Why Actors Should Join Twitter

Social networking has become an important marketing tool for actors in recent years. If you are taking the time to read Backstage, then chances are- you are serious about your career. Allow me to offer up a solid piece of advice: JOIN TWITTER.

Why, you may ask? Simply put, Twitter allows you to have direct contact with Casting Directors, Agents, Producers, Actors, Directors, etc. No other online community provides this invaluable connection. I know, I know…another social media site? I was the first person to say, “Ugh! I will never join Twitter!” I mean, what the hell can I possibly say in just 140 characters? And why does everyone have a @ and a # in their tweets? What does it all mean?! I gave up before I even knew I wanted to start.

What ultimately made me bite the bullet and join was my good friend @tweetenglish. He works in the Online Media field and assured me that Twitter is a great tool for one’s career. He would share information on the Twitter network, people would retweet it and he would even have conversations with people he admired in his field. People whose careers he emulated and respected. “As an actress, it would be hugely beneficially for you to join. Imagine, you could have an online conversation with your idols? That’s what I’m doing.”

You mean I could talk to Cate Blanchett about how I think she is completely brilliant? Or tell Jim Carrey that his performance in ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ was totally underrated and that he deserved more recognition for that role? An actor friend of mine was also pushing me to join. He said quite simply: “Tamara, twitter allows you to have a direct link to casting directors, coaches, agents, etc. You would be foolish not to join.”

Okay…maybe I could try this out.

 I started my profile (ps- it was easier than Facebook), put up a headshot and stated that I was  an actress in my profile. I provided direct links to my website and online reel. I began “following” casting directors, agents, directors, acting magazines, online casting services, etc. Slowly but surely, some of these people began following me back. While I was slow to start, I began to realize that this was actually a wonderful way to connect with people that you may not otherwise have a connection to. Some of these people post casting notices directly on their Twitter feeds, some will vent their frustrations about actor faux-pas giving invaluable tips on how to behave in a casting office, while others will upload links to websites with insider information on classes, seminars and workshops in the area.

What really sold me: I booked the lead in a short film through Twitter. How, you may ask? I saw a casting notice on LACastings and submitted myself. I didn’t hear anything back, but I knew I would be perfect for the role. By chance, I checked to see if the director for the project was on Twitter and sure enough, she was. I sent her a tweet and got an audition within the same day. I booked it. Another example of why Twitter is a great tool for actors: I was invited to a free screening of ‘Horrible Bosses’ just last week, all because I follow a film critic (Ben Lyons). I also saw a casting notice on a twitter feed that didn’t really apply to me, but was perfect for a friend of mine so I sent him the information. He begins shooting as the male lead next week.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to take hold of your career and make something of it. Hopefully this little clue will help you take the reigns.

 Follow me on Twitter: @tamaradhia

--Tamara Dhia

Comments

[Lenka]

I love twitter because you can meet a lot of fellow actors = making friends, share info, help each other promoting each others work. And also the amount of information floating through there, I've learned so much. I wasn't hooked on twitter on the first try, forgot about my account for years and then this January/February I rejoined under different account and what a huge difference it made for me and it definitely helped me to settle down in London. I can't but recommend twitter to anyone. No matter how far you are with your career, get on it!

[Jen]

You might want to also check out the LA Actor Tweetups. They are great networking events that happen about every 6 weeks. Their twitter account is @LAActorsTweetup . Mine is @thejenlevin if you'd like to follow me. ;-)

[Tamara Dhia]

I totally agree Lenka!

And thanks Jen! I actually follow LA Actor Tweetups already and will do my best to make it to the next event. It's little things like that to prove the point in my blog post. It's a great networking tool :)

[Christine]

Thanks for the tips! :)

[Tamara Dhia]

My pleasure Christine!

[Tony English]

Great post!! Weather your an actor or film maker using every tool at your disposal is key to success. Twitter is a great way to connect with people and your post proves why. Thanks for your advice. Im about to get my tweet on right now!!

[Mercedes Rose]

I am with ya on the whole Twitter is awesome thing! I love it. And while the learning curve is a big one, it is totally worth it!
Tweet on,
Mercedes Rose
@girlactor

[Blake Jamieson]

Tamara, you are SPOT ON with this article! You were seriously one of my biggest inspirations to write my latest book (which expands on the same principle). I really appreciate the time you put into explaining why actors should leverage Twitter! Thank you :)
Sincerely,
@blakejamieson