Photo Submissions. Your Photo (Head-shot) should be an 8X10 inch Black and White, glossy. Some prefer a high quality 'litho', but I prefer a real photo. It is worth the few extra bucks. You won't need thousands for your visits to Agents. The example shown here is basically what you should have. No hats, no fancy clothes needed, a plain mid-range gray background is not only pleasing, but preferred. A name should not be placed over the photo. Place the name on the white border at the bottom of the photo. (Recommended.) If the name is placed over the photo, you will be unable to submit it to the Academy Players Directory.
Comps and Zed Cards. Make your presentations to an Agent impressive. Include Comp or Zed cards. A 'Comp' card can be up to 8 1/2 by 11 inches. Both sides are used. Name, Unions, specs. and logos can be placed on these cards, but be brief. Comp cards are usually in black and white. These will run you about $100 for 100 cards.. Your Comp card should include 3/4 and full shots. (I prefer different clothes, and different poses, with varied backgrounds.) A typical Comp card has one 3/4 or full shot on one side, and 3 or 4 shots on the other side, (or a 2 X 4). A good addition to a head-shot, and a definite plus for 'print' work!
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'Zed' cards are similar, but usually have two (sometimes more) of the shots in color. These are usually done in a laser printing technique, and also will run you around $100 or so for 100 prints. My favorite Zed card layout is a a black and white on one side, two black and white, and two color on the other side! It is sometimes hard to find someone to do this technique, however, here in the Los Angeles area, some 'Sir Speedee' printers do it. Format is generally about 6 X 9 inches. You can also have your Zed cards in just black and white, but the color is a good and classy touch!
You should have lots of left over shots from your photo shoots. Keep these in a small portfolio or album, to bring along to any interested parties. These can be in 3 X 5, 4 X 6 or 5 X 7 inch format.
This is not a paid commercial, but in Los Angeles area, I would like to make a recommendation for Head-Shots and Comp work. I use an outfit that works with all types of this work from prints to lithographic reproduction, and has done probably a very large percentage of all this type of work in Los Angeles. The outfit is called Prints Charm'n . They have several locations including the one at: 11020 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, at the corner of Vineland and Ventura. Their phone number is (818) 753-9055. This is their specialty! Excellent work. Head-shots, Comps and Zed cards. Profile Information. On the back of your 8 X 10 black and white head-shot, should be the pertinent info, such as name, height, weight, hair color, eye color, date of birth, age range your child could pass for, (ex. 8-10) and optional S.S. number. Name of Manager or Agent, if any. Phone numbers. Any special skills. (Such as Good with animals, Soccer player, roller skater, juggler, etc.) Hobbies, such as Swimming, dancing, bike riding, singing. Any other training or affiliations, such as AFTRA, SAG, AEA. List any training, and list credits if any. Many prefer to include this information on a 'stick-on' type label, since the training, profile, height and credits can change frequently! Keep it brief and to the point. This is an area not to embellish or exaggerate.. |
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