Dorothy Shi, a New York headshot photographer, has got you covered! Her beginner's guide offers a step-by-step approach to creating a professional acting portfolio, even if you've never acted before. Learn how to choose the right headshots, showcase your unique qualities, and impress casting directors. Whether you're just starting out or looking to revamp your portfolio, Dorothy's expertise and guidance can help you stand out in the competitive world of acting. Check out her website for more information!
2. ABOUT US
Dorothy Shi is a respected & sought-after photographer in
New York City.
With over 25 years of studio and on- location experience
worldwide, she provides Corporate Headshot, Corporate
Event, Acting Headshot, ECommerce, Pageant, & Fashion
photography.
Her vast experience and specialized, masterful skills with
photography and videography are invoked to create a
complete Visual Branding Solution, saving the time and
money with the cohesive approach that any actor would
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Book a free consultationwith her today +1 212-864-5931
3. Having an acting portfolio is an inevitable
practise if you want to get ahead and make
your own mark in show business.
But in most cases, people with no major acting
experience do not know which specific details
constitute an effective portfolio.
So here we are going to discuss those key
elements of a portfolio that will help you stand
out from the rest of the applicants who are
applying for the same acting role.
4. 1.Headshot:
As per the usual industry practise, a portfolio headshot
is an 8x10-inch portrait of an individual with a major
focus on the eyes.
Among all the submissions made by a person, an
actor's headshotis the first thing that is seen by casting
directors.
It has to be a fully retouched, magazine-quality
photograph. As per the latest trend in the headshot
stream, coloured photographs are preferred over black
and whiteones.
5. Submission to casting agents and directors.
Post them on your own acting website and
social media profile.
Post them on variousonline casting platforms.
Carry them while attending acting workshops to have a
better experience.
Onceyougetyourself aprofessional headshotdone,
youcanusethoseimagesfor:
7. A Demo Reel is an opportunity to show acting skills even before
anactual audition.
Aspiring actors should choose high-quality clips from their past
actingwork.
It can be an excerpt of your performance from a theatre or some
other acting role.
Be sure that the clip is worthy of a casting director's time because
if your reel is not up to standard in terms of clarity and timing,
no director or producer will bother to watch it.
2. DemoReel:
8. SOME KEY POINTS TO
REMEMBER WHILE MAKING A
PERFECT DEMO REEL FOR
PORTFOLIO PURPOSES
A two- to three-minute reel isconsidered
best for submission.
You can use different short clips from
various roles that you have played so as to
display versatility and range.
Take professional help (if needed) in order
to prepare a perfect, submission-worthy
final reel.
For further reference purposes, upload the
other good-quality reels on your own
acting website and profile.
9. 3.Resume:
Even for beginners, a resume for an acting
portfolio is quite similar to thatfor any other
job.
However, the quantity ofdetails to be
mentioned in your resume will depend upon
the work experience you have had in the
industry. It includes all your up-to-date
details, such as:
10. Personal details: name, address, Age, Gender,
Height, Weight, Complexion, Eye colour; etc.
Professional details: acting jobs that you have taken in the past
Specific zone of your performance (if any), like action, comedy, etc.
Acting academic details: Details if you have gone to any acting
school Mention the acting workshops that you have attended.
Highlight your skill set: Describe if you have undergone any
professional training like martial arts, classical dance, etc.
11. Acting portfolio asawhole for thebeginners:
Beginners who have no inside connections or
in-depth knowledge of the industry have to
face harsh struggles to even get considered for
an audition.
Now we know howsignificant an acting
portfolio is.
As a new entrant, always remember that a
headshot, demo reel, and resume should be
the keycomponents of your acting portfolio.