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What about personal branding for actors?

June 2, 2009 By 3 Comments

 Today there are thousands of TV-shows, some run just a few episodes, others play numerous seasons, some last for decades. The actors in these TV-shows usually grow very famous for the role they are playing, and people start knowing them for the character from the show.

Many times in the past I have read stories that the actors want “out” from the series because they are afraid that they will get stuck in a particular genera, and wont be offered other types of roles.

Even though I always missed the characters when they left and the show usually changes when a main character leave, I usually agreed with the actors when they in the articles said it to be a career move. And a while later I also moved on the another show.

However, lately I have been thinking about this phenomenon and the fact that the actors that leave these series rarely become very famous doing something else. Of course there are exceptions, actors who have done very good after leaving a show, but mostly they disappear.

I cannot say for sure what the reason is to why they never return to their fame again. But it is probably good for them like it is for the rest of us, to stick with the things that you are good at. There are so many actors that only do comedies, science fictions movies or action movies. Most of their roles are very similar, just a new plot and new names. But these actors are the big ones, who we love, whom we want to watch in movie after move.

My point here is, that actors should really think about their personal brand and stick to what they are good at. Sure they should practise other stuff as well, but never disappoint a customer, or in this case a fan.

What do you think about this? Do you agree or disagree? Am I missing something? Please share your views.

 

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  • http://www.thesavvyactor.com/ Jodie Bentley

    Hi Annelie,

    You are actually right on the money. I own a company in NYC called The Savvy Actor and I coach actors on branding and marketing. An actor does need to know what they sell – what is their brand, or what we like to call your essence. That is what you do best, your strength, what makes you unique. What we as culture “buy” is a brand promise. We know exactly what we are getting when we walk into Starbucks or an Apple store. An actor should have a brand promise as well. Some actors can morph and change their brand – look at Tom Hanks. Others will stay pretty consistent – Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts.
    It is important to know one’s personal brand and be consistent in delivering on that brand. That evokes trust in your fans, and in agents, casting directors, directors, etc.

  • http://www.thesavvyactor.com Jodie Bentley

    Hi Annelie,

    You are actually right on the money. I own a company in NYC called The Savvy Actor and I coach actors on branding and marketing. An actor does need to know what they sell – what is their brand, or what we like to call your essence. That is what you do best, your strength, what makes you unique. What we as culture “buy” is a brand promise. We know exactly what we are getting when we walk into Starbucks or an Apple store. An actor should have a brand promise as well. Some actors can morph and change their brand – look at Tom Hanks. Others will stay pretty consistent – Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts.
    It is important to know one’s personal brand and be consistent in delivering on that brand. That evokes trust in your fans, and in agents, casting directors, directors, etc.

  • http://twitter.com/sayomartin Sayo Martin

    I don’t think actors should pigeon-hole themselves in any role, but the fact is all actors represent some sort of “type” and casting directors, who receive hundreds of headshots and resumes for even the smallest role, are looking for the best type and level of experience. Most actors are looking for roles that can take them to the next level or at least show range. Its definitely important to know your brand identity and have a game plan that will hopefully keep your career from going in repetitive meaningless cycles. http://www.alchemistintraining.com/actorsbrandingguide