What to write...
Moderator: busybusybusy
What to write...
My DD and I have applied for some things on StarNow, and we were wondering what the best thing to write is in order to get directors to notice you - what does everyone think? Also, should it come from DD(12) herself, or from me? Thanks.
Re: What to write...
Hello. This has been discussed before, you might find this thread helpful
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=15515&hilit=cover+letter+starnow
To be honest, what you write (as long as it isn´t downright offputting) will not make a huge difference to whether or not your submission is viewed or taken forward. it will be the look of the applicant and their experience that has the most influence (in my opinion). I would be inclined to send it from a parent rather than a 12 year old as the parent would have to get involved at some stage anyway.
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=15515&hilit=cover+letter+starnow
To be honest, what you write (as long as it isn´t downright offputting) will not make a huge difference to whether or not your submission is viewed or taken forward. it will be the look of the applicant and their experience that has the most influence (in my opinion). I would be inclined to send it from a parent rather than a 12 year old as the parent would have to get involved at some stage anyway.
Re: What to write...
I found the advice that I received through the thread that pg has signposted really helpful. Since then Flo has had some success through StarNow. At first it seemed quite random but when I chatted with the people who cast her the one thing that stood out was location. The ads based in London seem to be inundated with responses while those elsewhere in the country are less attractive. So you're much more likely to get a reply if you respond to ads outside London.
The next thing is cost. For acting jobs most are student films so they don't have budget. Telling them that you don't expect to be paid and you can travel at your own expense is helpful - assuming this is true - because people apply for jobs clearly noted as 'no pay' then ask for payment. Being clear that your DC is available on shoot dates helps a lot too.
I used to mention that our LEA is great at processing licenses quickly, but I found that this was a turn-off because many advertisers either don't understand licensing or intend to ignore it. You might want to ignore the latter, but you can find this out if and when they reply to your ad. The former just need guidance.
And because the advertisers are inundated with replies, don't bother if your DC doesn't fit the profile or can't make the dates. There are plenty that can.
And just a word to the wise, many of the student films advertised don't go ahead as planned. So be prepared for some to-ing and fro-ing with them and don't get over-excited about the job until your DC is actually on set. Even then you may not ever see a film from their labours. But it's great fun and I find it fascinating to see how the students' thinking develops over time.
Hope this helps
Deb x
The next thing is cost. For acting jobs most are student films so they don't have budget. Telling them that you don't expect to be paid and you can travel at your own expense is helpful - assuming this is true - because people apply for jobs clearly noted as 'no pay' then ask for payment. Being clear that your DC is available on shoot dates helps a lot too.
I used to mention that our LEA is great at processing licenses quickly, but I found that this was a turn-off because many advertisers either don't understand licensing or intend to ignore it. You might want to ignore the latter, but you can find this out if and when they reply to your ad. The former just need guidance.
And because the advertisers are inundated with replies, don't bother if your DC doesn't fit the profile or can't make the dates. There are plenty that can.
And just a word to the wise, many of the student films advertised don't go ahead as planned. So be prepared for some to-ing and fro-ing with them and don't get over-excited about the job until your DC is actually on set. Even then you may not ever see a film from their labours. But it's great fun and I find it fascinating to see how the students' thinking develops over time.
Hope this helps
Deb x