Showing posts with label Head shots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Head shots. Show all posts

A cut-throat competition in actor's market for Bollywood and TV serials
A cut-throat competition in actor's market for Bollywood and TV serials

How to Market yourself as an actor FREE
How to Market yourself as an actor FREE


Yes, they are Smart and Successful Actors! Why? 


A. Because they listened 
B. They focused on a single factor; "how to get chances" rather than dreaming foolishly to be an actor and running from pillar to post without a solid strategy
C. They realized apart from an excellence in acting craft,  the success of this factor depends on their marketing strategies and promotion being acting a "Business"
D. They knew they didn't have lots of money and time enough and wait till eternity.

To be an actor is a business and any actor who doesn't realize this, irrespective of an excellence in the acting craft, will surely fail!

So, smart actors, when think about marketing, they usually see a most important sign 

Rupee sign
Or rather how to save it!

Sure, an essential tool like your headshots can be expensive, but once you have them, there�s plenty of ways to improve your actor marketing without spending a dime.
Actor marketing is defining who you are, building relationships with people interested in you, and convincing them you are the one they need.
If you�re dreaming and desperately want to be a Bollywood or a TV serial actor, and short of money, here are some inexpensive ways you can work on your actor marketing!

1. Be sure your portfolio photos are working for you, not against you.
Cost: Rs.0 to Rs. 5000 for 10


Many of aspiring actors spend a lot of money on headshots (Portfolio) where unfortunately though they look glamorous but not what truly they are. The result is obvious- they are selected for an initial audition based on the headshot, they are rejected because when they enter into the audition room, the casting director finds a different person than what he/she had seen in the photograph. It may be your face, hair style, profile, looks which probably had been altered in your headshot by a photographer to give you a glamorous look. The cost of such portfolio could be around Rs. 10,000. This is a waste of your money and definitely works against you
The solution: Get your pictures clicked to look what you exactly are-neat and simple and of good quality. Don�t give a shock to a casting director by looking different than your headshots. You even use your own cell phone which has a good camera.
Choosing your best looking shot is great if you want to get a date but, if you want to get a role in a film, choose a shot that reflects the roles you�re most castable as.


2.  Your r�sum� (Online and others)
Cost: Rs.0


Your r�sum� works for you to show people whether you have experience, do you have other talents like swimming, dancing, singing, martial arts, languages, accents etc. and whether you will fit into to be auditioned role.If your r�sum� looks sloppy and unprofessionalso do you! Check for typing errors, have a friend proofread it for you! Be sure to update your hard copy for auditions, the PDF on your website, and any casting sites you�re on!

3. Start a website!
Cost: Rs.0


Actors need a website that shows their marketing materials and links to all of their social media accounts. Don�t put off building your website because you can�t afford one.

You can set up a free on the following sites right NOW:



4. Market and promote yourself on social media accounts.
Cost: Rs.0


Do you have social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, about.me  and looks professional?
Do they feature one headshot you chose to consistently promote your brand across platforms?
Do you have professional social media headers?
A compelling bio with keywords?
These things cost nothing and are necessary to effectively use social media to advance your career.
(Warning for Facebook: Don�t get fooled by �likes� by your friends. They are not casting people. You may get wrong signals and may get addicted to wasting your precious time on chatting and get foolishly self-elated. Instead a "profile", start a business �page�)


5. Build and Track your relationships.
Cost: Rs.0 (Except travel)


Remember, marketing is about building and nurturing relationships!

  • Identifying production houses, TV channels like sonny, star plus, casting directors, cinematographers and others related to the industry and running after them to submit your resume and headshots is a MUST. Read relevant posts on this subject from this blog
  • A follow up with a thank you mail, card, birthday or anniversary wish is always welcomed and help people to remember you among the countless crowd of aspiring actors. For email, it�s necessary that your email page is properly designed with your headshot and a great header which should remain constant.  You don�t need relationships with thousands of people for your career take off. Focus your marketing efforts of these people!


6. Expand your network of contacts.
Cost: Rs.0


Get off the couch or gossip corner and find a group of actor�s, casting directors, director�s hang out places in Mumbai or in your town and gate crash to network with! Become extrovert and aggressive if you want to be an actor! Read this post at: hangout places in Mumbai
Do you require lots of money for the above? NO
So, that money is no longer an excuse, get started!

Still confused?


(Author; Had been a marketing wizard for 30 years apart from an award winning actor, an acting coach and a short film maker)
Inspired by


Learn 6 Ways of Smart Actors to Market Career FREE


Good headshots of actors
Good headshots of actors


How do casting directors call you for an audition?
Of course, first by looking at your Headshots!


Actor�s portfolio photos! It�s the single most important promotional tool for an actor, and it�s amazing how many people do it wrong. Take my advice; it�s time to take it more seriously. When your headshots pops up on a casting director�s computer, you want them to say, �Yes, bring that person in!� and not just deleting it with a dislike on their faces.

Portfolio photograph tips for actors and talent


Most Important



  1. Your headshot and other profile pictures  should look like you - exactly how you would show up for an audition
  2. Remember your photo has to sell your looks and personality
  3. Go to a professional portfolio photographer. Don�t be stingy or if you are financially tight, get fewer looks rather than multiple ones. A good studio or a The good photographer in Mumbai may cost you anywhere from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 50,000 (inclusive of makeup and wardrobe?), though there are plenty of cheaper ones also looking for a kill.


Your eyes


Just like with on-camera acting, it�s all about the eyes, and what�s happening behind them. It�s your close-up, your moment. Your eyes should be perfectly in focus, alive, and energized, and not dead. There should be strong inner thoughts, implying a backstory and a life behind the eyes. A strong piercing eyes will bring a picture to life and help it stand out among hundreds. This can be done by your �imagination� to be in a particular imaginary or observed character.
Warning: Never, never and never hide your eyes with dark glasses. This is most irritating to the casting directors.

Outdoor vs. Studio


Some photographers do both, as they offer a different look and feel. Natural light gives a very real, a �film� look, which I prefer. Studio lighting tends to be a little more polished, with a more neutral backdrop. Both can be wonderful. What I would suggest is to have a combination of few outdoor and studio looks, if possible.

General Tips



  • Tell photographer your expectations and intentions. Let them know what kind of look you want
  • Drink lots of water and be well rested (so your eyes will not have dark circles)
  • Your skin might not look best after drug/alcohol use. Try to abstain from these before your shoot
  • Arrive on time. 



Top Portfolio Photo Studio 


1. A.Rrajani Photography*

Phone:070453 60660
Address: A-1 SURYA KIRAN MODEL TOWN, NEAR GYAN KENDRA SCHOOL 4 BUNGLOWS,ANDHERI(WEST), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
Website: http://a-rrajani.com/

2. Sandesh Jayakar Photography

Phone:022 4021 1956
Address: Off Aarey Rd, Vishveshwar Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400063
Website: http://www.sandeshjayakar.com/

3. Studio 999

Phone:098219 25888
Address: Goregaon West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400104
Website: http://www.luvisrani.com

4. Sameer Belvalkar Photography

Phone:098505 33300
Address: 505 Menka, Nalanda Menka Society,, Off J.P Road, 7 Bungalows, Andheri W, Mumbai, Maharashtra 411053
Website: http://sameerbelvalkar.com/

5. Luv Israni Photography (Branch of Studio 999?)

Phone:098212 97666
Address: New Link Road, Goregaon West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400102
Website: http://www.luvisrani.com/

6. Photography Institute

This is a photography institute where you can get some good portfolio done by few bright students/ experienced photographers attached, at an economical rate or the faculty can suggest and guide you where to go. Contact them
Details:
National Institute of Photography*
11/2, Ghamat Terrace, 2nd Floor,
Above Shagun Hotel,
Op. Dadar (WR) Station Middle Bridge,
Senapati Bapat Road, Dadar(West),
Mumbai-400028.
Phone: 022 24306502 , 022 65203364
Mobile: +91 9820109479
Email: info@focusnip.com

Note
You can try top fashion/ model photographers also

Other reviewed and select photo studios for aspiring actors


1. Studio Favourite*
+ (91)-22-38575149  Shop 142, 29th Road, Off Waterfield Road, Bandra West, Mumbai - 400050, Opposite Chemistry Boutique, Chinchwadi

2. Guri Photography
 + (91)-22-38535527  D Wing, J B Nagar, Andheri East, Mumbai - 400059, Opposite Kohinoor Hotel

3. Arya Studio
+ (91)-22-38523052  14, Ram Niwas Building, RRT Road, Mulund West, Mumbai - 400080, Near Railway Station

4. Alive Kraft Photography
+ (91)-7303707770, +(91)-9167252520  B 1703, Garden Estate, Link Road, Goregaon West, Mumbai - 400104, Behind Kancha Restaurant

5. Fine Arts Studio
 +(91)-22-38566873  E/40, Sahar Rd, Andheri East, Mumbai - 400069, Koteshwar Nagar,Opp Garware House & HDFC Bank

6. Shree Vireshwar Digital Studio & Colour Lab
 + (91)-22-39622369  Shop No 10, Premavati Chawl, Marol Military Road, Andheri East, Mumbai - 400059, Opposite Seven Hills Hospital

7. Sana Chhabra Photography
 + (91)-22-38535809  601, 6th Floor, Landmark Platinum, S V Road, Bandra West, Mumbai - 400050, Opposite Khar Mosque, Behind National College

8. Vilas Photo Services
+ (91)-22-38596171  Shop No 7, Flower Queen Building, Veera Desai Road, Andheri West, Mumbai - 400058, Opposite ICICI Bank And Dominoz

9. Snapshot*
+ (91)-22-38517366  29/232 Motilal Nagar 1, Imperial Heights, Andheri West, Mumbai - 400058, BEST Nagar, Near Fire Brigade

10. Midastouch Productions and Events
 + (91)-22-38524917  303 Elavia Manor, Chincholi Bunder Road, Malad West, Mumbai - 400064

11. DYT*
+(91)-22-39930267  +(91)-22-26465322, 26465323; 3 Sethi Terraces, 1st Floor, P D Hinduja Marg, Khar West, Mumbai - 400052, Opposite Canera Bank

12. X Pose Studio & Color Lab
 + (91)-22-38562109  Shop No 7, Ground Floor, Amina Manzil, Kishore Kumar Lane, Juhu, Mumbai - 400049, Opposite Ram Mandir

13. Studio Patidar
 + (91)-22-39370950  Unit No A/25, Oshiwara Industrial Estate, New Link Road, Goregaon West, Mumbai - 400104, Opposite Goregaon Bus Depot

1. Elite Images Studio & Colour Lab
 + (91)-22-38586908  Shop No 1, Imperial Plaza, Linking Road And 30th Road, Bandra West, Mumbai - 400050, Opposite Amarsons Collections

15. Fotoscenic*
 + (91)-22-38579395  A 1, Sun And Sea Apartment, Royal Lane, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, Mumbai - 400049, Near Sea Princess Hotel, Opposite Royal Hotel

16.  Priyanka Photo Studio
 + (91)-22-38564961  Shop No 31,Heera Panna Shopping Centre, Adi Shankaracharya Marg, Powai, Mumbai - 400076, Near Jal Vayu,Hiranandani Gardens

17. Starlight Model And Talent Management Pvt Ltd
 + (91)-22-38559246  Shop No. 25, Ground Floor, Om Heera Panna Premises Co-operative Society Ltd., Andheri West, Mumbai - 400053, Behind Oshiwara Police Station

18. Ajay Kaustubh
 + (91)-22-38526959  Shikhar Society, Plot No 104, Room No 16, Sector No 1, Kandivali West, Mumbai - 400067, Near Muncipal School, Charkop

19. Star Color Lab and Photo Studio
 + (91)-22-38585959  Shop No 12 Gren Ville, Lokhandwala Complex, Millat Nagar Circle, Andheri West, Mumbai - 400053, Next To Samarth Vaibhav Shopping, Next To Shiva`s Stylo Salon

20. Ridham Creation
 + (91) -22-38515180  R3/303, Asmi Complex, Ram Mandir Road, Goregaon West, Mumbai - 400104, Near Movie Star Cinema

Caution 

  • Though the above details are best to our knowledge, you are strongly recommended to check the quality of their work (Portfolio albums) and other credentials, as over the time, a good may become bad and a bad, good 
  • Also check what they are offering in a portfolio package like make-up, costumes, no of looks, indoor/ outdoor, etc. 

Best 6+20 Portfolio Studios to Get Audition Calls

A bad headshot
A bad headshot

How to Avoid Bad Headshots and Other Pictures in Your Portfolio


Selecting photographer 


When looking for a photographer, DON'T base your decision solely on whom other people used (especially if they DON'T look like you) nor use a photographer based solely on the name. What might be awesome for other people might suck for you.

Do�s and Don�ts


  1. With regards to looks, you DON'T want �character� shots, for example, literally dressing like a cop, doctor, etc. NO PROPS EITHER! This is an insult to the casting directors and will get you laughed out of this business. 
  2. You want 3-5 GENERAL LOOKS that can suggest multiple roles or essences! 
  3. For example, a business suit look can suggest, lawyer detective, secretary, business person, etc. A casual look (jeans and T-shirt) can suggest high school, college, blue collar. An upscale casual and brightly dressed look can suggest young parent, preppy, white collar, etc. 
  4. These 3-5 looks you choose should be based on how you know you REALISTICALLY well. If you're a woman in your late 40s you're most likely not going to win dressing like a college student. If you're in your late teens or early 20s, a full business suit won't help you that much, maybe a slightly unbuttoned dress shirt and a trouser/ jeans... 
  5. Have one, for auditions for commercial/ Ads. It�s usually smiling and brighter colors. For film/TV, have one, which is usually a bit serious/intense expression and muted colors. Of course, there are exceptions to the rules. 
  6. Your headshots need to look like �you� on any normal day! 
  7. Do NOT wear makeup or style yourself in a fashion that would make you look too glamorous ie. As if you're trying to be sexy at a party or at a restaurant.. 
  8. It's important that your head and upper torso (from waist up to head) are clear so agents and casting directors can fairly judge you physically. 
  9. In India, 5X7 or 4X6  is standard size. Not anything bigger or smaller may not be appreciated. Abroad, it is usually 8X10 sizes. Write your name, age, height and contact details on the back. In India, pasting resume at the back is usually not required.Ensure that ball pen ink should not smudge the photo paper at the back. Buy such a ball pen beforehand.
  10. Have either a white or black border surround your photo. The full bleed (no border) is also good and tacky. 
  11. No glossy! Get matte or pearl finish (non glossy). Most indoor lighting tends to reflect off glossies making it difficult for the agents and casting directors to see. 
  12. No busy patterns or jewelry that will take focus away from your face. 

Tell your photographer to avoid 



  • Too close shot. Don't get it cropped too close to where people can't see your body. At least your upper torso should be visible in your shots so CDs/Agents have a fair idea of what you look like physically. 
  • Shooting you at weird angles, especially angles that would distort how you really look. 
  • Silly poses. Head shots are supposed to be as natural as rain. Making stupid poses will just make you look stupider.

Such common inappropriate poses include- 

  • Sitting on the table. This is where you're sitting down, but leaning WAY forward. 
  • Oh my god, my head is too heavy!  Don't do a head shot where your hand is under your chin or even touching your head. 



For Girls


  • Look at me, I have a sexy back! I've seen some headshots where people are in contorted (twist or bend out of the normal shape) poses, looking over his or her shoulder. It's not natural. 
  • I'm a mermaid! This is where you're lying on your stomach with your feet up. 
  • I got sexy legs! This where you're sitting down and your knees are visible.

Rejected Due to Bad Photos? Best Tips to Get Top Headshots