Shameless Self Promotion- Is there any one out there who promotes themselves??

Hi Everyone, I have moved to Melbourne from Auckland and have been checking out some of the threads on Agencies etc. Sounds like theres certainly a few scams out there [read NOTM and BMA]. Having had an agent in NZ, i know from experience that weeks can go by without hearing from them, you start to wonder whether they have forgotten about you so its time to give them a call etc. Is there anybody out there who markets themselves? I have been thinking about giving this a shot myself and figured I could send headshots and coverletters to all the local casting agents, has anyone tried this? Does it work? Or are there any casting directors out there who have been approached in this way, do you find it offensive or not useful? Let me know your thoughts Daniel

For what it's worth, (considering I am not a pro and don't work in this industry), I agree with Na... if you look at your "profession" - even if you do it as a hobby and regardless of whether or not you are paid, if you consider it as you would any "business", then yes, you do have to market your business... in this case, you are marketing yourself whether it be as a singer, actor or combination... even if you have an agent, you are not the only one on his/her books and you can't rely on them to focus on marketing you 100%. If you do, you could be missing out on valuable opportunities and leads.

I'm thinking you would probably do well to be your own PR person if you can't afford to hire one :)

Sometimes, as uncomfortable as it may sit with you, you do have to blow your own horn - you don't have to do this in a conceited or arrogant way, but you do have to do it if you want to be noticed.

Have a look at websites of people in the industry and see how they blow their own horn and then copy them until you can blow your own horn in a way that feels comfortable to you... (that's assuming it might not sit comfortably with you...)

If you don't "market" or self promote yourself - how are those you want to attract even going to know you exist?

If you are polite and pleasant to deal with, you'll probably find the majority of people you contact will reciprocate and those that don't well, we're not all on the same step on the evolution ladder so don't take it personally... I believe developing a thick skin is almost a prerequisite for those wanting to work in the entertainment industry anyway... isn't it?

Good luck! :)

DFE

self promotion

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