The materials you provide can make or break your success.

First impressions are so important. I remember applying for a high profile job as an editor for a really great position at a major publisher. I had been suggested for the position by a close associate of the Editor-in-Chief and the application was merely a formality. I ran to my PC, hurriedly typed a coverletter and fired off my resume.

I never got the position or even a call back. I was very curious about this and looked back at my email. There was a glaring typo in the coverletter. Of course I was not considered for the position because of the first impression I made -- even though someone else had practically sold me for the position.. How many great roles have you missed simply because your portfolio is not up to par?

Promoting yourself as an actor is a marketing job. We, as actors are generally not good at marketing. Therefore, we tend to leave that up to our agents. But, especially in China, it is a necessary thing to take an active role in marketing yourself. Though agents may work hard, they tend to have many clients and might only promote those that are easy to sell. So make the job easier for them and make sure your materials are in order.

 How many great roles have you missed simply because your portfolio is not up to par?

That means having a good resume and a professional-looking portfolio. It wouldn't hurt to print up some contact cards with a few of your best photos and a short description of your experience and talents and some business cards with a link to your own website or to your profile on the SAA site..

For the resume, check if it is up-to-date, targeted and concise. Lead with your best material since many people won't read your whole resume if the first part doesn't interest them. Have someone else read over your resume, ideally someone in the industry and get their feedback. Definitely at least have someone proofread for obvious mistakes and to see if it is well-organized.

For that job as editor, my writing and editing ability was key, and even though I wrote a great coverletter based solely on the content, the typo was a critical failure because appearances matter. As an actor, you may feel that your experience and talent should speak for itself. But looks are important and first impressions matter. If your photos in your portfolio are not professional, even the best agents may find it hard to promote you for major roles.

Snapshots with today's digital cameras are great for holiday pictures and memories, but certainly are not acceptable for your portfolio. Neither are "glamour  shots" or falsely posed photos. Some agents won't even work with you unless you have good headshots in your portfolio. Though they may also try to sell you on their own photography services, a reputable agent may require good shots, but should allow you to provide your own.

What you do want are photos that actually do look like you, are natural, and express your range of personas and feelings. Have a good background and proper lighting. It really does require a professional to take good shots and provide professional results. 

Yes, it will probably cost some money to get a professional, but isn't your career worth investing in? There are many professional photographers who can work with you to make a great portfolio at a wide range of prices. It is very important that you see some of the photographer's work before you decide who you want to work with. Communicate ahead of time with the photographer what sort of photos you would like and bring in some examples or, ideally, find a photographer whose portfolio reflects the look you are aiming for.

 Richard Trombly

I can personally recommend the good folks at Nice Shot Productions. Mike and Beth are active members of the SAA and professional event photographers and videographers. They are very professional yet are able to provide you with both still photos and a demo reel at a very reasonable price. Website http://www.niceshotproductions.com/  or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . You can see the results of my Nice Shot photoshoot on my profile here at the SAA. (Their shots are the handsome black and whites.)