How to Be More Bookable! (Part Two)
Ad campaign for Bayliner Boats. Shot by @nickgallopphoto. Featuring @offcnh and yours truly @juliejberry. Watch the commercial here.
As talent, we are always looking for ways to up our game and land more work! These strategies and tips, although not comprehensive, are based off what I’ve learned along the way, and I hope they inspire you in your unique journey as an actor and/or model!
Since I have a lot of thoughts on the topic, I’ve broken it up into different parts so make sure to check out Part One of this series if you haven’t already!
Ok let’s get into it!
Expanding your skillset!
Commercial for @evernorth of Cigna Healthcare. Shot by @kestumbilt featuring @theadrianjules and yours truly @juliejberry.
One of the first things that surprised me when I made my transition from full-time pharmacy to full-time acting/modeling was how useful my medical background was for some acting jobs. The amount of times I’ve auditioned to be a nurse or doctor (or on the rare occasion, a pharmacist!), even just for a commercial, is crazy! One job wanted the nurse character to take a manual blood pressure reading which I only knew how to do because of pharmacy school. If someone would have told me that these skills would come in handy and help me land jobs as an actress, I don’t think I would have believed them!
When it comes to bookings, the more skills you have, the better! From sports (tennis, football, golf) to activities (skating, swimming, paddleboarding, boat driving) to performing (singing, dancing, playing an instrument, stand-up) to job experiences (medical, bartending, waiting tables), so many skillsets could make you more marketable. I’ve seen all of these skills come up for castings at some point! If a job wants a particular skillset, fewer people will be able to audition for it and therefore your odds of booking it will be higher! So live your life outside of acting and who knows?! Maybe your pickleball skills will land you the job!
Adding your spouse, family, and/or pets to your casting profile!
Delectables commercial spot of @razzberrycat and me! Shot by @freshmadebrands. MUAH @facesbyapril.
If you are married or are in a serious relationship, ask them if they would be open to getting booked with you! If so, make sure to have a picture with them on your casting profile and notify your agent(s) that you can be submitted for projects with your significant other. If you have children, do they love to perform? Is being on set interesting to them? Are they well-behaved? Consider adding photos with them to your profile to open yourself up to the vast opportunities of Real Family castings!
Even if you don’t have children or a spouse to submit with, many times pet supply companies will go to talent agencies and hire you with your pet! Especially if you have a dog or cat, make sure your agent has a photo of you with them so you can be in the running for those castings! It was an absolute dream come true when I booked a Delectables ad with my adorable cat, Razz! I made almost double since they hired both me and my cat! I can’t believe that my cat has an agent!
Shot by @jaustinberry featuring (from left to right) me, @veronikadresko, @jessicatanir, @alessandrasierraofficial.
Gosh, even if you don’t have a spouse, child, or pet, I’ve even seen Real Friend Group castings, too! So if you have some close friends in the industry, even having nice photos with them can open up some opportunities for you!
Being a great communicator!
Ad for @crunchicollection by @jaustinberry of @ogkcreative.
This is a goodie! I’ve heard directly from one of my agents just how this one factor sets me apart from some other talent. You must take stock in responding to your agents in a timely and concise manner. Think of it this way: If you text a friend to hang out and they consistently take several days to respond (or don’t respond at all) or always decline, are you going to persistently keep asking? Maybe some would, but others may give up after a while.
Something that helps me a lot is having a separate email address just for acting and modeling. That way, important emails don’t go mixed up in the plethora of junk emails.
Also, make sure you know what your agent’s preferred form of communication is. For most, it is email, but some prefer text, especially for urgent issues. Ask them if you don’t know!
Since agents tend to be very busy, make sure you also don’t inundate them with emails or write very lengthy emails either (unless absolutely necessary). Keep it kind, professional and to the point.
Self submitting!
Ad campaign for Wyndham Hotels - Ramada. Shot by @scpictures featuring @coreyjimmy and yours truly @juliejberry.
Ad campaign for L’ange Hair. Shot by @integrabrands. MUA @mairecastillos.
I’ve booked some phenomenal jobs by self submitting for projects on casting databases—and yes the photos shown above are examples of that! Although most great jobs are going to come from your agent or manager, don’t discount the importance of keeping an eye out for projects on your own. You never know what you might find! I currently have Casting Networks set up so it emails me every time a casting comes through that I may be a good fit for so I don’t miss out on any potential opportunities. On the Actors Access app, I receive notifications on pertinent castings. Check your settings on the casting databases to make sure you get notified!
Getting an agent in the market you are trying to get into!
Your current agent may not be a fan of this, but think of it this way- this is YOUR business and you have to do what’s best for you and your career. If you are located in south Florida and you are trying to break into the Atlanta market, you have to ask yourself—are you getting those auditions? Have you talked to your Florida agent about being submitted in Atlanta? If you have, how many auditions are you getting from Atlanta? A lot or few and far between? If it’s the ladder, consider actively pursuing an Atlanta-based agency. I recently signed with an Atlanta agency, and it has opened up so many new opportunities in film, TV, and voiceover in Atlanta and around the country that I never had access to before! This has been a game changer for me!
Taking opportunities to learn & grow in your craft!
No matter where you are in your career, it’s so important to continue learning! Take the acting and modeling classes. Get a voice coach. Do workshops. Practice with other industry professionals. Work that talent muscle!
If certain classes are out of your budget right now, do some independent study on your own! Here are some books I’m really loving right now…
Saying yes to indie films and creative photoshoots!
Feat. @chacoleman & yours truly @juliejberry. Pc: @jaustinberry.
Regardless of whether you are getting paid for it, create the content YOU want to be a part of!
Are you an actor that desires to be in a heart-wrenching drama? Or a suspenseful thriller? Not only is it good practice and good networking with other creatives in your community, but those creative projects could be great additions to your demo reel! Write a script of your own or be on the lookout for indie films being made in your area and get involved!
Feat. @juliejberry. Pc: @jaustinberry.
Are you a model that desires to be in a beauty campaign? Create high-end photoshoots with fellow talented individuals to show off your modeling chops! TFP (trade-for-print) shoots can be invaluable assets to your portfolio.
Show your future potential clients, casting directors, agents, etc. what you can do! And build an incredible portfolio in the process :)
Need more guidance?
I am now offering one-on-one consultation services! If you are looking for some personalized guidance on how to start and/or grow in your career, let me help you! I have helped lots of actors and models take the next step in their journey, and I’m excited to help you too!
Click the here and click the “Consultation Appt.” button to send me an email and set up your phone or in-person appointment!
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