Do I still need a hard copy of my headshot?
The answer is YES! This is a question casting directors are asked all the time. You or your agent submit digital headshots of you for projects, so why do you need to bring a printed headshot too? Casting directors spend all day every day looking at digital photos of actors on their computers and on their phones, but the physical hard copy of your headshot is a tool they still rely on as they put together their cast puzzle. Some write notes on them and draw on them, others post them up on walls or lay them on tables maneuvering them like a game of Mahjong as they assemble their perfect cast that, hopefully, includes you.
I always tell my clients to make it as easy on their agents and casting directors as possible. Give them the tools they need to promote and cast you. Your headshot is your number one marketing tool! A great headshot opens the door to opportunities and "speaks" to casting directors and prospective agents before they ever meet you. Your headshot should grab and keep their attention, get the audition — and you in the door! It needs to be a high quality image that truly represents you and your many facets. According to Tom Burke, a Backstage expert and image consultant, "[a]gents, managers, casting directors, and even directors should be able to look at your headshots and immediately get a sense of who you are and how best to use you; the photos should instantly convey your type, brand, and the roles you’re right for."
So, how many digital headshots do I need? That is a question I repeatedly get from new actors. Again, give them what they need and more. You will need a commercial headshot, a theatrical or legit headshot and, in my opinion, and in the opinion of many casting directors, including Erica Arvold of arvold.casting, a few additional "looks" on casting websites such as Actors Access, is very helpful to them. When you provide a few additional looks that differ from your commercial and theatrical headshots, additional insight is given as to what you look like, and the range you can portray in front of the camera. Casting directors appreciate having every visual possible to help them in the difficult process of casting each role of the many projects they juggle at any given time.
How many headshots should I print?
Your agent will likely want to have a set of your printed headshots and resume on hand, so check with your agent about how many they need. You will also need to have several copies ready for in-person auditions and callbacks. Make sure your resume is securely attached to your headshot and bring several copies with you to auditions as each casting office may have a different request for hard copies. Keep in mind that child actors need to get new headshots more often as they grow and change and adult actors should be getting new headshots every one to two years or if they undergo a drastic physical change...so don’t print too many at a time, but do keep plenty on reserve so that you are always ready to go!
arvold.casting, with offices throughout the Southeast, is a full service casting company. They cast for a wide range of projects, including feature film, television, web, theatre, industrial, commercial, print, and voice over. Erica Arvold is a casting director, casting major projects for Netflix, DreamWorks Studios (Lincoln) , AMC Studios (TURN: Washington’s Spies) and Disney to name just a few.
