As 2024 swiftly draws to a close – The new year is a time for fresh starts and ambitious goals. For actors, it’s the perfect opportunity to evaluate your career and ensure you’re ready to seize every opportunity the year will bring. The entertainment industry moves fast; preparation can mean the difference between staying stagnant and booking your dream role.
This end-of-year checklist will help you review your past progress, organize your professional materials, and plan actionable steps for the future. Ready to take charge? Let’s dive in.
1. Refresh Your Headshots
Why it matters: Headshots are your calling card. A strong, updated headshot makes a lasting impression on casting directors and ensures your look matches the roles you’re submitting for.
What to do:
Look through your headshots. Are they recent (taken within the last 1–2 years)?
Does your current headshot(s) reflect your true look—hair, weight, age, or personal style?
Does your current headshot(s) reflect the looks/character types that are right for you now?
Consider hiring a professional headshot photographer for updated shots if needed.
Example: If you’ve recently changed your hairstyle or added glasses, update your headshots to match your current appearance. Casting directors want to see the real you.
2. Polish Your Resume
Why it matters: Your acting resume tells casting directors about your training, experience, and skills at a glance. Keeping it current shows professionalism. And remember—your resume should be added to your talent agency profile and online casting profiles.
What to do:
Add recent credits, training, or workshops completed.
Ensure your resume matches the standard industry format.
Tailor your resume to emphasize roles and skills relevant to your target market.
Pro Tip: If you’ve done several voice-over projects, create a VO resume highlighting those projects.
3. Audit Your Demo Reel
Why it matters: Your demo reel is often the first glimpse casting directors have of your work. A strong reel can open doors, while an outdated or poorly edited one can close them.
What to do:
Watch your reel critically. Does it reflect your best work?
Remove outdated footage or roles that no longer fit your brand.
Add recent, high-quality clips that showcase your range.
Pro Tip: Keep your demo reel short (1 minute is ideal), and make sure it highlights your best moments within the first 10–15 seconds.
4. Update Your Online Presence
Why it matters: Casting directors often Google actors to learn more about them. A strong online presence can help you stand out.
What to do:
Update your profiles on casting websites like Actors Access, Casting Networks, and even IMDb.
Polish your social media accounts. Are your Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn profiles professional and up to date?
Consider building a personal website to showcase your portfolio, demo reel, and contact information.
5. Reassess Your Training
Why it matters: Continuous training helps you refine your craft and stay competitive. The best actors never stop learning.
What to do:
Identify any gaps in your training. Have you taken on-camera classes, voice-over workshops, or improv sessions recently?
Research upcoming classes or coaches in your area or online.
Invest in workshops that align with your career goals.
Training can also include basic stunt classes, horseback riding, weapons training, and more.
Example: If you want to break into commercials, consider taking a commercial acting workshop to develop the specific skills needed for that niche.
6. Organize Your Finances
Why it matters: Acting often comes with unpredictable income, making financial planning essential.
What to do:
Review your income and expenses from the past year.
Set aside money for professional expenses like headshots, classes, or subscriptions.
Track deductions for tax season, including audition expenses, agent fees, and travel.
Some organizations offer free tax advice - research these offerings in your area or online.
Pro Tip: Use an app like QuickBooks Self-Employed or Wave to simplify expense tracking.
7. Build Your Network
Why it matters: Relationships are key in the entertainment industry. The more connections you have, the more opportunities you’ll uncover.
What to do:
Reach out to industry contacts to check in and express gratitude for any support they’ve provided (where appropriate).
Attend networking events, industry panels, or acting mixers.
Collaborate with fellow actors to create your own projects, like short films or web series.
Example: If you know a director or writer looking for actors, offer to collaborate on a project. It’s a great way to gain experience and expand your portfolio.
8. Set Career Goals
Why it matters: Clear, actionable goals keep you motivated and focused throughout the year.
What to do:
Reflect on the past year. What did you achieve, and where did you fall short?
Write down specific, measurable goals for the new year.
Break your goals into smaller, actionable steps.
Example: Instead of saying, “Book more roles,” set a goal like, “Audition for five projects each month.”
9. Improve Your Self-Taping Setup
Why it matters: Self-tapes are more common than ever, and a polished setup can make or break your audition.
What to do:
Invest in a high-quality softbox for even, soft (aka flattering) lighting.
Use a neutral backdrop (like blue or gray) to keep the focus on you.
Ensure your recording device captures clear video and audio.
Remember, high-quality audio is more important than having 4K or 6K video.
Pro Tip: B&H is an amazing place online to find incredible bargains on excellent A/V equipment. Check out their "Deals Of The Day" section—you'll be very glad you did!
10. Take Care of Yourself
Why it matters: Acting is demanding, and your physical and mental health are critical to sustaining a long career.
What to do:
Establish healthy routines, including exercise, balanced eating, and sufficient sleep.
Practice mindfulness or meditation to manage audition stress.
Take breaks when needed to recharge.
Stop ignoring potential mental health issues – If possible, find a therapist who can help. Remember, many college (psychology) graduate programs offer mental health services on a sliding scale, making it affordable for anyone's budget.
Pro Tip: Treat self-care as an essential part of your job—it’s just as important as auditions and rehearsals.
Printable Checklist Template
To make things easier, here’s a handy printable checklist for you to use:
Task | Complete? |
Update headshots | ☐ |
Polish acting resume | ☐ |
Audit and update demo reel | ☐ |
Refresh online profiles | ☐ |
Plan training for the new year | ☐ |
Review finances and budget | ☐ |
Reach out to industry contacts | ☐ |
Set actionable career goals | ☐ |
Optimize self-taping setup | ☐ |
Establish self-care routines | ☐ |
This checklist is your roadmap to a more successful year as an actor. By tackling these tasks, you’ll feel confident, prepared, and ready to embrace every opportunity the new year brings.
Don’t just wait for success—go out and make it happen. Start checking off items today, and watch your career thrive in the months ahead!
For more acting tips and techniques, check out our other posts on The Intrepid Actor. And be sure to visit our website at Everything Cinema Productions to see how we can support your acting journey!
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