Does it always seem impossible to get acting work without an agent but how do you get an agent without any credits? Read How to Get Auditions without an Agent!
You don't need an agent to get auditions and book acting work! Here are 5 steps on how to get work without representation:
1. TRAINING!
First and foremost, if you're just starting out you need to train. A lot! Start working on scene study, audition technique, cold-reading and anything else you think would help you in your auditioning process as well as on set. Make sure to add your training to your resume under the training section.
2. HEADSHOTS!
Do you have professional acting headshots that represent you best as an actor? Make sure your headshots are high-quality and look like you! You don't need to spend a fortune on your headshots but please make sure to do your research, look at the photographer's portfolio and reviews. Also, make sure to only use retouched photos as your headshots. It's highly advised to never use raw images. If you want to save money on headshots but still work with a great photographer check out AVS' promo headshots here.
Professional headshots can increase your chances of getting called in for auditions and landing roles. They can also help you stand out from the crowd and showcase your individuality. It's worth the investment to have high-quality headshots that truly represent you as an actor.
3. ACTING REEL!
As an actor myself, I know how hard it is to create a professional acting reel. If you have no acting footage you can start by creating a professional self-tape (with blue or green backdrop, professional lighting and sound!). You can use the self-tape temporarily until you can gather enough professional footage for your acting reel.
Start by working on student films and unpaid short films to build your credits and get more footage. If you want to get an acting reel faster you can always use a professional filmmaking team to create an acting reel for you. AVS has a professional film studio in Brooklyn where they produce award-winning acting reels and also provide an IMDb credit. Check it out here.
4. CASTING PLATFORMS!
Here are some casting platforms that you could use to submit yourself for work:
ActorsAccess is the main casting platform that actors use to get auditions and also agents use to submit their clients. I would highly recommend getting their yearly subscription in order to submit yourself for everything that suits you.
Casting Networks is another great casting platforms that actors and reps use to get auditions.
Casting Frontier is a great casting platform for Print, Commercial and VO work.
Backstage is a perfect casting platform for beginner actors. On Backstage, you can find a lot of student films, short films, independent feature films and more.
These are great ways of getting auditions without representation! We always advise to submit yourself for work daily and keep updating your casting profiles when you have new headshots, reel, training or recent work you booked. Good luck and here's to lots of auditions for all of you!
