Jana VanDyke founder of The Jana VanDyke Agency, located in Atlanta, Georgia has worked with some of the biggest names in the movie business such as Lionsgate and Gold Circle productions by securing the talent and helping them get achieve blockbuster hits. Her talent has been seen in ER, Haunted Mansion, Ace Ventura Pet Detective, Daddy’s Little Girls, Why Did I Get Married, Desperate Housewives, Eli Stone, Law and Order, Drop Dead Divas, Army Wives, Burn Notice and many more.
With Jana’s experience you can see why her expertise is critical for someone just starting out in the acting business. Below are my questions and her answers to what producers are looking for in their next star…
Do You Look Like a Star?
Q. People will say, “You have the look of a star!” Is there a certain look that Hollywood is looking for? If so what does “the look” look like?
Jana: No I really do not think that there is one look to go after. Hollywood is always looking for new faces and you should just look like yourself. If someone says that “you look like a star”, maybe they just see something in your eyes that says, I’m going to be a star.
How to Act During Auditions
Q. How do you suggest that desiring actors present themselves during an audition?
Jana: Always be confident and secure within yourself. Don’t say “I’m nervous”. Just do what they tell you and follow direction but exude confidence. With that being said, stay away from being egotistical. Be yourself and believe in yourself and it will shine through.
Headshots
Q. How much emphasis is placed on the headshot of an actor?
Jana: A good bit actually. Your headshot needs to be something simple yet professional that shows off the true you. A skilled photographer can capture that for you. Less is more with a headshot but a home shot is not acceptable. Make that investment in your career and keep your headshots up to date with your current look. I advise having new headshots done about once every six months or after you have changed your hairstyle.
Are You a Star?
Q. What is the one characteristic that actors need to possess in order to reach stardom?
Jana: As stated earlier. CONFINDENCE. Without it you will get NOWHERE.
Q. How important is having an Internet presence to an aspiring actor?
Jana: Having an Internet presence is critical to your success as an actor! You need to have several different web pages that you can refer someone to at any given moment. Be that a Facebook page, your own website or IMDB. It is very important for you as an actor to be able to show off your skills and personal acting desires with anyone at any given time. I would even suggest a Twitter site so you can build your fan base and keep people updated on what you are doing.
My personal 2-cents
Having an online presence is critical for your success. We are in the age of the Internet and if you can show the directors that you have a large following than you will be hired. Why? Directors want actors who will sell tickets. If you have 1,000s of followers online they will hire you over someone else who has no following but possesses equal or slightly better talent because when they hire you they will also get your following. Your following means free marketing for them.
About the Jana VanDyke Agency
The Jana VanDyke Agency, located in Atlanta, Georgia can help you take your acting career to the next level. For more information on her agency you can contact The Jana VanDyke Agency.
I’m just a confident person ready to explore new things in life.