ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXWhat do actors really want?
6 years, 10 months ago - Colm McAuliffe
Hello actors (and indeed non-actors),
I'm looking into competitions aimed at actors and am wondering: what types of prizes/rewards would really benefit actors looking to break through to the next level in your career - for example, headshots? A meeting with a casting agent?
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what would be a worthwhile and effective prize to give actors a significant boost for their careers? All ideas welcome.
Thanks!
Colm
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6 years, 10 months ago - Seylan Baxter
Hi Colm. It's really tricky to make suggestions without a bit more information. Would this be aimed at actors who're at the start of their career? at wannabe actors? at experienced actors? What would they have to do to be in with a chance of winning a prize? What resources can you call on through your contacts in the industry?
6 years, 10 months ago - Colm McAuliffe
Hi Seylan,
Thanks for the response. I thinking this would be aimed at actors at the start of their career with a modicum of experience under their belt.
There are so many festivals and prizes aimed towards filmmakers aiming to break into the industry but less so for actors which is my starting point. Specifically, I was thinking quite a simple competition where actors submit, for example, a monologue (maybe themed around an anniversary of a classic film or around current events) and a winner is picked at random. So, it would be a relatively simple process aimed at galvanising the actors community - and this is where the prizes come in.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Colm
6 years, 10 months ago - Alwyne Kennedy
"a winner is picked at random"?
Not picked on merit?
6 years, 10 months ago - Colm McAuliffe
Hi Alwyne,
The 'at random' was an idea we had - to avoid this being 'non-judgey'. A non-competitive competition, if you will. But this isn't set in stone, by any means - simply throwing around ideas at the moment.
6 years, 10 months ago - Georgie Smibert
Hi Colm,
If your're targeting actors at the very beginning of their career, then headshots and a showreel is probably key. As a prize, I think showreel footage would be best as I know lots of great actors with good headshots, but no footage.
If you open it up to mid-level (when actors are already likely to have headshots and good footage), then I would start to look at more networking opportunities, whether that is with agents, casting directors, producers, directors... once you have headshots and good footage, the focus (in my opinion) moves to meeting people and making more connections within the industry.
Personally I'm at the 'mid-level' stage and a prize for new headshots and footage, while always appreciated, wouldn't be as helpful to me, but the opportunity to develop new relationships would be.
I hope that's helpful.
Georgie
6 years, 10 months ago - Colm McAuliffe
That's super helpful, thanks Georgie!
6 years, 10 months ago - Seylan Baxter
Georgie's suggestions are spot on but I'd agree with Alwyne that picking at random would discourage people from entering.