Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/48976
moved from stage to film to radio to television. And with the emergence of the Internet, everything has changed about the business of being an actor yet again. "One thing is for certain: The O industry is changing, as are the rules. If you don't change with them, no amount of luck will help you. We now live in a digital age and the days of stapling a resume to a headshot are long past," said Houston Branch President and National Board member Robert Nelson. Being plugged in has never been more important. If you're one of the people who has been holding out, it may be time to reconsider. As an actor, you need to make it easy for casting directors to reach you. Like it or not, today that means being reachable online. If you don't have an email address, register for free with one of the online email services such as Gmail or Yahoo. Also, be sure your Guild has your correct email address so you can receive important member information, casting and event announcements, and members-only deals and discounts. But that is just the starting point. Once you make the move to start managing your professional life online, you will find a wealth of resources. Technology is making inroads into the auditioning process. Actors may audition and book their job without ever seeing the casting director in person. Corey Stoll, who starred in Law & Order: LA, got the call to audition for the role while visiting a friend in France. "I usually would have used my HD video camera, but I didn't bring it with me, so we had to use the video function of my girlfriend's point-and-shoot camera," Stoll said. "We didn't have a tripod, so we put together a Rube Goldberg device consisting of a suitcase, a chair and a broken easel. For lighting, we had the soſt aſternoon sun that inspired Van Gogh and Manet. Aſter recording my audition and editing it on iMovie, I uploaded it to my MobileMe gallery. A couple hours later I got word that Allen Coulter, the director of the pilot, wanted to Skype with me to give me directions for another self-taping ver the years, advances in technology have had a major impact on the art of being an actor, as popular media GET CONNECTED TODAY! 1 MAKE SURE SAG HAS YOUR CORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS. Receive important member info, deals and discounts, casting announcements and more. Log in at SAG.org, click on the "Member Services" tab and select "My Information." 2 REGISTER WITH THE SAG FOUNDATION. Sign up at SAGFoundation.org for invites to free member events in your area or streaming online. 3 SIGN UP FOR SAG AWARDS INFO. By registering at SAGAwards.org, eligible members will receive updates and invites to screenings in your area. 4 GO GREEN WITH ONLINE BILLING. session. All said, the process from getting the audition to test deal was about 48 hours." The smart use of technology helps Save paper and postage; sign up at SAG.org/onlinebilling to receive your dues bill via email. do, they want to see information that is up to actors break down regional barriers and allows them to compete for a larger pool of jobs. Most importantly, though, technology gives actors the tools to take command of their careers. If you don't have the proper equipment, no problem, facilities are available for use at numerous locations around the country. In Hollywood, the SAG Foundation's Actors Center offers up a computer lab, video recording equipment and more. Similarly, the Foundation's Don LaFontaine Voice-Over Lab offers resources for members who do voiceover work. The New York Division Member Lounge has four computers with limited Internet connectivity for member use. Also, joining SAG's N.Y. Conservatory (a good idea, anyway) grants access to facilities for creating audition tapes. Potential employers know that actors have these resources at their fingertips, and that has raised expectations — a simple headshot oſten isn't enough anymore; they want to see what you can SAG.org date and they want it all easily accessible. Florida Branch members may avail themselves of the Actors Corner, a facility that provides members access to digital video recording equipment, computers, editing soſtware and a variety of other tools. Chicago members have the Kaufherr Members Resource Center, where union actors can hone their skills, use audio and video recording equipment, network and more. Casting directors say you should never go to an audition without doing your homework first, and once again, technology is your friend. The Internet provides limitless opportunities for research, whether you want to know more about a production, a casting director, a period in history or what a particular accent sounds like. With information at your fingertips, there's no excuse for being unprepared. Another useful and free service for members is iActor (iActor.com), SAG's online casting directory. It allows paid-up Fall 2011 - SCREEN ACTOR 37