Whether you’re an actor, director, writer, producer, DP, above or below the line, if you're building a career in the entertainment industry chances are you’re a self-motivated person. We all know that this business is unlike any other. There are no hard and fast rules to success. And success comes in many different forms, not just financial. So if you're pursuing a profession that has no true guide-posts, how do you find perspective? In a world where most play by the rules, how do you survive in a business that has none? Build your team!

If you're an actor it's a familiar scenario-- It's been awhile since you had an audition or perhaps an audition for something you really want. You work hard on it and feel you're perfect for the role. Then at the audition there's no spark. Technically you give a good read, but you know it's not great.  You get in the car and go over it, frustrated not to have another chance. What happened? Were you over-rehearsed? Perhaps you were overtly critical and too much,"in your head"? In all honesty, focusing on you may in fact be the problem.

No statement could ring more true, especially in the business of acting. In our August newsletter we talk about the importance of marketing. But how can you market if you don't know your product? Duh, marketing for dummies right? Yet we're always surprised how overwhelmed actors are when it comes to knowing their strengths, or how casting sees them. Often actors want to put everything but the kitchen sink on their reels. We say, 'Not necessary.' One minute of high quality amazing work showing your strength as an actor supersedes that scene with the celebrity where you have one line.

Marketing is important to any business, but especially so for actors. The Internet has provided people with more opportunity than ever to reach out to just about anyone! Facebook, free blogs, Twitter and other social networking sites are just a few examples.

Got a guest spot coming up? Give us the date, time and  network/channel, and we'll record it for you. No matter how small the role, it's always worth capturing. When it's time to update your reel those roles add up to some great new material! Cost for this service, $25.

Summer can be a downtime for some actors. Don't let it be yours, take advantage and get geared up for fall. What better time to update your reel? Research current shows and target the ones you'd like to book this season, then consider shooting an original scene to beef up your reel. Remember submissions with video clips attached are viewed first! Make sure your clips represent you well and are specific to what makes you castable. Sign up for workshops, take a class, or do a play to keep your skills sharp. Take control of your career!

Did you know that many agents and managers are taping actor's pre-read auditions? We've edited many audition videos, helping our clients choose just the right take. Actors love having some control over their audition. It's also a great way to get casting directors to sit up and take notice. It's the wave of the future… remember you heard it here first.

The results are in!

Last month we inquired as to how many of our clients would be interested in shooting original scenes for their demo reels. The interest for this service was overwhelming! Many actors feel they'd have a better chance at establishing relationships with Casting Directors if they had quality memorable material on their demo reels.

What if you feel your reel is missing something? Maybe you have too much of one thing and not enough variety. You’re a great comedic actor, but you just haven’t had the opportunity to land any comedic roles. Maybe your new to the business and don't have enough professional clips to showcase your talent. These are common complaints from many actors we know.

Here is the inside scoop. Did you know that having a current professional demo reel is tantamount EVEN to established actors? It could be the deal clincher on getting the role by showing a clip that would make casting see you in a whole new way. Casting Directors say that even if an actor is a “name” or recognizable face they still want to see current demos… that ten year-old clip isn't doing you any good!

Too busy to come to our office? We can cut your reel without you ever having to disrupt your schedule. Everything can be done via Internet and mail. For example, check out the reel of Brad Cohen, a defense attorney and legal consultant based in Florida. After a phone consultation, he sent tapes and DVDs of his TV appearances, while we did Airchecks of other appearances. We then cut his reel and emailed a screener for approval. He sent his notes which we implemented... Et voilà !

Whatever your editing needs, White Swan Films can accommodate them on our new state of the art edit bay. Operating out of a home office eliminates overhead and makes our prices affordable!

White Swan Films now offers Screenwriting services! In addition to original screenplays and adaptations we offer script doctoring and script evaluations. Call us for a consultation.