just say, "Oh, it's going well, thanks. But I'm not here to talk about me. Wasn't the film terrific?" That will leave them far more intrigued than anything you could do. Make them ASK for your business card. Otherwise, focus on others. It' makes you much, much more appealing.

I think what Michael said here is golden. That day is about the premiere, not you, be charming and interesting, make them want your card. Good stuff.

Great discussion - I'm new to this industry from an acting perspective but have worked in the TV industry as a spokesperson for some time.

I always follow the old sales principle of WIIFM (meaning - always think about the 'what's in it for me' for the other person you're selling to). They aren't there to serve me or give me a job, but what can I do to help them? What's in it for them?

I always greet people at events and start asking questions rather than talking about myself. It's by this that I can often find something they have a need for that I can make a recommendation (new printer, hairdresser, etc etc) Basically it opens the door to building a relationship rather than just pitching myself.

I think it's a good idea to bring business cards but always ask for one of theirs. It's pretty likely that you will need to follow up with them afterward. If they don't have a card, make a note of their name on the back of one of your own cards and look them up online when you get home to do a follow up.

Again, I'm new to acting but assume similar principles apply when networking/follow-up. Best of luck at the event!

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Originally posted by BenC:

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Originally posted by Michael Kostroff:
Want to do something really cool with the opportunity? Hang out, discuss the film, meet people, and don't mention what you do unless someone asks. And even then, don't promote. If they ask about your career, just say, "Oh, it's going well, thanks. But I'm not here to talk about me. Wasn't the film terrific?" That will leave them far more intrigued than anything you could do. Make them ASK for your business card. Otherwise, focus on others. It' makes you much, much more appealing.

I think what Michael said here is golden. That day is about the premiere, not you, be charming and interesting, make them want your card. Good stuff.

Agreed. It's THEIR day in the sun.

Michael and everyone,

Thank you for the feedback. I'm very new to this industry and sometimes the desire to kick start a career clouds my judgement. But now I know a little bit more about how to operate like a professional. Thanks again!

That's why we're here. Glad to be of help.