I’ve never really sent post cards. Except for like 1 week randomly. I always just sort of expected that they got thrown in the trash.
But with Superseeds and Red Scare coming up in the next few months or so, I want to be ready to reach out, both to established connections and people I want to work with.
I started doing some digging, and what did I find? Casting directors (with blogs!) who wrote whole articles on the art of post-carding. Sweet!
And let me say this right up front. Yes, ultimately we toss them. Ultimately we toss your headshots, too. That’s just practical. I can’t store all your headshots in a warehouse forever. You send us your materials. We consider you. Eventually we toss your materials in the trash. Nothing personal… If someone looks interesting and I like their resume I might pull them out and put the post card with my submissions…
– Mark Sikes, “Post Cards“
… success because a relationship went from stage one (she knows me but I don’t know her) to stage two (now I’ve seen her commercial, so I know her work, but I don’t know her name so it’s not terribly helpful yet) to stage three (I’ve gotten her postcard, so now I know her work and her name) to stage four (we’ve met in person and now I know she’s not a “whactor”…
– Bonnie Gillespie, “Cross Pollination“
And not just that, but both Bonnie Gillespie and Mark Sikes have blogs dedicated to helping actors, with tons of secrets and tips:
Bonnie’s blog: The Actors Voice
Mark’s blog: The Casting Corner
I also highly suggest checking out Bonnie’s article “The Delicate Art of Self Promotion”.
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Hi Teresa,
I just wanted to send you a short note saying that I indeed read and enjoyed this post and the previous Pro(act)ive post. The information about how alot of actors also write/produce/and direct their own materials is really cool. That definately seems to be becoming the norm nowadays. I feel that it helps to know all aspects of any job whether it be acting or for instance, being a chef. I try to learn all aspects of different areas of chefs expertise. Alot of chefs do either one type of regional type cuisines or some are only bakers/dessert, but I try to dabble in everything so I will be more valuable. So that’s kind of what I got out of your Pro(Act)ive post. And the entire self promotion article was quite interesting and it’s amazing how actors/actresses have to get their names out there. I look forward to seeing Super Seeds and Red Scare. You’ll have to let me know when and where I may be able to watch them.
Take care,
Jim (a loyal fan)
Awesome! I’m glad that the acting stuff I post about can relate to your life as well! Cooking is definitely an art, so I’m sure there are a lot of similarities.
And yes, it is getting more and more common to see people who are crossing over in to multiple fields.
I will definitely let you know about Superseeds & Red Scare!