Why Branding is Important for Actors

In this episode, we're talking about personal branding in your acting career. Uncomfortable as it might be, it's about objectively understanding your unique value and using that to capture the right roles. We'll delve into what makes you, you—your talents, your appearance, even your quirks. It's about embracing our individuality, and our 'flaws', and using them to our advantage. No fluff, just real talk, step-by-step actionable plans, and a free workbook to boot!

Ever wish you could land better roles? Stupid question, right? Who doesn't? But here's something you might not know - you've got more sway over the roles you get than you think. Intrigued? Good! Because today, we're diving right into how to amp up your personal brand as an actor. This could be the game-changer you've been looking for. This is the exact approach I used to upgrade from small parts and co-stars to leading roles and guest stars. Not only are these roles way more interesting and challenging, but they also mean more money because more complex roles usually mean more days on set. So, are you ready to get the career you want and deserve? Alrighty then, let's go!

My name is Anne Alexander-Sieder and I’m an award-winning actor, screenwriter, and life and career coach. I specialize in helping actors map their actions to their aspirations to get the careers they want and deserve. Picture your personal brand as a five-pointed star that illuminates your career path. (Insert star graphic and add the following words to each point) Each point represents a crucial element - your physical appearance, essence, personality, reputation, and unique attributes. When each point shines brightly, you shine brightly in the industry. (Insert “ting” sound effect to indicate star shining).

After reading this, you'll have a much better understanding of how to create your own strong, authentic brand that will help you stand out in auditions, build your reputation in the industry, and ultimately not only book more roles but more of the kinds of roles you want.

So, get ready to learn some valuable tips and tricks that will help you create a personal brand that truly represents you as an actor. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why branding is as important for actors as any other profession — and maybe even more than in any other profession, and you'll understand what makes you uniquely you so you can position yourself to your best advantage in the industry.

To help you figure this out, I've put together a free workbook to help you decode your personal brand. Download it now to identify your unique strengths, values, and traits, to help you forge a brand that genuinely reflects who you are as an actor and positions you to get the roles you want. Just click on the link below to grab your free copy. Now, let's roll!

So, what is an Actor’s Brand?

I get it, thinking of yourself as a 'product' might be uncomfortable, but the sooner you consider your unique selling points from an objective standpoint, the quicker you'll see positive shifts in

your career. Your talent and experience? Vital, no doubt. But they won’t serve you unless the casting folks know who you are and what you bring to the table. If they don’t, you'll miss out on auditions for roles that you would’ve been perfect for.

So let's unravel this. Your 'personal brand' as an actor is like a unique recipe, blending your talents, skills, appearance, and values. This brand reflects your off and on-screen persona, your style, the vibes you radiate, and even the chatter that follows you. Having a solid grasp of your brand keeps things cohesive, much like a well-crafted character remaining true to their narrative.

In this era pulsating with artificial intelligence, what's more, precious than ever is our very humanity. We're beautifully imperfect, a whirlwind of emotions, contradictions, and quirks. And guess what? That's not just okay, it's wonderful! All those things you've seen as flaws or setbacks could be the very elements that make you unforgettable.

Let's remember something crucial. Those 'flaws' we fret over—be it our weight, height, accent, whatever—are not shortcomings. Instead, they're your unique facets, your secret sauce, your superpowers in this industry. So, own them. Let them shine because they contribute to what makes you, well, you.

Consider actors like Peter Dinklage, Adrian Brody, Tilda Swinton, Viola Davis, Mads Mikkelsen, and Anja Taylor Joy. They might not fit into traditional molds of attractiveness, but their unique features, coupled with immense talent, make them indelible in our minds. The same goes for international stars like Christoph Waltz, Penelope Cruz, and Ke Huy Quan who've crossed borders, making accents part of their charm.

So you see, your brand isn’t just about skills or looks it’s the whole enchilada. It encompasses 'you' in all your authenticity. It's the unique imprint you leave on a role, your voice, your style, your quirks, and your idiosyncrasies. It's what makes people remember you long after the credits roll. It’s what makes you stand out from the crowd and forge lasting connections.

Take the time to uncover and highlight all the ingredients that make you unique and you can thank me later.

Physical appearance and presence

Let's talk about looks. Your physical appearance isn't the be-all and end-all of your brand, but it's undoubtedly the first thing that people notice.

Consider your body type and fitness level. These aspects will influence the roles you're likely to get. Picture Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson—what would his career look like without his chiseled physique (insert picture)? On the other hand, think of Matthew McConaughey's drastic weight loss for 'Dallas Buyers Club' (insert picture). Initially typecast as a Hollywood heartthrob, it wasn't until he altered his physique—and thus his brand—that he started to be taken seriously as an actor.

Next up, grooming and personal style. Your hairstyle, makeup, and wardrobe choices convey a specific image or personality. Sure, actors go through hair and makeup for roles, but your off-set look can still sway casting decisions, too.

Don't forget your vocal and physical mannerisms. The way you speak and move can signal a lot about your personality and the roles you're suited for. Can you imagine Christopher Walken, Clint Eastwood, Lauren Bacall, Sylvester Stallone, or Arnold Schwarzenegger without their iconic voices and mannerisms? Their unique attributes have significantly influenced their branding and the roles they've landed.

It's worth noting that many outward aspects—like fitness level, regional accents, and even things like crooked teeth—can be curated. Did you know that Tom Cruise had a snaggle-toothed smile before he got braces which turned his kisser into one of the industries most famous and valuable smiles in the world. Again, a classic case of someone changing their look in a way that changed their branding.

If you want, you can put considerable effort into modifying your outward appearance. But remember, the acting world needs diverse body types and personalities. So, unless changing your look is essential to you, don't sweat over what others say or think. Instead, make your own unique place in this industry.

Essence and personality

Alright, we've chatted about your looks, now let's get into the real juicy stuff - your essence, your personality, and all the other bits and pieces that make up the glorious puzzle that is 'you.' You've probably heard these words thrown around a lot, but let's really break 'em down.

First up is your 'essence' - sounds a bit mystical, right? But it's actually pretty straightforward. Your essence is like your core, the real-deal you that stays constant no matter what life tosses your way. Maybe you're someone whose essence is nurturing, compassionate, or heck, even fierce. No matter where you are, what you're doing, or who you're playing, that genuine you shines through. When it comes to acting, your essence is like the first impression you make before you even utter a word. It's that gut feeling others get when they're around you.

Now, let's talk 'personality'. Your personality is like your style of interacting with the world. It's the mix of traits that influences your actions, thoughts, and feelings. Personality can be a bit of a chameleon - it changes and adapts depending on things like your environment, your experiences, and your personal growth. It's also pretty out there for everyone to see. It's the way you express yourself and relate to others. You could be outgoing, introverted, analytical, spontaneous - it's all part of your personality.

So, to boil it down to basics, your essence is your steadfast, true-to-you nature, and your personality is the unique mix of traits that dictate how you move in the world. When you're acting, getting a handle on both can help you bring characters to life in a way that's authentic and deeply engaging.

Alright, now that we've got that sorted, let's dive into how your essence and personality mix and mingle to shape your personal brand.

Essence (Inner Traits)

Your essence is like the beating heart of your brand and while it’s made up of many parts, it's the authentic, genuine you that remains unwavering no matter how life shakes you up. Picture yourself as a diamond with multiple facets (insert pic of facetted diamond). Some facets are prominent and obvious. Each one of these facets represents a piece of your overall essence. Say, “kindness” is one of the first things that people notice about you. This would perhaps be the big shiny facet on the crown of the diamond. The next thing people notice is that you’re smart and earnest, perhaps you also seem well educated and slightly vain. These attributes would be the facets surrounding your most obvious attribute. As you move down the sides of the diamond, the facets get smaller and smaller until they reach the point at the bottom. They represent other attributes that make you, you... maybe humor, stubbornness, and the propensity to hold a grudge.

As an actor, you can emphasize or 'polish' certain traits, making them stand out more in specific roles. This is akin to adjusting the light hitting a facet of a diamond to make it sparkle more brightly. Now, while the spotlight may be on these highlighted traits, the rest of your facets are still present, subtly shaping your performance and making it uniquely yours. After all, the essence of you is always still you. Your uniqueness comes from your particular mix of these traits that make up your essence.

Personality Traits

Now, when it comes to personality, what words come to mind when you think about yourself? Are you lively or more of a chill, laid-back type? Do you tend to be serious or more on the playful side? Remember, as an actor, you've got the freedom to play all sorts of characters. For example, if 'intelligent' is a word in your wheelhouse, that means you could play a whole range of roles from a clever con artist to an astrophysicist. Just look at Hugh Grant. He’s an example of an actor who brings a consistent element of his essence and personality to every role. Grant is known for his portrayals of charming, somewhat bumbling, and self-deprecating characters, often with a strong element of wit. Even when he portrays characters who are flawed or make mistakes, he usually retains an element of charm and likability.

Emotional Range

Next up, think about your emotional chops. What moods can you really sell? Knowing your strengths here can help you go for roles that let you shine. Bryan Cranston is a great example - from a lovable dad in 'Malcolm in the Middle' to a hardened drug dealer in 'Breaking Bad,' his emotional range is outstanding.

Cultural Background

Your heritage is another aspect that can set you apart. It can add a unique twist to your brand and performances. Take Riz Ahmed, for instance, his British-Pakistani background helps him bring a variety of complex characters to life.

Age and Experience

Lastly, let's talk about age - not just a number, but a range of experiences and characters you can convincingly pull off. It's important to be realistic about the age range you can play, but don't let age stop you from going for roles that stretch you and showcase your talent. Your life experience can bring an authenticity to your characters that really resonates with audiences. Judi Dench is a perfect example - she continues to nab powerful roles across different age ranges, using her real-life experiences to add depth to her performances.

In a nutshell, these factors - personality traits, emotional range, cultural background, and age and experience - all add up to create your unique brand as an actor. By understanding and embracing them, you can put together a brand that's truly, authentically you.

Be Professional, But Be Yourself

But your brand doesn’t begin and end with your essence and personality. There's another big player - your reputation. This is all about how you conduct yourself. Are you on time, prepared, and respectful to everyone on set? And let's not forget about dedication to your craft.

Are you someone folks enjoy working with? Do you listen and take direction well? And when the going gets tough, do you huff and complain or roll up your sleeves and get on with it? I know an actress who aims to be the sunshine on set for everyone she works with. Now, there's a goal to aspire to.

And let's chat about the buddy system in this business. Sometimes, it's not just about what you know, but who you know. Word to the wise - don’t torch any bridges. Word travels fast in our industry, faster than a California wildfire, so don't be the one lighting matches. That means avoid gossiping about others and maybe even more important don’t give anyone anything about you to gossip about. It can be a fatal mistake to underestimate how your reputation will proceed you when it comes to networking. In the film industry, your connections can sometimes be as crucial as your skills so you don’t want to do anything that might screw up a future connection.

And, let's get real for a second - rejection is part of the package in this industry. But how you handle those 'No’s can also shape your reputation. Being able to take a hit and come back swinging speaks volumes about you as a professional. So, concentrate on these aspects as well as you sculpt your personal brand as an actor.

All in all, no one’s saying you have to be perfect. Everyone has a bad day once in a while but strive to be consistent so that when something does happen, like a traffic jam or even a meltdown, people will know that’s not how you normally are. It's crucial to keep your actions and attitudes steady. It's like walking the talk, day in and day out. Over time, this consistency doesn't just build trust, but it's the bedrock of a solid personal brand. In this business, your reputation arrives before you do. So, make it a good one.

Uniquely You

Now, let's talk about your unique selling points, the things that make you stand out from all the other actors out there. You know, the things that make you the unicorn in the room.

First, think about your specific skills or talents. Have you ever been complimented for doing accents or dialects? Maybe you've been training in dance or martial arts since you were a kid. Write them down. Do you speak any other languages? Or perhaps you've played sports professionally?

Don't overlook your past professional experiences too. I know actors that were doctors, police officers, and lawyers in their previous lives - just think about the advantage they have when it comes to procedurals like CSI, ER, Tatort, etc. Can you think of ways your past career could give you an edge in acting? Jot them down.

Also, take a moment to consider your life experiences and perspective. Have you backpacked through Europe for a year? Are you passionate about a particular charity or cause? Have you lived in a foreign country and can bring a unique cultural perspective to your roles? How do your physical attributes make you unique and give you a distinctive perspective?

And here's something special - standing for something. Having a cause or an initiative that you deeply care about can help you stand out and be remembered. Like my friend, an actress, who’s leading the "all bodies in sight" movement which focuses on actors with non-conventional bodies. Another actress I know, over 45, is pioneering the "let's change the picture" initiative to change how mature women are viewed and cast in the film industry. And then there's the actress who helps displaced Ukrainian actors find their footing in their new homes. Me? I’m trying to position myself as a voice for expat actors based in Europe. These causes not only help us stay top of mind but also provide talking points and icebreakers and they allow us to speak from a place of empowerment rather than begging for a job.

Don't underestimate the power of personal stories. You know the dreaded question: “So, tell me about yourself?” In Germany, we actually make short videos to answer this question and call them an "about me." Depending on the situation, you can tailor them to be a few sentences or stretch them out to a couple of minutes. These stories offer insights into who you are and what it might be like to work with you. They can also help align you with a particular role or skill - say another language. But they can just as easily be used in live situations. If you're interested, I can dedicate a future video to crafting your compelling "about me" video.

Lastly, let's not forget the digital side of things. Your social media portrayal is becoming increasingly important in this industry. There are directors out there who regularly check out an actor's Instagram just to get a feel for who they truly are. Ensure your Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter are consistent with the brand you're trying to portray. For instance, if you're building a brand as a comedic actor, share posts that highlight your humorous side.

And let's not forget about your passion and commitment to your craft. How are you staying sharp and on top of your game? Are you taking workshops or working with a coach? Remember, acting is a muscle that needs to be exercised, so keep it toned and strong.

Just like the art of Kintsugi, (insert picture of Kintsugi) embracing your unique qualities and imperfections can actually help you create a stronger and more memorable personal brand as an actor. It's important to recognize that your quirks and differences can be the very things that make you stand out in auditions and ultimately land you the role. The problem is not the problem. It's the solution. The sooner you identify what makes you unique, the sooner you can turn it to your advantage. I like to say turn your flaws into your super-powers

In other words, don't try to hide them or conform to what you think the industry wants. Instead, use them to your advantage and let them shine through in your performances and in your personal brand. By doing so, you can create a brand that is truly authentic and reflects the real you, with all of your beautiful uniqueness.

Alright, if you’ve found this article helpful share it with a friend, and don’t forget to download your free workbook to help you discover and refine your personal brand.

And by the way, if you’re a trained actor, serious about your career but struggling to get to the next level, then book an appointment with me. It’s free, and together we can figure out if you’re a good fit for my program, and if you’re not, we’ll figure out the next best steps for your journey together.

Until next time, you stay your bold and beautiful self.

Anne

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