Headshots, wow!

[Doc Bernard]

Well, yesterday I went and did my headshots, finally. Of course I had incentive to do so. I was told on the set of a network show I was working as BG, "You need to get an agent" . Someone on set happened to have a laptop and internet connection, so I showed my fellow BG some of the informal pics of my reel. A director happened to be walking by and saw them and he told me to get an agent, fast.

So now I am in the process of getting/finding an agent and the headshots were the first real step towards that. And they came out #^$&*%* amazing! I never thought I could look good in photos, until now! If you are in So Cal and need headshots, contact Michael Schaffer Photography in Upland.

So, that being said, I have an appointment on Weds. with an agency. But I want to keep my options open. Anyone in So Cal want to recommend someone? Michelle, you know anyone?

I will post a couple of them after I pick up my disc tomorrow.

[Nathyn]

I was just about to say, let's see those shots. LOL.

-Nate

[Michele Seidman]

woo hoo Doc...major kudos....

what did i say about those reels and the video footage...ha ha ha i am so happy for you! tickled even....giggling about your great timing! can i say woo hoo again?

let me ask a few questions of some friends in cali about who might be good for a new talent. some of the ones i know won't work and only because they have some of the bigger names and i would hate you to be lost in the shuffle.

you need someone not huge but up and coming so you can grow together! i'll do some digging. might take me a bit..more medical stuff coming at me now and still playing catch up from the festival.

did i already say how proud i am? omg i am i am

[Doc Bernard]

Here's a few of the pics

[Doc Bernard]

And a few more

[Doc Bernard]

PS: Everything you see me wearing or holding, I own.

[Nathyn]

Dude, you should get a lot of work with these. I like the Bond one, the fireman with the axe on his back. The one with you as the military guy is totally off the chain.

-Nate

[yommytacoe]

HAHAHAHA if you weren't an actor, these would make great blackmail photos.

[Doc Bernard]

Another site I am involved in awarded me the "Golden Ham" Award for my work. LOL! But I expected it.

[Doc Bernard]

Please, blackmail me! What the old saying? Any exposure is good exposure?

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Very Nice!

[Shooter]

PS: Everything you see me wearing or holding, I own.


Amongst other things...I find that kind of disturbing.

[PaPa]

I have to be kinda honest mate. I've been in this game for a couple of years, but never have I seen headshots like these. I don't know if that is a good or bad thing, but they are definitely not conventional. Mind you, if they get you work, which i hope they do, then all the better to ya!

-J

[Doc Bernard]

LOL, PaPa, thank you, that is exactly what I was going for. I don't see myself as a lead actor, more in a supporting or specialized role. I have a few other character roles I can play, as well: Doctor, RN, Paramedic. But had to pare things down a bit due to cost.

Here is a bit of background to explain the pics better:

I started out as a Volunteer/PCF FF back in the late 80's , joined the Navy as a Corpsman/Medic (worked with the Marines in the field and then stationed in the ER) Got out and went to work as a Volunteer FF/PCF for Fresno County Fire. After 3 years there, I volunteered with Fresno County Sheriff Search and Rescue and made Team Leader (Vertical Rescue III)/Medical Officer. During that time, I was Nursing Director at a small clinic for my day job. As to the Law Enforcement stuff, well, I grew up in an LE family and was around it all my life. You tend to pick things up like that. And I still have friends in the department.

I have played Airsoft for years and the gear transitions well for SWAT roles with a few mods.

Now the James Bond stuff, that just looked cool. I have been showing them to some industry contacts I know, and they are loving them. Unfortunately they are not agents.

[jls4]

Headshots and what's considered acceptable are constantly changing. I think these are great. For me as a potential job for an actor, this would help me "see" the actor in the role. I've seen actors with large pics and at the bottom of th elarger picture, have 4 or 5 different looks. I think this could work out well. Good job!

[Doc Bernard]

Why does it disturb you, Shooter? Just curious.

Thanks, jls4!

[Michele Seidman]

PaPa is right Doc....they are not standard. some would work great for Commercial though but for feature film many agents are going to tell you to go get them done like everyone else. I did not see the shots before...just got excited about the director telling you to go get an agent.

I am waiting for a list from a friend now by the way but if you send these to most agents they won't sign you. Only the top 2 can be submitted to agents. If you send the others...they need to be 4 on a comp card and considered commercial cards...but most don't even do that anymore.

Here is a description on the standards:

Theatrical (film and stage) Serious shot with attitude. Can be collar bone to above the head 1/2 body, 3/4 or full body...sitting or standing. Should have neutral setting or blurred background. can be studio or outside with background not the main focus.

Commercials (soaps and commercials) Smiling, I can sell your product kind of look without being cheesy. Same settings work as theatrical.

Black and white is fine but most moved to color now that reproduction is cheaper. The character shots are just that...characters. It might make some of the indie guys happy but main stream directors will wonder if you know the standards.

Remember sweetie...none of us can alter the rule book. we can tweak and we can bend..but break the rule book and it is assumed you don't know the rules...never studied the rules or don't care to follow the standard. That is NOT always good in this industry.

Hope I did not burst your bubble on that because I am sincerely telling you to help, not hinder. If I give you a list, please only send one of the top 2 shots because if you send the others...they will...in 9 out of 10 cases with agencies, end up in the circular file.

OH...but DO put them on your web site or where ever you set up your web presence so promote yourself. They ARE perfect for that!

[Doc Bernard]

Believe it or not I do have some of the standard shots, so that's not a big deal. I just like these better.

That director has not even seen the photos I put up here. That was before I went and got these.

[taormina]

I'm just concerned you're shooting a right handed M4 with your left hand.

[Doc Bernard]

LOL! They don't make a LH M4. They just have a brass deflector. I am a lefty, when it comes to shooting.

[Stryfe]

Hate to break it to you, but as an actor in LA with a manager I'll tell you right now. Those headshots aren't gonna cut it. If a casting director see's any of those he's gonna throw them in the trash and call them bush league.

Real headshots are...shot's of your head. You can keep a few 3/4 shot's just in case you need them. You need one dramatic shot, one comedic shot, and one comercial shot as you basics.

Trust me I've had plenty of workshops with casting directors, agents, etc.

You need to get a real photographer like Paul Smith. Then get them printed at Argentum.

[PaPa]

here are some shots i did for friends a while back:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=32406475&l=f8f20&id=48305648

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=32341458&l=59f31&id=48305648 ( not as much an actor headshot )

and my older Black and White headshot

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31009268&l=f2c69&id=48305648

[taormina]

Hate to break it to you, but as an actor in LA with a manager I'll tell you right now. Those headshots aren't gonna cut it. If a casting director see's any of those he's gonna throw them in the trash and call them bush league.

Real headshots are...shot's of your head. You can keep a few 3/4 shot's just in case you need them. You need one dramatic shot, one comedic shot, and one comercial shot as you basics.

Trust me I've had plenty of workshops with casting directors, agents, etc.

You need to get a real photographer like Paul Smith. Then get them printed at Argentum.


Not necessarily true. I hired a cop guy to do 5 lines or under on Corrado off of a shot like that - he was wearing a cop outfit he owned and I told him to bring it.

[kimko]

HERE ARE THE PROFESSIONAL SHOTS THAT LAND ME WORK!!!!!!!!! http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/9091/1233963501.jpg

[kimko]

HOW ABOUT IT PEOPLE! PUT ME IN YOUR MOVIE! http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/9091/1233962936.jpg

[Michele Seidman]

Real headshots are...shot's of your head. You can keep a few 3/4 shot's just in case you need them. You need one dramatic shot, one comedic shot, and one comercial shot as you basics.

hate to break it to you but I already told him the exact thing. then again..maybe seeing it repeated is a good thing!

but Doc is a cool dude and deserves our encouragement! plus he does some great stunt and gun work! you should see some of the vids'


HERE ARE THE PROFESSIONAL SHOTS THAT LAND ME WORK!!!!!!!!! http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/9091/1233963501.jpg

kimko...have i got a part for you....ha ha ha. smart butt!

[Doc Bernard]

Let me ask this question: What if I only want those types of roles I am "good" at, which would be the ones I show in my pics? Would the pics at least help? I would hate to find out I spent all that money for nothing.

I really don't feel I could pull off comedy or romance, and I have no real interest in doing Heinz ketchup commercials. And keep in mind, I am not a "trained" actor. The only training (save for my stunt/action classes) I have is experience, and I rely on that, wholly. Which is the reason for not going after any type of lead role. I wouldn't feel it was fair or right to interject myself in front of those that have paid their dues in training and education in the art. I would be happy with just doing under 5 lines, as long as I got to do the stunt and action work. That is what I love doing, and I do look good doing it. It's not conceit talking here, just knowing what I see and feel.

Taormina: Thanks for the encouragement! Keep me in mind should you have a role that I could fit. OC is not that far of a drive.

[ChrisHurn]

Heya, here's my input.

I am no means an agent or producer or anything like that, though, so this is just my personal opinion. I think you should take Michele Seidman's advice. She is full of extremely good information as you can see from all of her forum posts.

I think agents/casting people should be able to see the potential in faces and don't need to see you in costume, I think if anything, it comes across a little cringe and I imagine could turn people away just on principal. Same reason a busy producer/script reader might see something "unexpected" in a screenplay and just toss it out the window without giving it a real chance. Having said that -- I'm sure there are people who would love to see you in costume, and would see you right for the role.

I agree with Michele though, put them on a website or something. But for your professional shots, I would just go with the simple straight on headshot. When I see someones headshot for a movie I am directing, I can see the potential for their role I don't need to see it there in black and white..(no pun intended!) To me, the straight on headshot makes you look more professional and serious than the ones in costume.

Even though you might not want to pull off comedy or romance, keep in mind shots like that might sway people from giving you a role in say, a complex thriller or slightly bigger role, something like that. Even if it is for a role with just a few lines. Always best to keep your options open, you never know what might happen.

Hopefully I didn't come across as being negative, I sincerely hope you get some work and wish you the best of luck with everything.

[j1clark@ucsd.edu]

Let me ask this question: What if I only want those types of roles I am "good" at, which would be the ones I show in my pics? Would the pics at least help? I would hate to find out I spent all that money for nothing.

The Wife use to do headshots and porfolios for aspiring actors and models for years. As mentioned, a 'head' shot is required... You can do theme things, but given your 'looks', I think the action figure "heavy" look is more suitable. That's just a first impression. There are many actors who have bucked the 'body type' vs. role, but I think one will find that for bit parts, one is cast on body type, look, etc. The fellow who does 'comedic' facial expressions, obviously is looking for work where that fits in... say a Jim Carrey stunt face, the one that gets working end of the baseball bat...

[Michele Seidman]

Let me ask this question: What if I only want those types of roles I am "good" at, which would be the ones I show in my pics? Would the pics at least help? ......and I have no real interest in doing Heinz ketchup commercials. And keep in mind, I am not a "trained" actor. The only training (save for my stunt/action classes) I have is experience, and I rely on that, wholly.

Some directors in feature film like to think they have a great imagination and can picture you without having to be beat over the head. So, some will be insulted about the shots while others (and you see it here from time to time) actually like having it pointed out for them. That gets very individual.

and no Ketchup commercials? dude don't bite off your nose to spite your face. I got a female friend in NYC who does about 10 commercials a year and CLEARS over $100,000 in pay and residuals. How do you feel about Kethcup now? :)

Not a waste of money if you use them as promo shots!!!


I think you should take Michele Seidman's advice. She is full of extremely good information as you can see from all of her forum posts. I'm sure there are people who would love to see you in costume, and would see you right for the role.

When I see someones headshot for a movie I am directing, I can see the potential for their role I don't need to see it there in black and white..(no pun intended!) To me, the straight on headshot makes you look more professional and serious than the ones in costume.

Hopefully I didn't come across as being negative, I sincerely hope you get some work and wish you the best of luck with everything.

Chris you just made my day. Thank you!

Love that you just made the statement that goes with something I said above...like having the support to it right at hand!

I think you came off well!

[Mark Harris]

I agree with Michelle. I've seen actors with some costumed pics, but generally from roles they've done, or characters they have. I don't have anything particularly against them, but they certainly don't help me cast you. Your ability to wear a fireman's outfit means nothing to me.

Then again, personally I want one thing out of a headshot: Do you look like that? I am much much more interested in seeing reels, actual acting on camera.

All that aside, I don't think the photographs are very good. Meaning, you don't really come through them. I think in a good headshot, the person becomes almost 3-D, because they are engaging you through the photograph. Much like on camera. These are kind of lifeless and flat to me. They don't seem to have been done by a professional who knows headshots.

So that might be another point against you using these to get work.

Good Luck!!!!!

[Doc Bernard]

Hmmmm. A lot to ponder here. I am a little put out at myself right now. Spent a lot of money on these shots and now I need to go get more. Errrrrrrrrr!

Live and learn, I guess. And also a confidence issue. If I have the equipment, it is easier for me to "get in the role". But again, I am not a trained actor, like a lot of you. So my gear is my "crutch", which makes me a method actor?

LOL, Michelle, my lack of interest stems from not being a "good" actor outside of what I know. I know commercial work pays really well, but I am not sure I am able to do it.

Mark, I hear you. But with those "costumes" comes the knowledge behind them. I don't just wear a firefighter's outfit. I wore one for real for many years. I am former military, hence the military garb. You see where I am going with this. I am not an actor that can play any role. I am a more specialized, maybe limited is a better word, actor. I don't want to fool myself or anyone else into thinking I am more than that. But your point is valid.

But on a good note, my local SWAT team found out about my knowledge of tactics/weapons and that I have a videography company. I am now their unofficially official videographer (I even have a title: "the F*ing camera guy", given to me by their newest SWAT member for mistaking me as being "in play", LOL), and I am going on all their trainings to film them. Last Thurs. was my first taping and it will be a twice a month gig. Going to help me in my acting too (they are aware that I am doing this as well). I get to see how they look, their mannerisms, and be able to refine my knowledge of tactics/weapons and appearance.

[Mark Harris]

Like I said, I don't see anything wrong with using those, they just don't sway me. But Adamo said up top, they worked for him. So you never know.

But like I also said, I think the bigger issue is that these photos do not show you as well as they might, on a basic photographic level.

[Jackson Miller]

My agent does hundreds of these types of character shots for all of his actors and then when he submits us for a job/audition, he chooses an applicable photo or set. He is pretty well known but a lot of the work is tv or commercial work. Not all of it though.

[Michele Seidman]

Then again, personally I want one thing out of a headshot: Do you look like that? I am much much more interested in seeing reels, actual acting on camera.

And what Mark said above is exactly what I hear from casting people over and over....does he/she look like their picture. You are not walking in there in a Uniform in 9 out of 10 cases.

But as mentioned by one other...it did work for him!


LOL, Michelle, my lack of interest stems from not being a "good" actor outside of what I know. I know commercial work pays really well, but I am not sure I am able to do it.

The cool thing about commercials these days is they don't want people to act so much as they want them to be genuine...so don't fret about acting...just be natural and if you are right for it, cool...if not...no acting would have fixed it anyway!


Like I said, I don't see anything wrong with using those, they just don't sway me. But Adamo said up top, they worked for him. So you never know.

Just thought the fact Mark pointed out that it did work for someone else should be repeated...


My agent does hundreds of these types of character shots for all of his actors and then when he submits us for a job/audition, he chooses an applicable photo or set. He is pretty well known but a lot of the work is tv or commercial work. Not all of it though.

Entity...

Thanks for bringing a point home..these types of shots work BEST for commercial stuff! Not saying they can't work for other things but it is what they would work best for.

Doc..a friend is sending me a list of agents that might take on new talent who don't have big resumes. I will keep you posted when it arrives!

[Doc Bernard]

Michelle, thank you! I definitely want to weigh my options. I know I have a lot to offer, but I need to find a way to get it out there. Thank you for the words of encouragement! And thank you to all that gave their advice and opinions. It gave me a lot to think about, and reconsider.

And more importantly, thank you for taking it easy on a tyro actor, such as I am. I am so fragile, you know. My feeling get hurt *sniff* easily. Can you feel the love here? LOL!

PS: As to another thread I posted in, I am going to tell you this BG stuff is getting old. Walking in and out of frame and nothing else sucks. Give me a weapon, let me "fight" someone, something!
PSS: They use RED cameras on ER. Droooooollllll!

[Doc Bernard]

Entity, pm sent

[Doc Bernard]

God, I love acting, it's definitely getting in the blood. Got to work ER (been dreaming about doing ER before they finished) the past couple of days. Actually got congratulated by both 2nd AD's and about 20 of the background people, stood in for a principal, and got a lot camera time, all because of a "stunt" I pulled on set.

[Everts]

You own the Fireman part and I like Dusty the GI JOE !

The rest are abit so so !

[Doc Bernard]

Doc Bernard: Now eligible to join AFTRA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now to find 1400.00 bucks for the init. fee.

[Doc Bernard]

In the span of two hours, I have been called for 2 separate auditions! LAcasting is starting to work out.

The weird thing is they are both for similar roles. "Good Cop" and each one is an interrogation scene. But they are different as to the character of the "Good Cop".

This is going to be interesting.

[mattspat]

Sweet man. Where you living in Cali. I am moving out to Hollywood for the summer. You in that area?

[Doc Bernard]

40 miles east (Upland)

Oh and BTW, I have an appointment with a headshot photog (Bjorn) tomorrow.

[pixelated]

Hey Doc, congratulations on the interest!!!

Just stumbled on this thread, wanted to weigh in on the photos.

First, I think Michele & others pretty much nailed it. (Come to think of it, she rarely misses.) The character shots really detracted imho.

Second, I'm sorry to say the photographic quality of the shots themselves just wasn't that great. Would really like to see how your second round turned out.

There's always the exception that proves the rule - i.e. Kimko's - but he's showcasing a fairly unique skill and the photography was spot on. Those shots, even though unusual, scream pro . . . and yours don't. Landing a role is very much winning a series of competitions. Head shots are round one, and in this case appearance really is everything.

Best wishes and hope you go all the way. Please share any updates, seems a lot of people are rooting for you.

[Michele Seidman]

pixelated

thank you...i needed that today. gets exhausting to try and help people some days. a couple of these folks know i am trying hard to help but a few others jump me and i needed that boost from you! seriously..thank you...

michele