The introductory :30 video is mandatory, if you wish to enter America’s Next Hot Movie Star.

The purpose of the video is just what the title suggests; to introduce yourself to me, to the producers, and to the voters. Understand this; the old adage is true…you only get one opportunity to make a first impression.

With that in mind…let’s make a great vid. Here’s some tips that will help.

I have been involved in over a thousand casting sessions in my career. Some, even, with Academy Award winning directors and producers. I can’t emphasize how important a good, first impression
is. A great smile…manners…courtesy and, sometimes, a hearty handshake (unless you’re meeting Howie Mandel) can go a long way in setting the tone for a good audition.

The very same applies in person or on video.

Often, when you interview with a casting director, agent, or producer, you will hear this deadly admonition…”So, tell me about yourself.”

Why is it…deadly? Because most actors will, predictably, fall into the trap of responding to that statement. You see, it’s a horrible interview question. The reason being, most people will respond to that directive by reciting their stats and resume. That is rarely interesting; and, most of the time….boring.

“Well…I’m 27. I’m married. I have two children. And I just finished Les Miz at the community playhouse….”

“Ok…..next!!!”

How many times has that happened to you, and you walk out of the appointment, frustrated, wanting to surgically remove your tongue…because you KNOW you’re much more interesting than you just demonstrated.

Relax. All is not lost. It really is just a ‘technique’ issue. As the interviewee, you must quickly identify poor interviewer technique and save the day anyway. So…the next time you hear…”So, tell me about yourself”…you must pretend you just heard…

”So,
tell me an absolutely, engaging story, that will render me helplessly and hopelessly compelled by you…and the only recourse I have is to fall madly infatuated with you and do everything I can to give you a job.”

You see, THAT is what the interviewer is REALLY trying to ask…when they spew….”So, tell me about yourself”. But, for some reason…few can actually get it out.

Why is this important?  Because a person is more interesting when they are telling a story, rather than, reciting their resume.  When you relate a story, particularly, a story you care about...emotion is naturally attached to it.  That brings out your personality, much more than the regurgitation of your resume.

So...WHAT kind of story?  ANY kind of story!

It can be the story of your first kiss.  Your first date.  Your first day at school.  The day the kid threw up on your shoe at standing in line at WalMart.  The day you won the lottery.  The day your pants ripped.  Or even, the 1979 Ford Pinto that ran you off the road on the way to the audition.

So…on your introductory video…tell me your name…and then, tell me an absolutely engaging story, that will render me helplessly and hopelessly compelled.

The subject of the story can be anything: your first kiss, your first crush, your first car, your first day in jail, the day you won the lottery, the day Coolio found your wallet in a cab, or even, the day you took a piss with Elvis.

The story can even be ‘borrowed’ from a friend.

The point is…when you engage in telling a story…you, generally, will engage the person listening. And, when you delight in the story that you tell…the listener, generally, will delight in you, as well.

Now…off you go. Make your introductory video. Only one rule… Don’t act…be yourself.