I'm taking this as a new beginning, with new headshots. Sure, it's almost the end of 2014, but a "new year" doesn't have to begin with 1/1, does it?
I was inspired to start a blog by a friend I met in Telluride, Co when I was there earlier this spring for its MountainFilm Fest. I met someone who spotted me wearing Penn State gear, and we chatted for a bit and I gave him my business card to keep in touch. A couple days ago, I received an email saying he found my card while cleaning and checked out my website and found it inspiring. And I find it inspiring that he was inspired. Thus came the creation of my blog, Looks Smart.
I'll go into details about the title of the blog later, but today...is headshot day!! I spent a few days at malls, looking for colorful tops/dresses to showcase myself best for casting directors/agents/filmmakers of commercials, film, and TV (and recently, new media). Yes, yes, poor me, having to go shopping for all these new clothes. But you know, I'll be returning almost all of it right after the photo session. That was a tip from my boyfriend/talent manager: Buy new clothes for taking headshot. (And then return them.)
Searching for the clothes meant searching for good return policies, as well. Nordstrom's is awesome--you can return it any time as long as you have the receipt and tags. Most department stores are like this. And, having used to work at Target, I knew its return policy is pretty solid--not to mention they tend to be the best for affordable, trendy fashion.
I sound like an advertisement.
Anyhow, some of the things I had to prep, other than shopping, was figuring out who I wanted to portray in my headshots. I had to think of character types I wanted to audition for: the perky, whiny, lovable best friend; the studious and sarcastic college student; the calculated, acerbic self-determined leader; a spitfire party animal with lots of secrets. Most of these character types I found from previous roles I've played or roles I've studied in acting class and found genuineness in studying them.
There are many males in the entertainment industry who portray absolutely astounding work as different characters. Javier Bardem, Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman (I didn't mean to site Batman so much...), Daniel Day-Lewis, etc, etc. When it comes to females portraying characters, a lot of comedic actresses come to mind: Melissa McCarthy, Glenn Close, Cameron Diaz, Meryl Streep..............
It's interesting that there aren't very many dramatic or thriller type of female lead characters; characters where you wonder, how the FUCK did that actor get inside THAT skin?! And I think there's amazing, special beauty about an actor that can do that. Perhaps it's because female lead characters instantly have to exude some type of sexiness to match up to a social norm. Our style of vengeance has to be calculated and smart (which is one of my character types). It can't be frenetic and wild. This minority inspires me to write thriller/dramatic female leads who aren't this way.
Back to the headshot prep. No, I didn't work out for this. I'm not the athletic type. I'm more of an outdoor adventure type. So if a hiking trip is able to trim and tone me, then awesome. Otherwise, the only workout I get is lifting heavy bus tubs/coolers at my catering job. And believe me, that does wonders for that pesky tank top/underarm fat. I did consciously think to drink more water and not eat potato chips. Something about my body is super sensitive to potato chips--a few chips and a couple days later, a pimple appears. Proven fact.
Part of the prep was also trying on all my outfits to see what type of bra I could wear. It's a trivial detail, but you don't want the bra lines showing underneath the shirt nor do you want the straps showing. I considered pasties but even that might be too much boobage. So, a nude-colored bra with strapable straps tends to be the best choice.
Some more details about today: I'll be taking headshots with the photographer Alexis Dickey, whom I referred to by my commercial agents at LB Talent. My hair/make up girl will be Shirley Do, whom I met kind of strangely. I worked on set for my friend Jim Huffman and met the hair/make up girl there, Phoebe. I later emailed her about working on a production of mine, but she was unavailable and referred me to someone. But that person was unavailable and I asked her for a couple references. And then that person couldn't work with my price range and eventually referred me to Shirley. It was quite a long process to get to someone as amazing as Shirley, but well worth it! She or her assistants have been working for me and my other friends who have asked for her. Just another instance of proof that it never hurts to follow-up a rejection with a, "Can you refer me to two people who can?" Asking for a referral is how I was able to get my current commercial agency whom I love. (Thanks, Rachel Williams, for the referral!)
It goes to show that we shouldn't be afraid to ask for help. Just remember to send a Thank You note to those who give it. :)
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