The most common complaint I hear from actors about “show business” is that the business side is frustrating. Most actors would prefer focusing on their acting versus marketing. And although it’s understandable, the “business” is an important part of show business. Many times I’ve witnessed actors succeeding mainly because of what was accomplished on the business side.
The fact is that pretty much every artist and every business could say that they would rather do what they do rather than market and promote themselves.
I’m sure Wal-Mart execs would rather have customers just show up and buy stuff than spend hundreds of millions of dollars on marketing to get them there.
But the reality is that marketing and promotion is a fact of business, and your acting career is no different.
As an actor, you need to come up with a marketing and promotion plan just like any other business.
When you have something to talk about, go on and promote it endlessly.
If you don’t have something in particular to promote, re-purpose announcements for things you’ve done in the past.
Promoting yourself is a way to stay “top-of-mind” with casting directors and everyone else.
Get your headshot and name in front of all of the agents, managers, casting directors, producers, directors, fans… anyone you can who can help you move forward.
A publicist will try to get you in People magazine or other such publications so that others start to say, “Who’s that girl? Or good-looking guy?” That’s all marketing and promotion.
The main thing is that you always need to be marketing and promoting yourself.
Marketing and promoting your acting career should be a way of life for you.
Doing a one-off promotion is better than doing nothing at all, but having an ongoing plan is even better.
Don’t feel badly if you don’t have one right now, because only about 1 in 5,000 actors do (my wild guess)! But when you come up with your plan and stick to it, you will start to see results, and you can modify it as needed.
If you don’t have one, you will be wandering aimlessly and just hoping something happens. Don’t wander aimlessly. Create a plan to market and promote yourself continually.
If you want help creating a plan that is right for you, call the Smart Girls / How To Hollywood office at 818/907-6511.
