Kerry Beyer

HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHY HOUSTON

Kerry Beyer

by

PRODUCTION BEGINS ON MY NEW FILM “KILLING MR. RIGHT”

I’m excited to announce that we’ve begun production on my new thriller film “Killing Mr. Right,” filmed here in Houston! The first week of production has gone amazingly well, and we are 1/3 of the way through filming.

I’ve already edited most of what we filmed, and it’s looking great – with excellent performances from Liz Jackson, Brittney Karbowski, Kelly Byrns, and Belinda Pippin.

Acting in the film as well as directing has been a little bit of a logistical challenge given the considerations of the role (tied to a chair), but I’ve learned over the past films to take off the director hat and put on the actor hat and focus on each of those tasks individually.

I’m very excited about this film and the great team I’ve assembled. We’ve also secured a really great location that I will blog about soon…

Follow along at the Official Facebook Page for Killing Mr. Right and Kerosene Films.

by

HOW TO FIND A REPUTABLE TALENT AGENT


Need to find a reputable talent agent in your area? I get lots of emails from aspiring actors asking this very question. Here’s some tips about how you can find a great talent agent.

The best resource for evaluating talent agents are other actors. Ask around about the different agencies and how they are to work with. Every actor will have a unique experience, but you will begin to see trends in representation and learn who is working hard for their talent.

If you are just starting and don’t know a lot of actors, start networking. Almost every city has a film community – start attending meetups and mixers, and make connections online. Social media is a great tool for interacting with like minded professionals. (And you thought it was just for funny cat pictures.)

Meet filmmakers and producers… they will have valuable insight into how the various agents are to deal with from the consumer’s side. Is it easy, or difficult to book talent. Were there any additional fees? Were there any hidden costs? As an actor, you don’t want to lose a job because your agent screwed it up.

Casting directors have the closest and most frequent contact with agents, and will be the best source of information – though they are very busy, and unlikely to spend much time answering newbie questions.

Do you’re research! Google is your friend. Become familiar with state and local laws regarding talent agents, and NEVER… EVER… PAY UP FRONT FEES for someone to represent you! Legitimate agents work on a commission structure, usually 10 to 20 percent.

You will however need to invest in quality marketing materials like headshots, resumes, demo reels, training… but as mentioned, always due your due diligence.  An agent should give you multiple recommendations for these services and shouldn’t force you to use a particular vendor. If they do, you may want to questions why.

Hope this helps!

by

HEADSHOTS: TROY PARKER

Troy recently came to the studio at the request of his agent needing a “Bad Guy” headshot.  We created this “Thugshot” to fit the agents need.

I recommend actors know the types of roles they are likely to get cast in, so we can tailor the shoot to maximize their marketing potential.

Your headshot is the most important marketing tool you have, and you may find you need several versions, one for each type of character you play.

Contact the studio today!

by

THE ALLIANCE AUDITIONS: 8 SECRETS TO SUCCES!

Alliance Auditions - 8 Secrets for Success

Want to nail your audition at the Alliance Auditions? (Formerly known as the Co-op auditions.) Here’s some invaluable tips to help you WOW one of the toughest audiences you’ll play for.

If you’re not in the know, the Houston Theatre Alliance coordinates and intense 2 days of general auditions for a about 45 Houston area theaters. For an actor looking to work in theatre, it’s one of the best opportunities around.

My film production company, Kerosene Films, joined the legions of theatre companies, and sat in on the auditions this year. We have found so many amazing theatre actors that have transitioned well to our film productions that we couldn’t pass up the chance to find great new talent.

After sitting in a theatre seat for 2 days straight, watching 400, 2 minute monologues, I have some helpful hints.

1. Rehearse with a timer. Thirty to forty percent of the actors exceeded the time limit, and did not get to finish their routine. Producer’s see this as a lack of discipline, or an inability to accurately estimate your time on stage, both of which are concerning to producers.

2. Actually show up for your allotted time. If you can’t make it, call to cancel. “No shows” and cancellations are noted. If you can’t make the audition, you can’t make the job.

3. Make sure you’re headshot is updated and looks like you! Don’t be scared to update your headshots if they are old. It’s not a glamour or wardrobe contest. Your headshot must be an accurate representation of you.

4. Pick the right monologue for YOU. If you’re 20, you are probably not going to be cast as a 60 year old.  If you’re 60, your not going to be cast as 20. Your monologue should reflect your character type. If you don’t know your character type, ask your friends, instructors, etc.

5. Walk to the stage quickly, entering the room with a smile and good attitude. Greet the audience briefly and let them see your great personality. Give the producers a moment to settle, as they may be looking over your headshot and resume.

6. Begin your routine quickly, and if you are doing 2 monologues, transition between them with no more than a brief pause. You only have 2 minutes, remember? The timer starts once you begin “acting” but don’t wast too much time fumbling around, or getting into character.

7. If you are going to do two monologues… make sure they are contrasting. One dramatic, one comedic. Showcase your range. End with the comedic. …and it’s okay to make people laugh in a dramatic monologue.

8. The single most important piece of advice I can give is to entertain your audience. The producers have been sitting in these seats for two days, seeing hundreds of actors… entertain them! Make them wish you had 3 minutes instead of 2. Pick a monologue that is a crowd pleaser. After all, the job of the actor is to entertain the audience. Time and time again I heard other producers whisper “Oh, I like him/her.” Give off great energy.

Hope these tips help, and remember, every producer wants you to succeed. They are just waiting for you to come in and be amazing. Kudos to everyone who has the guts to get on stage and express themselves! Break a leg!