Branding yourself “ONLINE”

Today, the bollywood industry is overregistered. With lakhs of actors moving to mumbai to establish their acting career, there is certainly not enough projects to give them all a break. Most of them are finding it difficult to carve their niche in this highly competetive industry. Industry professionals hardly have/get time to meet these actors. Reaching stardom in bollywood is challeging but not impossible.

It is important to set yourself apart from others in order to taste success. For this, the first step is to start thinking yourself as a “BRAND”. Like any company which markets their products, even you as a company should know how to market your products (talents). For that it is necessary to belive in the product (talent) that you're trying to promote. Today, there are various mediums that offers you a platform to showcase your skills and one of them being Social Media sites.

Social Media networking in simple terms is “meeting different people online”. It is a powerful tool to attract lot of attention just by talking about your intrests or by uploading photos and vidoes. For budding actors, the subject of Social Media promotion is extremely important to the success for their acting career. Most of them dont know the potential Social Media has as a branding tool for promoting themselves online. They are also unaware how to use these tools to increase their online visiblity. Today, Social networking sites are the fastest growing self promotional tool, and if any new actor who is not utilizing on its numerous capabilities could be at a loosing end to its other fellow actor who is using these sites. It gives you the liberty and power to take an active role in managing yourself as a brand. You will also enjoy this experience because you are marketing yourself and at the same time connecting with new people. With social media self promotion, you as an actors can promote yourself easily and effectively. The best professional social media websites are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc. You can take advantage of these social media platforms by posting your latest photos, videos or writing blog on relevant topics, and connect with industry professionals. In short an you can Connect- Interact- Showcase/ Promote- Express- Share- etc. There are a unlimited ways to help add success to your acting skills through these social media sites.

Using different platforms:

Facebook: Facebook is one of the largest networking sites available. It is necessary to often update your facebook page in order to allow your friends to comeback to you. Use your online account to post what you are doing with your acting career and get your contacts to support you. Post pictures, upload clips etc in order to increase more visiblity.. The more time you dedicate on these sites the more it is beneficial for youcand your career. For example, make your acting video and share it on facebook. Your friends would be able to view your video and if they like they can share it with their friends. Thus, your videos could be shared with majority. Connecting with specific groups like the ones on Facebook, opens you and your work up to more networks. Post your work on the wall of each group to grab attention. This will build your contact base, as you will be communicating directly with like-minded people. Starting a facebook fan page can take you to the next level. Keeping your profile updated wih your recent works and getting a lot of support from your family and friends can attract lots of eyes.

Blogs: The next self promotional activity you can do to enhance your acting career on social sites is to start a Blog to publish your thoughts and opinion on the industry. You can express your views about the acting career and where you as an actor is heading. Try to write a good content in order to attract people towards your blog. Paste your blog URL in your email in your email signature everytime you send an email to industry professionals.


Twitter: Starting a Twitter account will give you the access to follow the people you admire, other actors or people in the same industry. You can also use Twitter to express your views and opinions about the industry. If you manage to create a successful Twitter profile, you can build a solid fan base.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn is designed for professional networking unlike facebook or twitter. Remember on LinkedIn, people are specifically looking out for business contacts. So try to make your online resume look more professional, fill in your correct details and keep updating it on a regular basis. Industry professionals keep hunting for actors who are in need of serious work. You never know which casting director views your online resume that could lead you for an audition.
By using the above interactive platforms you can start promoting yourself as an actor who is different form others. These sites will also help people know who you are to build a trust in you your chances increase for being approched by any industry professional for work. Your success entirely depends upon how successfully you interact with the people from your industry and how vast your exposure becomes.
So keep socializing!!
Kunal S. Prasad

Lights, Camera, Action!!!

The influx of actors in bollywood continues to increase at a tremendous pace. Numerous young people, some just in their teens, move to Mumbai, the City of Glittering Dreams, hoping to reach stardom. The cut throat competition allows a very few to actually make it for auditions. In order to get noticed for the next audition, some enroll in acting schools, some join gyms to build their physiques, while others start to flaunt their body. These kinds of preparations lead to further competition.

Imagine you are one of those aspirants waiting for a chance to showcase your skills and prove that you are the next superstar and one fine day you receive a message on your phone “you have been scheduled for an auditions, please check your email” Finally, you’ve been called for an auditions and this project means a lot to you. But there are thousands of budding actors who are similar to you or maybe better than you who have been called for the same audition.

What sets you apart?

Appearing for an audition is like appearing for an exam. You need proper planning and preparation. Being prepared will increase your chances of getting shortlisted. Therefore it is very important to have a proper knowledge and understanding about the media industry.
Well... When you are called for an audition, double check the audition time and location. Remember to reach there on time. Arriving early at the audition place will help you relax. You can also use that extra time to read the script and get prepared. As the saying goes “the first impression is the last impression” Try to look presentable. Upon entering the studio you may find number of other actors waiting anxiously for their chance. It is very normal to have a queasy feeling in your stomach or get nervous but don’t let that feeling affect you. Be confident when you enter the room. This would send a signal to all the actors sitting in that room that you are here for serious business. But don’t get over confident. This may ruin your chances. No matter who is in the room, treat everyone with respect and courtesy. While waiting in the audition room, try to avoid chatting with other people. There are high chances of you loosing focus because of that.

Upon receiving the script, read it thoroughly at least once before you start practicing for a particular scene. Find out everything you can about the character you're going to be playing. This will help you to perform better in front of the camera.

Finally your name is called and you enter the room, ready to face the camera. The thing that matters the most for the casting director is your performance. You have to give it your best shot. So, don't try to accelerate your lines. Calm down and speak at appropriate tempo. Make the director believe that you are the character. You need not show that you are very nervous and can't wait for the audition to be over.

We are human so mistakes are bound to happen. If you lose concentration or cannot perform as per your potential or if you feel like trying again, you can always ask the casting director to be allowed to do it again. Be sure not to draw any attention to your mistakes. This can be seen by the casting director. Remember the only thing that will separate you from others is your Attitude. You need to be professional in order to succeed in this industry. Good looks won’t solve everything. The thing that should go well with them is your talent and your professional attitude.

Last but not least, remember a rejection doesn't mean you're no good, it just means that need more time to prepare. Believing in yourself is the only thing that will drive you to places.

So, all the best!!