As an actor trying to make it in Hollywood, the odds are stacked against you. There are tons of other actors all trying for the same parts as you, and that can get dispiriting. You might know that you have what it takes to really make a splash on the screen, but you need to get auditions to show that to the people who count. Even when you do get auditions, you need an edge to get you the job over other quality actors.
The good news is that there are ways to get ahead that don’t require dumb luck or family connections. If you want to succeed as an actor, you need to start building your online branding. To do this, you will need to create a professional-looking portfolio website that showcases your abilities. You will need to build a social media presence as well.
Here are the steps you need to take to start building your brand as an actor
Create a website
While social media has taken everyone’s attention, websites are still all-important. Without a website, your social media presence is likely to lead nowhere. Potential talent scouts and agents will want to find out everything they can about you, along with samples of what you can do. This is impossible to do in an organised way on social media.
You don’t need any web design skills to create a professional website. All you need is to use a platform like Wix or SquareSpace. They provide free themes, including website designs specifically suited to showcasing a portfolio.
Your website should have a bio with your best headshot. It should show visitors what kind of work you have done in the past and any acting training you have done.
If you have not yet gotten any professional work, you will need to create your own portfolio samples. Make sure these are shot with a high quality camera and edited professionally. This might cost you some money – or favours from friends in the industry – but it is worth it. Without a portfolio, it will be difficult to get into any audition.
With your website up and running, the next step is to create a social media presence.
Social media for actors
As an actor in 2021, the social media platforms most useful to you are probably Instagram and TikTok. Not only are these visual platforms, but they are also the most popular among the demographics that studios are most keen to target.
You will need to create more interesting content on your Instagram page than some professional photos. Engage with your audience through stories and posts. You can start building a following by using your charisma to interact directly with your target audience.
On TikTok, you can get views and followers by engaging in popular trends. However, immerse yourself in TikTok content first, if you do not already use it regularly. It is very obvious when someone is trying to exploit the platform with no real context – creating a “how do you do, fellow kids?” moment
Your social media presence is important as a platform to showcase your talent. However, in terms of branding, the benefit goes further. By building a fanbase, you give studios incentive to hire you. An actor who already has thousands of fans invested in their journey will bring attention to whatever project they are cast in.
Remember that this is to get you in the door. Having thousands of followers is not going to get you into the next Marvel blockbuster. But you can get jobs to add to your portfolio and make some money, and you might find some low-budget projects that bring out your passion.
YouTube
YouTube is going nowhere anytime soon. It is sixteen years old, which doesn’t sound like a lot, especially as it feels like YouTube has been around forever, but it continues to grow in popularity among all demographics.
YouTube can be a good platform to showcase your acting skills – as well as writing and improv skills, editing skills, and production. But it can be a lot more than that. Acting in 2021 should not be viewed through a one-dimensional lens. On the contrary, there are now many avenues for an actor to take.
If you find a niche and enjoy making content, you can start making money on YouTube. You can create your own projects rather than constantly searching for auditions for other people’s content. With some work building an audience, you can earn a living doing something you love.
That said, if you want to make it to the big screen, becoming a vlogger is not the best route to take. Few vloggers successfully make the leap. Nonetheless, having some videos up on YouTube to showcase your talent is a worthwhile aspect of your branding.
Branding yourself as an actor in 2022 is crucial. By creating an online presence, you get yourself in the door to be considered for auditions and roles.
Did You Know?
- Raindance Film Festival is considered one of the top fifteen film festivals in the world?
- Raindance Film School London offers HND, BA and MA in Filmmaking and Screenwriting?
- Let Raindance guide you on your filmmaking pathway. call +44 (0) 207 930 3412 or email filmschool@raindance.ac.uk
- Raindance members support indie film, and enjoy a range of benefits
Raindance promotes and supports independent filmmaking and filmmakers.
From new and emerging to industry pros, Raindance connects, trains, supports, and promotes visual storytellers through every step of their career.
The Raindance Film Festival runs each Summer in London’s Leicester Square.
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