CONSULTATION
After securing our service, embark on a journey with us through an exclusive workbook. Let's dive into the exercises and uncover the magic that shapes your one-of-a-kind brand!
HEADREELS
ACTOR BRANDING
& DEMO-REELS
“Strategic branding enhances your visibility and improves your chances for roles that you might currently be overlooked for.”
Rick Harkness
ACTOR BRAND CONSULTING PACKAGE
A step by step framework to build your actor brand
$525
$
299.
00
$ is in Canadian Dollars
100% On-Line Meetings. You Can Be Anywhere in the World
Several one-on-one Zoom Meetings
Review Any Existing Headshots, Footage and Socials
Complete a Proprietary Branding Workbook
Develop Your Personal Actor Brand
Agree on a Career Strategy and Next Steps
Invest in your Acting Career!
Sale
WHAT IS HEADREELS?
HEADREELS is an actor branding online service dedicated to helping our clients succeed worldwide.
Whether you are just starting out or been around for a bit, our structured program is laser-focused on identifying your unique identity in the casting world. We work closely with you to align your on-camera presence to attract the roles best suited to you.
Our proven framework, backed by testimonials, ensures you receive affordable, personalized one-on-one coaching.
WHAT WE ARE NOT!
HEADREELS isn’t an acting school or a headshot photography studio. We’re dedicated to one goal: helping you attract auditions and or representation through industry-proven best practices.
THE HEADREELS ADVANTAGE
Having a brand is an advantage when selling your acting services, but not the sole requirement for your success. As a skilled actor, you need to also be able to deliver convincing performances and nurture relationships.
It’s crucial to understand the difference between building a brand that positions you as a go-to choice within the core of your range, versus gaining casting directors’ trust over time to explore your full range.
Branding may help you become a consistently in-demand actor who regularly auditions.
Identifying your sweet spot in the middle of your acting range provides abundant auditions and establishes your presence. As you achieve increased success, additional strategies will further your career growth, and we are here to support you at every step of the way.
YOUR PERSONAL BRAND CONSULTANT
Rick Harkness
Director, Writer & Actor
As a filmmaker, on-camera acting coach, and communication specialist, I bring 15 years of filmmaking experience and over 20 years in marketing and IT consulting. I blend acting techniques with branding and technology to help clients create career strategies that attract representation and auditions. I’m also a member of the Association of Acting Coaches & Educators (AACE).
filming @ outlook.com
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Let’s start with a reality check. Imagine that half of casting decisions are open to all, without restrictions on gender, physicality, ethnicity, or personal traits. Great, right? That means a hypothetical 50% of roles are open to anyone.
But what about the other half of roles? Here’s the truth: besides the obvious reasons, you won’t be considered for many of the other available auditions. This is where factors like typecasting come into play. Unlike stereotyping, which is harmful, typecasting or “branding” is a controlled casting practice that’s limiting but integral to the industry.
In Hollywood, typecasting is the norm. Directors often rely on it to align with audience expectations shaped by media and stereotypes. It’s a way to help audiences instantly recognize characters, especially secondary ones, and keeps stories cohesive for all viewers, regardless of sophistication. This lowest-common-denominator approach may seem oversimplified, but ignoring typecasting can mean missed opportunities and frustration in the long run.
CAREER STRATEGY
The competition is staggering for auditions. Here are some approximate numbers:
Lead Roles (Major Films/TV Shows): 200-500 auditions (from thousands of submissions)
Supporting Roles: 100-300 auditions
Guest/One-Off Roles: 50-150 auditions
Casting Directors quickly scan thousands of thumbnail sized headshots. If you don’t immediately stop their scroll with the desired type, you will be overlooked. Casting directors categorize their preferred actors by type in what is informally known as a “casting buckets”.
Hollywood uses “casting buckets” to categorize actors by looks or vibe, so they can quickly fill roles. That’s why certain actors consistently land similar parts. Intentionally aiming to find and fit into your best-suited “bucket” increases your chances of accessing those other auditions. There are other factors to being in those buckets like acting ability (your demo reel helps). Regardless this is your target to work towards.
While there are other ways to attract representation and auditions, this approach is central until you establish yourself and build trust with casting professionals.
When you’re starting out, focusing narrowly on a specific type makes it easier for casting directors to remember you for that category. Don’t worry; you’ll have opportunities to break free of typecasting, if you’re lucky.
Many actors try to appeal to everyone, but if your type isn’t immediately clear, you’ll likely be passed over as just another generic headshot. And although casting directors do throw in “wild card” actors for variety, you don’t want to rely on being that long-shot choice.
What’s your bucket? What type are you?
ITS ABOUT BALANCE
At HEADREELS, we recognize the downside of typecasting and strive to create a balance. We emphasize your personal essence, showcasing your uniqueness to help you stand out. This approach provides visibility for roles seeking a specific type. Identifying your brand subtly enhances your appeal for typecast roles while preserving options for open calls. Your brand significantly influences the percentage of available auditions, and not branding yourself means forfeiting a percentage of opportunities.
ADD YOURSELF TO THIS LIST
Here are examples of renowned actors who have successfully showcased their unique essence and shaped their distinctive careers. Although they (as you) are capable of playing any character they are often known for the following traits:
- Ryan Reynolds – Charming, Sarcastic, Talkative
- The Rock – Adventurous, Headstrong, Leader
- Robert Downey Jr. – Arrogant, Snarky, Intelligent
- Helena Bonham Carter – Dark, Edgy, Eccentric
- Benedict Cumberbatch – Neurotic, Privileged, Egotistical
- Chris Pratt – Man Child, Lovable, Charismatic
You are a piece in the casting puzzle, showcase your distinct presence to network buyers, setting yourself apart from the competition.
YOU ARE NOT A FLAT HEADSHOT, YOU ARE 3D!
If you rely on a photographer to simply capture a flattering image of you, you risk missing out on roles that actually fit your type. Your headshot needs to grab a casting director’s attention as they scroll through thousands of thumbnails, each looking for a specific type. Why would they stop on you? Because your headshot reflects exactly what they’re looking for, not just a generic “tough” look with a black leather jacket, which many people try and which rarely stands out.
Remember, photographers aren’t casting directors. Most have minimal experience in casting and may not fully understand what makes a headshot effective for audition purposes. While they can offer guidance, it’s your money and your career, don’t let them take over, especially if you haven’t arrived with a clear brand and specific outfits that align with the types you want to portray. Bringing a random mix of clothes for them to choose based on what “looks good” misses the mark for actor headshots. If you need to shop secondhand to put together the right wardrobe, do it, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Photographers are running a business, and they’d love for you to keep coming back. To make the most of your session, interview your photographer to ensure they understand and support your brand vision. Take control, and let them help you capture that look.
Invest the time upfront to get it right—consider a Headreels consult to guide you.
ONE REASON FOR SCARCITY OF AUDITIONS AND REPRESENTATION
If you showed your headshot to a stranger and asked them what they thought you did for a living, or what kind of role you might play in film or TV, would they immediately have an answer, or would they struggle to say? Consider what drives that snap judgment. Like it or not, it often comes down to typecasting and stereotypes. Who are you?
HOW OTHERS PRECEIVE YOU
It’s not how you see yourself, its how others perceive you.
Don’t believe it?
I bet you won’t or have never done the following:
Show your current headshot to 30-50 strangers and ask what they think you do for a living or which character you’d best play. Insist they be brutally honest (avoid friends and family, as they’ll be biased and likely spare your feelings). Then, look for the most common responses. Embrace those opinions to identify your casting type. If those strangers say you look like a homeless person, a nerd, or an executive, you may want to lean into that brand whether you like it or not. If they don’t know or struggle to answer quickly then you need to pivot and adjust.
Headreels can help you identify and showcase your unique essence and personality, enhancing your look to attract roles that truly fit you.
CHALLENGES
A common challenge is actors often end up with headshots that look glamorous or idealized, creating a disconnect with their essence when they show up for auditions. Casting directors don’t appreciate surprises; misrepresenting yourself in your headshots can quickly discourage them from recommending you to their clients. Your headshot needs to be your authentic self.
ACTING CLASSES, IMPROV, VOICE AND MOVEMENT ARE ACTOR TOOLS, WHY NOT BRANDING?
Embracing your brand stems from your natural archetype, essence, and the all the characters you embody. These elements all work together to shape what you attract, and authenticity is key. Building your brand around your true self is a smart career strategy.
BE NATURALLY CAPTIVATING
DISCOVER YOUR ESSENCE
Understand how others really perceive you.
BE PROACTIVE IN YOUR CAREER
Send an email to filming@ outlook.com for pricing and availability.
HIGHLIGHT YOUR BRAND
Capture your real self in a scene made for you.
FIND YOUR TRUE SELF
Send an email to filming@ outlook.com for pricing and availability.
GET MORE AUDITIONS
Attract more auditions or an agent by being the go to person for the roles you are naturally suited for.
BE A WORKING ACTOR
Send an email to filming@ outlook.com for pricing and availability.
TIMELINE
WE ARE CURRENTLY NOT BOOKING DEMO REEL SHOOTS AT THIS TIME ONLY BRAND CONSULTING
HOW WE DO IT
BRAND DEVELOPMENT
Craft a tailor-made scene that perfectly matches your brand! Let's pinpoint your ideal scene partner and choose a filming location that brings your brand to life.
ON LOCATION SHOOT
Embark on location, where we'll block and shoot your scene collaboratively. Let's work hand in hand to bring out your best performance. Afterward, we'll review the footage together to ensure it captures the true essence of your brand!
POST PRODUCTION
Present the polished video files and let's dive into the results! We'll chat about what's next, from headshot consultations to charting your exciting career direction.
TESTIMONIALS
"If you're looking for a high-quality reel along with expert guidance on how to use it, HEAD REELS is the way to go! I was extremely pleased with all the tools Rick provided, enabling me to define my brand. He ensured that every aspect we wanted to highlight was captured in the reel. Rick has a straightforward and effective system. The professional team he works with delivers results that far exceed expectations. The shots and editing are stunning, giving the reel a high-budget look. Working with Head Reels has been a pleasure because they personalize the experience and Rick is uncompromising."
"Your direction for how to shoot and deliver dialogue was absolutely helpful in bringing out the best in me! It was a pleasure working with you"
"I was beyond impressed with professional quality film shoot, on set coaching and expertise."
"Rick went through a branding process that was very engaging and informative with practical steps to give me the enthusiasm to take the next step in my acting career with confidence."
"Rick is positively focused on meeting the needs of the client and getting the best out of the performances while maintaining an encouraging and respectful set."
"Rick assisted me in so many ways with his on-set experience and professionalism. He also helped organized my resume and provided indispensable advice on my headshots."
"Rick provided guidance in the right direction, his encouragement and knowledge are valuable, especially on set. His coaching helped me to realize my best performance, and the footage turned out amazing."
"Working with Rick was an amazing experience. He took the time to help us break down the script to make sure we knew precisely what choices were available. He was highly professional and I definitely recommend."
"Working with Rick is great, he gave me a lot of valuable information and insight regarding my approach to the industry. I really appreciate how he is able to direct me while making practical points that will serve me on other projects and productions."
"I contacted Rick to help me build my brand and was not disappointed. He created great scenes to support my character choices."
"Rick is fun, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with! He gives clear instructions, and it was an overall great experience. I would certainly work with him again."
ACTOR BRAND CONSULTING
A step by step framework to build your actor brand
$525
$
299.
00
$ is in Canadian Dollars
100% On-Line Meetings. You Can Be Anywhere in the World
Several one-on-one Zoom Meetings
Review Any Existing Headshots, Footage and Socials
Complete a Proprietary Branding Workbook
Develop Your Personal Actor Brand
Agree on a Career Strategy and Next Steps
Invest in your Acting Career!
Sale
ACTOR BRAND CONSULTING & DEMO REEL
Custom ServiceNO AVAILABILITY AT THIS TIME
Many Customizable Options!
Personalized Written Script
Provided Scene Partner
With or Without Brand Consulting and PDF
All Shot On Location
Premium Location Options
Post Production
Competitively Priced!
And more!