Expert: Phil Nemy - 7/13/2007

Question
Hi, I have a few questions. My agent descovered me in my Home Town of augusta Ga about a year ago. And I moved to LA to start my acting career. My Agent Mia says for me to start I need to make a resume and get headshots for my auditions. I have had them before and they have got me alot of parts on shows. For some reason since im 17 the CD's "Cast Directors" always say to me Sometimes they take me for the part because I fit the part "Naturaly" but they think I look a litle like johnny D. I honestly don't know how to take that other then I laugh. Now I don't know where to get a resume made professionally. Money is no problem for me so I don't worry about it. Do you know where I can get one made somewhere near Valencia? and the Second question I have is what do you think I need to do concerning my head shot? How should I look at the camera. If you have any tips. oh You may have seen my on "The Suite life of Zack & Cody" a few times. I have been friends with Ashley for a while. "Sorry" just wanted to know on the last part hehe. thank you.
"PS." My Acting Coach was right. I talk alot. "In a Good Way" :)

Answer
Revan,

Thanks for writing. You can probably create your own resume, make it look professional, and save the money you'd spend having someone do it for you. In my book, GET A REEL JOB, you'll find an example of a good actor's resume. If you use that as a model, and lay ot out on your computer using Microsoft Word, you can do it yourself and save money.

As far as headshots, your photos should show the real you. When a Casting Director looks at your headshot, they want to see that person walk through the door. Having your photos re-touched too much to remove blemishes or scars is not a good idea, because then you're lying to the person looking at your photo.

It's a good idea to have a couple of different shots to use. Since you're 17, you want something that is bubbly, up, fun, light, with a not-forced and natural smile and suggests that you can play anywhere from 12 to 21.

If you and your agent believe realistically that you can be cast as "the young bitch" or "the bad girl," then you want a shot that shows an edginess, toughness, a chip on your shoulder, but not forced - it has to be played very naturally otherwise it will look forced and not really you.

Finally, you want a serious shot. One that shows your vulnerability, your sensitivity, your kindness, the best-friend. This is the ingenue role. If you and your agent don't feel you will ever really be cast this way, don't bother shooting this.

You want your agents input on the types of shots to have done because your agent has to sell you. If she doesn't think she can sell you in particular type, then don't shoot it.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil