TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Showbiz Articles Listing

Looking for some industry tips from the trenches? Maybe some opinions about the state of the nation in the film world from an independent’s viewpoint?

Well, welcome to - Tips & Tricks: The Industry Articles. Here you’ll find articles and opinions about independent film, the acting industry and running a business in the entertainment industry.

Here are a listing of the various articles you’ll find on the entertainment industry …

• The Business of Scriptwriting
  Articles relating directly to the business of sceenwriting
• The Business of Filmmaking
  Articles relating directly to the business of filmmaking
• The Business of Acting
  Articles relating to the business of acting
• The Business of Business
  Articles relating to the business of business from a filmmaker’s point of view

The Business of Scriptwriting

10 Steps to Successfully Writing Your Masterpiece for The Stage or Screen Hosted over at Squidoo as a lens (so the above link will open in a new window), this article covers the basics of successfully writing your screenplay or theatrical play in 10 relatively easy steps. Also includes helpful links to related sites, including a list of links to FREE software and templates for writers.

The Business of Filmmaking

Pitching for Success Also hosted over at Squidoo as a lens (so the above link will open in a new window) Ever been asked to describe your film concept or script in 200 words or less? Asked to give a quick breakdown in a meeting? Been at a party and had someone ask you what your film’s about? Chances are, you have. So how do you give your project the best shot in the least amount of time? How do you pitch?

What’s the Buzz? How do you get your latest independent project in development noticed by people other than your Mum? Is there really a way to get free press and attention other than running naked down Melbourne’s Swanston Street?

Judging A Book By Its Cover Image is everything – especially in the entertainment industry. So how do you create an image for your film that’s cheap, easy and effective?

“AussieWood Rules! Ok? Everything old is new again – Hollywood might feel that Australia has come out of nowhere to tug at the golden crown of filmmaking, but they should have read the history books before demonstrating in the streets …

Internet Indies, Join The Revolution With films such as The Blair Witch Project utilizing the power of the internet, why aren’t more independent filmmakers taking advantage of this incredible marketing opportunity?

[back to top]

The Business of Being an Actor

The Audition Survival Guide The thing a majority of actors fear … AUDITIONS! Here are a few tips and some advice on how to survive this necessary element of being an actor.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Your Headshot You’ve started on the road to an acting career and you’d like to find yourself an agent and/or some work. Well, getting an agent isn’t the easiest thing on the planet, and work can be a little thin on the ground for all actors, represented or otherwise, but the first step is putting together a strong package that will sell the product – you – well.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Your CV What do you put on your CV? What happens if you don’t have a lot to list? What should you include and omit? This is a short guide on how to put together a professional CV – no matter how many credits you have.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Your Showreel Showreels – an important tool of the trade and one that you have to get right. Here are a few suggestions on how to get started.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Your Website Every actor should have a website. Don’t know how to do it? Don’t know where to start – well, here are a few suggestions …

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: You and Your Agent

What is the role of your agent?  Should you change your agent if things aren’t going well?  Read this article first before making any rash moves …

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Being a Freelance Actor

Advice to Australian actors working in the industry without representation by an agent.  (Also applicable to those who do have an agent)

The Resting Actor: Suggested Jobs for Actors Between Gigs

Ideas for “other” jobs actors can take on when “resting” (being in-between gigs).

[back to top]

The Business of Business

Structuring For Success (for Australian filmmakers) Boring as it sounds to those of us who live to be creative, if you’re about to launch into producing your own film, you’re going to need to look at what kind of business structure will be behind it – as investors will be doing exactly the same thing. Here is a brief rundown of the different kind of company and legal structures available in Australia that may help to give you a better idea of what’s available.

Making Business Personal – Yes Filmmakers, This One’s For You What do you see your film company doing in five years? How will you handle a failure in the movie business? What are your goals for the future? How do you plan for success, and failure? All this and more comes down to making business personal – investing personal energy and goal-setting into your film business future.

Marketing the Dot Com of your Film The Internet is the best way to get your company, yourself and your film out to the general public, as we all know. So now that you’ve built and published your website, how do you get Joe Public and the rest of the industry to drop by for a bit of a squizz?

Running Your Film Empire From Home Yep, we filmmakers all have to start somewhere, and for most of us that’s at home in our bedroom, loungeroom, or, if we’re really lucky, our home office. Here are a few Golden Rules on how to run your budding film empire from the comforts of your living space – from one who’s been there.

[back to top]

Please feel free to contact us with any article suggestions or opinions relating to The Industry Articles.