Personal Branding: An Introduction

Lately, our group coordinator Greg Lockett, has been speaking on the importance of creating a positive personal brand on social media. 

So, you might be asking, “ Just what is personal branding?” 

Personal branding is how you want your image to be viewed or how you want to market yourself. Personal branding describes the way in which people differentiate themselves and stand out from a crowd by identifying their unique value and style.¹ In other words, as actors/actresses in the entertainment industry we must be intentional about creating a personal brand. 

What do I mean?

Well pause for a second, and go through your profile pictures on Facebook and take an honest inventory.  Ask yourself, is this how I want to present myself to casting directors and other industry professionals? 

I now challenge you to remove any pictures of yourself that could keep you from reaching your goal of getting on screen work.

Why?

Remember, as actors and actresses, how we present ourselves on social media is like a business card. When you submit to a project, a casting director will oftentimes do a Google search to view your social media sites. Based on what they see, they will make a final determination about whether or not to book you.

For instance, if you have a profile on Facebook, the first thing that they will do is go through your pictures. Though I am constantly tweaking my Facebook page, I am intentional about how I am portrayed on Facebook.  If a casting director were to go through my pictures on Facebook, not only will they find numerous head shots, but also pictures of my children and my husband.

Why? 

I want to be seen as a mother, wife, neighbor or a friend on social media so that it won’t be a stretch when I submit for these types of roles.

Check out this blog post of a woman whose personal brand has been ruined by a single Tweet.

Action Step: Clearly define your goals in the entertainment industry.  What type of roles do you want to be considered for?  How can you clean up your personal brand on social media to match your goals?

Be on the look out for my next blog post about action steps you can take to improve your personal brand.

References

¹Schawbel, D. (n.d.). The Real Definition Of Personal Branding. Retrieved February 17, 2015, from http://personalbrandingwiki.pbworks.com/w/page/16005465/FrontPage

Imadre Worx Entertainment Consulting

This past January, my business partner and I, launched our entertainment consulting  firm: Imadre Worx (pronounced Imagery Works). Imadre Worx was birthed November 2013, after sharing free advice with someone who was shooting a short film. After coming to the realization that I learned some valuable information while studying at Full Sail, we thought we could take it to another level. I possess the knowledge of the business side of the Entertainment Industry, while my business partner Rashaad King, has the knowledge of the film side of the industry mechanics.

Now you may be wondering, what does Imadre Worx have to offer?  We are a  full service film/TV consulting firm offering practical industry standard advice and guidance that expedites the creative and business process so that Creatives and Executives achieve their project goals, one story at a time.

If you or anyone would like to receive a consultation from us in regards to your next project, you can contact us at : imadreworx2014@gmail.com

The Hardest Lesson Yet

One valuable lesson I have learned in my entertainment endeavors is to never give out valuable information for free, especially to someone whose character does not line up with their goals. I do realize that I have gained a world-class education from Full Sail University. I even stated in a previous blog post that I would not be stingy with some of the knowledge that I’ve gained. Well, I believe it’s time to take that comment back. I was giving out valuable information to someone who wanted to take advantage, and wanted everyone else to do the dirty work.  The thing is, when you want to get into ANY industry (be it education, nursing, etc.) you have to be willing to learn, and start from the bottom, and then go to the top. It’s not possible to try to be the “big wig” when your first starting and have no knowledge. When someone has the knowledge that you don’t have (especially when you are trying to break into any industry) show some humility, and be  willing to learn.  I know I am just now starting off in the entertainment industry, but in order to gain some experience in the field I have to find the BEST way possible. Daily, I go onto a website called The Southern Casting Call, to try and find some on camera work. No, I’m not trying to be the famous actor on the screen, but rather a background extra. I want to gain some on set experience in order to gain more knowledge of what a Producer or a Script Supervisor does. To me, that is one of the BEST ways to get your foot in the door and get your name recognized in the industry. Sometimes people in the entertainment industry are not very open to hiring certain people, unless you not only have some credentials, but also have a good reputation. This is not only the best way to get in, but you never know who those people may know. Don’t try to pretend that you are so knowledgeable about something, and then make a complete fool of yourself. Be willing to learn. Trust me on this. This is the BEST free advice I can give!

Auditioning Etiquette

I know I have not blogged since I graduated from Full SailUniversity in May, however I wanted to blog and give some advice on casting. On August 31^st, 2013, I had the opportunity to assist Lifeline Casting Company with auditions for a theatrical production.  Lifeline advertised the casting on Craigslist.com. The process went something like this:

·      The people who were interested in auditioning for a role in the stage play, were told to submit two recent photos, and a resume’.

·      

      Once an email was received from those who were interested in this casting, they were to reply with a confirmation email, saying that they would be in attendance.

·    

            Many confirmed but only a few people showed up. No-shows are a waste of time for the casting company because they still have to pay for the location and other costs. This can also cause a no-show to be blacklisted in the entertainment community.

Here are a few tips to consider if you want to audition with a casting company (television show, film, stage production etc.)

           

      

1.     Once you confirm the date and time for an audition, make sure you follow-through. Make sure you call the agency ahead of time if you must cancel. If not, casting agents will remember you, and your name will end up on their “do not hire” list.

2.     If you do not know where the location for a specific casting may be located, take the time out the day before to find out. Give yourself ample time to make sure you have the correct address and phone number to put in your GPS. Make sure that you leave for your casting early, to give yourself time just in case you may get lost.

3.     Make sure that when casting for a television show, film, etc. you know which role you are auditioning for.

4.     Arrive at the casting call early.  This will ensure that you have time to go over any lines for the character that you may be auditioning for.  This will help relieve any nervousness that you may have.        

5.     If you are not called to be a part of the cast DO NOT call to harass the casting company. This could only prevent you from being cast in any other projects in which you may be interested. Besides, the role that you auditioned for and did not get may not be the right fit for you!

Good Luck!