Resumes for Actors and Models

Resumes for models and actors are distinctly different from those prepared for individuals laboring in the business arena.  While it is acceptable for applicants in industry to submit two-page resumes if their backgrounds warrant it, the resumes of those who maneuver in front of the camera should be no longer than a single page.  In a moment, the rational for this will be clear.

The reverse side of the one-page resume, which would normally remain blank for business-oriented employees, should hold an 8″ x 10″ black and white image of the model or actor, preferably, a headshot.  This must be in the form of an actual photograph, not a computer printout.  While the photograph should be as flattering as possible, it should also be fairly recent; not, for instance, a shot of the applicant at the age of 20 if he/she is now 38.  Duplicity may get a candidate in the door of the interview, but it will also get him or her quickly tossed out.

Resumes for people in industry are usually narrative in nature, with the statements that are often bulleted.  It is passé and indeed, not beneficial, to include data concerning one’s personal appearance.  Conversely, it is imperative that resumes for actors and models contain truthful information concerning one’s height, weight, color of eyes and hair, and body type (athletic, voluptuous, stout, etc.).  In addition, an actor’s resumes must contain the name of the productions in which he or she has appeared, indications of same as feature or independent films, theater, or commercials, the dates of employment, and the name of the character that the applicant has portrayed.  If a major production, the candidate will wish to include the name of the producer, director, and/or leading actor.

Models must indicate the form of print advertising in which they have appeared as well as the vehicle itself (i.e., billboard, brochure, magazine).  Critical information entails the name of the publication, the date of its issue, and the title of the feature/spread or the name of the company or organization promoting its products or services.   Some models are contracted for runway work.  Should this be the case, the date of the live fashion show, the designer’s name, and the name of the venue must appear on the resume.  Entries for such resumes would appear, for example, as:

As high fashion and the performing arts are extremely competitive fields, applicants should present themselves to the fullest advantage by listing any and all distinctive features and/or talents in a section entitled, “Special Skills/Looks”.  A sampling of the data listed in this section would be: Italian accent, Eurasian look, juggling, and singing (contralto).  While these additions may seem, at first glance, humorous, they can very well facilitate the hiring director’s decision, as he or she may be seeking a very specialized look or talent.

Another significant difference between model and actor resumes and those for business is that, in the visual arts and entertainment fields, employers do not utilize talent acquisition management software.   While candidates for the acting and modeling professions sometimes solicit work directly, more often than not, they have contracted the services of individual agents and talent agencies to assist in securing auditions.