Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Head Shots

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Expert: - 7/16/2006


Question
Just what should be in the headshot?

If I have "the Bulushi smirk" should I use it?

What expression is the one? Or is there one?

Should the Head Shot artist have a studio, make-up, hair dresser, or is that fluff?

Why different outfits for a cropped picture?

What is a reasonable price to pay?, (it varies too much to understand)

Is there such a thing as "branding" by a certain head shot artist?

Thank-you. TV

Answer
Dear TV,

Thanks for writing. Here are your answers:

1) Your face and head should be in the headshot. Some people like to show from just below their waste to the top of their head. That's acceptable, too.

2) If you're pursuing a career as a character actor, yes. If not, no.

3) There isn't one.

4) It's not mandatory. But some can provide these things. If they don't, then you will need to provide it. Discuss it with your photographer and find out what you get for the price, what he provides, and how he likes to work.

5) Different outfits suggest different types and different looks. You want to have the flexibility to submit headshots for a variety of types of roles.

6) Reasonable is whatever you are comfortable with and willing to pay.

7) Not that I'm aware of.

Good luck!

Phil

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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Phil Nemy

Expertise

I am a motion picture and television producer with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. I am also the author of the book GET A REEL JOB: Finding Your First Job In The Motion Picture Industry In Los Angeles. I can answers questions on a variety of subjects about careers in film from acting to directing to crew work, getting into the unions, successful strategies for networking, etc.

Experience

Former VP, Production for The Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group Supervised production on such films as ARMAGEDDON, THE PRINCESS DIARIES, REMEMBER THE TITANS, PEARL HARBOR, CON AIR, ENEMY OF THE STATE, THE ROCK, CRIMSON TIDE, COYOTE UGLY, A CIVIL ACTION, ROMY & MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, NOTHING TO LOSE, EDDIE and others. Worked as an actor, stage manager, director on broadway and regional theater as well as L.A.' Equity-waiver scene. Former Associate Artistic Director of Los Angeles Equity-Waiver theater.

Organizations
Director's Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, Actor's Equity Association

Education/Credentials
BFA in Acting/Directing from Carnegie Mellon University.

Past/Present Clients
I've worked with such filmmakers as Jerry Bruckheimer, Tony Scott, Steve Zaillian, Scott Rudin, Garry Marshall, Frank Marshall, Michael Bay, etc.

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