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I completely understand and support your perspective. The importance of the reel has undoubtedly grown, but I believe the headshot still holds significant value. It is the initial connection point for casting directors, helping them consider actors for audition opportunities. Once they’ve seen the headshot, they often move on to viewing our reels and typically pass them along, accompanied by a photo, to their directors. This way, the headshot helps categorize and highlight actors for the directors and producers. Moreover, I feel it’s essential for everyone in the industry to approach their work with kindness. From my experience, the best writer-directors prioritize humanity and emotional intelligence over ego. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with notable directors who treat everyone respectfully and kindly. Conversely, I’ve also encountered directors who maintain a strict hierarchy and show a lack of respect for their cast and crew. The latter group often struggles with time management, which can adversely affect their budget. In contrast, the kinder directors foster a supportive environment, encouraging everyone to contribute wholeheartedly to the project rather than just tolerating their authority.

Thanks for watching.

So funny. I'm in the same boat, wondering the same thing. Found this video, saw your comment. I was thinking of waiting until Monday but then it's also New Years. It feels torturous to wait when I've just discovered this, ha.

@ guess I’ll have to be patient and wait till things get busy again

I hope it was helpful.

Absolutely. I’m glad I had a great seat to capture it all. I learned some great things myself. Thanks for watching.

Thanks for watching. I hope you found it useful!

Good question. Here’s a scenario: Imagine you were a casting director, where time is always eluding you, you’re looking to cast an actor that could say the lines of dialogue, believably, even if it were just four lines, (which by the way, the less lines, the harder the read) you need to know the actors you bring in to audition aren’t going to waste your time and will make you look good with your director. As you began reviewing breakdowns and looking at reels, which actors would you consider? • The actors whose reels show them speaking dialogue • The actors whose reels show them reACTing with no dialogue? Casting directors don’t have time to guess if you can act. They need to see evidence of your excellence because there is a lot of money on the line. Which is why they tend to call the same people in. Not that they don’t give new to them people a chance. But we’ve got to earn their trust. And that begins with proper marketing tools. To answer your question, always consider the other side. The best way to get acting opportunities is to meet the needs of casting director’s and show them your skills straightaway. But don’t let that bum you out. Even if you don’t have reel footage of you delivering dialogue, right now, that’s okay. We all have to start somewhere. Don’t waste your time or money posting footage that won’t get you chosen. Instead, use your best self-tape as a reel, or even a compelling monologue in your niche. While you self-submit for student and independent films to get the footage you need. An excellent self-tape or monologue will get you more mileage than footage of you standing next to a star of a show or film reACTing. Leave the background off. It doesn’t help you. And remember this is a journeyman’s game. It takes time. But with dedication, perseverance and craft it can happen.

Thank you for the feedback. And congratulations on starting a talent agency. Cheers!

I’m sorry you had to experience that. Unfortunately, as I’ve shared, it happens quite often. Almost like a rite of passage no one asked for. I’m learning that knowing is half the battle. And from there you can discern if you’d rather leave than stay. And if you stay you’ll know how to recognize it and not internalize it.

@@actinglessonslearned Thanks for responding. This situation happened a few years ago and it hurt, but after leaving and doing research on him, I found out that he has a history of this behavior. As you mentioned, it was a right of passage that I did not ask for and I am certain his teacher abused him. I left his school and went to other studios and was given critique without humiliation. I've been thinking about writing an article about this but it appears that some other journalist was investigating this issue on reddit earlier this year. You hit the nail on the head, although your video was short, it was like you knew everything I went through.

@@actinglessonslearned However, I am glad I had that experience, not so much that it felt good, but I understand some of those nasty people in that industry and what to look for and stay away from.

Thank YOU for watching!

Thank you for watching.

@@actinglessonslearned thank you. hope you like our stuff, too. I wrote an acting book

Thank you for the well wishes and for WATCHING. I HOPE YOUR AA updates yield more opportunities for you.

A trickle down effect is occurring. It’s grander than Casting directors. Many Studios and Networks stopped funding offices for casting directors. All the adverse changes of streaming channels have made it hard for many independent casting directors to afford office space. But that doesn’t negate You’re point. The actor IS suffering, the cost of auditioning has unfortunately been passed onto the actors. And none of us care for the added cost and the headache. But, there are ways to make the situation nominal for the actor and casting directors are being very forgiving in their expectation. At least that is the case in Los Angeles. Also, SAG-AFTRA Foundation offers free Self-tape options both in house and virtual. Nonetheless, if you have a well-lit area by a blank wall, and a camera phone you should be okay. But I also understand some actors don’t have either and for seniors the tech is too cumbersome for them to bear and they quit.

Thank you for joining me.

I have several friends who are coming back at your age. It’s never too late. Kudos to you and have fun on your return.

Welcome!

Thanks for watching.

Thanks for watching.

Well then my job here is done! 😃 I hope you were able to sign up and check the place out. Everyone is quite helpful there.

My pleasure! Thanks for watching. Stay tuned for Part 2

Geez, I’m sad to hear that. You should speak with your agent to see if they use it to submit you

Wonderful!