Trade Papers, a Crafty way for Actors to Gain Knowledge, while Marketing Themselves

Trade Papers are the best way for actors to gain an insight of what is going on in the industry from, the Writers and Screen Actors Guild Strikes, to new movies coming up, to successful actors on the rise. Daily Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and the Backstage East and West are excellent resource guides. This weeks Backstage East has a huge article about new Television shows on major networks that are currently casting for new actors and actresses. There is also an articles about three breakout stars and how they did it. Show Business is by far, the most misunderstood and under informed industry. Gaining knowledge and sight from many correct sources is key to furthering a prosperous career in the industry.

A great marketing idea for actors, is to have note cards with your picture on them or a business card on the inside of them and send them out with a personal note to industry professionals that have current articles in these Trade Papers. Write a small note or comment on about what is going on in the article, as a way to voice an opinion and the same token, to introduce yourself to that person that you do exist. Most articles do list the names of the people of the focus of the article. Find out a way, perhaps on google to get that individual's business mailing address and send out the note card.

Just remember, exposure is key. You will not get hired if they do not know you exist.