Headshots
Since everything starts with your headshot, I quickly want to give fairly standard advice to apply to your next headshots. CD’s do admit to getting into a coma or daze while viewing 100’s of submissions, so here are some of their basic tips that should help you stand out from the herd.
- It’s all about the lighting and contrast. You should not blend in to your surroundings; make sure your features and expression stand out. I just had a conversation with a young actress who has to go back to her photographer because her features were too washed out to see the expression. No one is clicking on an image when they can’t make out your features.
- A pop of color is always good. It’s a good way to stand out to the CD who is scrolling through a ton of images. The pop can be the background or an item of clothing. The eye just naturally gravitates to the color.
- Thumbnail View. CDs are looking at tiny versions of your headshot on the computer, so while it is very important to have the above two, you need to make sure that your chosen image(s) are exceptional both in 8x10 and in thumbnail.
Something to Check Out
A few networks have these highly competitive programs used to recruit and develop new talent. Currently CBS is accepting applications for their Drama Diversity Casting Initiative. I believe unlike the others this one will focus on talent outside of the New York and Los Angeles areas. So if you are in LA…no go, but you can always be a good friend and forward to your friend in El Paso. Here is the link: http://www.cbscorporation.com/diversity/cbs-drama-diversity-casting-initiative/
The deadline is Oct. 28th.
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