I can’t tell you how many actors come up to me and ask the same question: “I’ve read about sending postcards to agents. Should you do this?” And every time I answer them all the same: “Yes!”
However, there is a process to sending postcards to various agents, casting directors, producers, directors, etc. Sending a postcard doesn’t mean going to Hallmark and picking out a cute postcard. There are certain rules that you must follow when you are planning postcard mailings. In this article, you will learn what you should and shouldn’t do when sending out postcards.
Postcards are one of the most powerful and effective marketing tools available to actors. For one sending postcards not only is an effective way to contact major industry professionals as well as a professional way to get your name out there. However, there is a process that you must stick to when sending postcards, and when you follow this process you will find that sending postcards will be one of the smartest marketing moves you could ever make.
The first thing you must do is collect all the names and addresses of the various industry professionals that you wish to contact. After you have located all of the names you wish, send them each a copy of your headshot/resume and a cover letter. Within the cover letter, basically introduce yourself to them. This is very helpful if they are a casting director that you haven’t seen yet, or if you are contacting an agency that hasn’t heard from you. If you aren’t contacting them for representation (as you would with a talent agent), don’t expect a reply, however that’s not to say that you will never get a response from sending your headshot and resumes. Another great way to open up a “dialogue” with producers, directors and casting directors, is if they are holding open auditions. This will allow you the chance to get your face in front of them, as well as allowing them to see you actually audition.
After you have opened the initial point of contact, it is time to start organizing your postcards. An acting postcard is very similar to a model’s composite card. The only difference is that with the model’s composite card there will be a total of two or more photo’s on the card. However, with the actor’s postcard, you will only want to put one photo on the card. The only reason why you would put two or more, is if you are a character actor and you wish to display your range. Some dramatic/comedic actors will show both a “smiling” photograph and then a contrasting “pensive” photograph. Of course, this all varies on what type of acting you are experience in and how you want to market yourself as an actor.
After you have chosen the photograph(s) to go on your postcard, now comes actually buying the postcards. I’m sure you’re tired of having to order various prints of your headshots and other portfolio pictures (if you are a model), however, unlike headshots, postcards are very cheap to get produced. If you go through Reproductions (http://www.reproductions.com), you can purchase 500 heavy-duty, professional postcards for only $233.50 – this a great deal, due to the fact you are getting heavy-duty postcards that won’t bend or tear easily. After you have purchased your postcards and they have all arrived at your house, now comes the fun part – writing the various messages.
There are a couple of rules that you must follow when writing your message on the postcards. Never use the person’s first name, UNLESS, you already have a relationship built with the individual. Also, make sure you use perfect grammar, punctuation as well as spelling. A good idea is to write your message on a computer with spell check before writing it down on the postcard. And lastly, make sure that you keep your message short, sweet and simple. If you are inviting them to a show, make sure you clearly state this, if you just want to check in with them, use your humor to your advantage. After you have sent your postcards, wait around six to seven weeks before re-sending them. Make sure that you don’t send your postcards sooner than six weeks apart. If you do, you risk the possibility of bugging the recipient and coming across as “desperate.” And the whole idea of sending postcards is to show industry professionals that you are a professional/working actor – not a “begging” actor.
