I'm going to give window envelopes a try.

So usually I put the mailing label on the side with no flap (When I used normal envelopes).

Being that these new window envelopes are for your headshot to be seen, where does the mailing label go?

If it goes on the side with the flap. Why? When the assistant at the agency is going through the mail wouldn't they think that the mailing label is on the non flap side as usually, do you think the assistant is going to look around for the label?

If it goes on the side with no flap. Why? what would be the point of the headshot showing if theirs a mailing label in the middle of it.

Please help me out here.

I can't speak for agents, but as an independent film director who casts his own films (with and without casting directors), I want to suggest that windowed envelopes are not worth the added expense, and they may hurt you.

During the casting process, we may get hundreds of envelopes per day. Each picture is only given a couple of seconds to make an impression. If your picture does not immediately remind me of one of the roles I am casting, it's on to the next. With a windowed envelope, if your picture isn't right, the envelope may never even get opened. BUT, if I have to open the envelope, there's a fighting chance I may flip it over, and something on your resume may catch my eye to make me want to give you a call.

Just a thought. I hope it helps.

Best,

Ron

Interesting point.

I've done mailing with and without envelopes, and I got about the same response from all of them. But I never put the label the non-flap side with the picture.

It would cover part of the picture, but with the right headshot layout, it might be something different to try. Just make sure your face isn’t covered.

Hmmm....

Well Ron B. right now im only trying to submit to get represented from an agent.

You say that if you see the picture and if it doesnt remind you of a role, you dont open it.

But for an agent their not really casting anything. I would use window envelopes to send to agents and regular envelopes for casting directors.

Im going to go with regular envelopes WHEN I submit to casting directors because you have a point.

But I think while sending to an agent im going to use the window envelopes because if you have a good headshot and they like it their probably going to want to see your resume.

Also if I dont get any responses from the agents im going to submit for, I can always re-mail with normal envelopes.

Ron V,

What do you mean you've done mailing without envelopes. You mean mailing without clear window envelopes.

Also you say you dont put it on the non flap side. So were do you put it?

I finnaly answered this question. All I had to do was actually look at the envelope. Lol.

Here's my spiel on window envelopes:

Agents claim they open all submissions, but when? If your photo is exposed, then there's a greater urgency to open your envelope to look at your resume. It also catches the eye of the agent who has to go through a butt-load of manilla envelopes with numbers and letters on it. Don't get those big bulky ones from Samuel French. I like the ones from ActorTips.com. They're 8.25x10.25 so your headshot and other contents snuggly fit. You can either cut the coverletter down to that size or just fold it in half.

I've had more success with these kind of window envelopes than regular envelopes.

One thing that I do to make them open it entirely is get an avery rectangle sticker I think 2x2 5/8 and print "Seeking (Theatrical or Commercial) representation! More inside!" I put this sticker on the bottom right edge of the window.

With regards to mailing address, you put it on the side that does NOT have the window. You fold the flap in and NOT seal it! The weight of your headshot, resume, and coverletter should keep it secure, if you're paranoid, you can get those small circular seal stickers at Office Depot and put one where the envelop and flap meet.

I did mean mailing without clear window envelopes. My mistake.

Many years ago, I sent out submissions n very expensive black envelopes with the addressed written in calligraphy. It cost me a fortune, but I did get many calls. Presumable because they were all opened, and I do have some good credits from back then.

I use regular white envelopes(8x10). Sometimes, I can find bright pink/purple ones too (the place I go to sometimes has other bright colors).