Hi, my name is ---
This week, I want to talk about something that I've been processing for a long time. . . the role of privacy in an actor's life. In that spirit, I've posted a classic facebook picture of me in my dorm (OMG, facebook!)
But first, an anecdote:
My mom told me a story 3 days ago, and I feel like I should share it with you.
My mother's friend's friend works for the postal service. My Mother's friend's friend delivers mail to a University. And since none of the students were on campus during break, my Mother's friend's friend gave my Mother's friend a bunch of undelivered coupons to Victoria's Secret.
Why is this relevant? Because in my ignorant, innocent youth (meaning my life up until 3 days ago), I viewed postal workers as etheral beings divinely connected to the Godhead, carefully orchestrating the precise delivery of certain documents that would come to define my future life-path and contributions to mankind as we know it. Now, I've realized that, oh crudmuffins! They're just people.
And people are nosy. And people make mistakes. And people might deliver my headshot to the wrong office. They might open up the clear envelopes I use and check out what's inside. They might pick up a postcard I dropped on the ground and stick it to their calendar at ten o'clock at night in downtown like that valet once did, thereby making me an involuntary pin-up (don't ask. Another day, another blog). But the point is, people are imperfect, curious creatures, and it makes me realize why it's so important NOT to have my personal info anywhere. In fact, "Valerie Brandy," isn't even my full name. That's right, you can't even google me properly if you're looking for my high school self. All you get is college Valerie, adult Valerie, actor Valerie. And I like it that way.
Because, as much as privacy isn't a part of this business, there are certain things that should be kept secret (like your address). I realize that publicity is a huge part of marketing yourself and making sure that people know you exist, which is why I'm writing this article-- to suggest a happy medium. Never put your personal contact info on Internet materials. I always put my number on my resume, but I completely trust the industry players I'm giving it to to make sure it stays in safe circles. The Internet, however, is open to anyone, and it's important to be careful. If you don't have representation, then get a phone line specifically for acting, or make sure your cell isn't searchable with your address anywhere (google it, you'd be surprised). It's better to be safe than sorry.
And to all you postal workers out there- You may not be celestial beings manifested through wormholes in the fourth dimension, but you're definitely hard-working people who help facilitate communication. Thanks for making sure my headshots get where they're going. : D
Much Love,
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