"None of us suddenly becomes something overnight. The preparations have been in the making for a lifetime.- Gail Goodwin



Two weeks ago I enrolled in an AWESOME marketing/business/branding class for actors called "Class Rules!" which is taught by casting director Bonnie Gillespie and boy am I glad I did! Though you can view the gist of what it offers here, this class really is so much more than what's listed on the site. Everyone is incredibly supportive and the exercises and assignments we're given have been extremely insightful thus far. That said, the first week we did a typing exercise {for family/friends who aren't in the industry, this is when people look at you and/or your headshot and describe what you look like} before we got to know each other so that it could be as true to a first impression as possible. 

Here is how I was described most often...
  • Young Mom
  • Entry-Level Professional {nurse, doctor, etc.}
  • Strong/Tough
  • The Best Friend
  • Sassy/Feisty
  • Fun/Playful
  • Sweet
  • Smart
  • Matter-of-fact/No-Nonsense
  • Bitchy/Catty
  • Friendly/Kind
  • Addict {yeeeahhhh I had to quickly get over my WTF attitude with this one & just roll with it}

And this is how my headshot was most often described...

  • Strong/Tough
  • Serious
  • Smart
  • Intense
  • Angry
  • Guarded
  • Vindictive/Don't Cross Her
  • Young Mom
  • Disadvantaged Background
  • Blue Collar
  • Lawyer/Assistant DA

Finally, these are the shows that are in production that most folks suggested I try to get on based on what they consider to be my type...

  • True Blood {one of my faves!}
  • Treme
  • Criminal Minds
  • The Game
  • Vampire Diaries
  • Defenders
  • Grey's Anatomy
  • Glee

So obviously when I get new headshots to submit to the above shows I need to have some balance and find a way to show my strength/intensity along with my softer side {which is the REAL me anyway}.

Next we'll be discussing agents & managers that we should be targeting individually. The process to come up with the specific agents who need my type is time-consuming but necessary so I'm off to get started on my homework and compile that list. And if any of you want more details on the class shoot me an email, you'll be glad you did!
4 Responses
  1. Sounds like a great class! :)
    "True Blood" - love it!


  2. Sounds like a great class but can i just say, where the hell does the "disadvantaged background" come from?! Nothing about that headshot says disadvantaged. People need to get their heads together.

    Anyway..... hi!

    xo
    Dani


  3. Brandi Ford Says:

    @Dani, Hahaha girl you read my thoughts exactly! I was like WHAT?!? But you already know how it is when there's only 1 or 2 of us in a group of people. It is what it is. I've gotten used to it now. :-)


  4. Rinny Riot Says:

    I agree with Dani! Someone really said "Disadvantaged background"? oh jeez. Glad someone recommended you go for True Blood! That's my favorite show!


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