Typing Yourself

Typing Yourself
By Peter Elliott (03-10-2004)

Having been a replacement board member for SAG and becoming more active on many committees, I have had the opportunity to meet some well know working actors. Many of them are current or recent series regulars on television. One of the most interesting observations that I have made is also one of the most important steps to marketing yourself as an actor:

These actors are very similar to the characters they are known for!

I’m not taking away from their talent by any stretch of the imagination. But I am trying to make a point that is critical to making it in Hollywood. It is imperative that you are very realistic about your "type", since it will be the main determining factor in what you are called in to audition for until you become a recognizable name.

When I cast, I can tell you that the first hurdle an actor jumps through is when they walk through the door. If they don’t appear to be right for the role, they will have to really blow me away with the reading to make me call them back.

What is Type?

For many actors, the problem is knowing what your type really is. Many of us perceive our own looks and mannerisms differently than the people who meet us. But having a realistic take on how others see us, especially those who cast actors, is critical. It can be a harsh reality for many, but until you tackle it, you won’t be able to effectively market yourself.

When you walk into a room full of strangers, there are certain judgement calls you unconsciously make. Some have to do with the way people dress, but most of it has to do with the way people look, how they move and what type of signals they give off. This is the true essence of typing. It has nothing to do with your ability to play a role. It stems from the caster’s viewpoint of whether you look the part.

I’ve played roles on stage ranging from a 70-year-old man to a young British punk rocker. I even walked around town in the make-up as both characters (yes, I probably do need to get a life) and fooled people in one-on-one conversations. But there is no way I would be cast to play either one on TV or in films.

Finding Your Type

To find your type, you must be willing to let go of your current ideas and be open to accept how others view you based solely on your looks and mannerisms. A good friend can’t really help you there because they know you too well. You need to opinions of strangers and acquaintances.

There are many ways to go about doing this. First, you need to see how much you can decide about people from looking at them. Go to a restaurant, mall, airport or anywhere people hang out and look around. See what impressions you get of people based upon their type. How would you cast them? What judgement calls would you make if you had two minutes to decide?

Now that you know it’s possible, the next step is to make a questionnaire for others. You want to have a broad spectrum of questions that will help others type you. Generally, a majority of multiple choice questions are better than open-ended ones. Do they think you are attractive, gorgeous, plain or a character? Are you blue collar or white collar worker? What occupations do they see you in? Are you warm or aloof, happy or sad, funny or serious, powerful or weak, confident or insecure? The more broad your questionnaire, the better off you will be.

Then ask your friends to come over and help "type" you by using the questionnaire. Make any necessary changes to your questionnaire, then put their papers aside and then head out to a mall with someone and have them ask people to look at you and give their impressions. Don’t speak at all. Most people don’t mind helping if you are polite. Believe me, they will be able to answer these questions without even hearing your voice. After all, you did earlier in the restaurant, mall or airport.

Once you have a collection of questionnaires, it’s now time to tally them up and find out what others think of you. Remember that this isn’t personal. It’s just based upon their first impressions. Relax and be open to what you will learn.

Using Your Type

Now that you have a better idea about your type, look at your marketing materials and see if they reflect it. Do your headshots say the same thing as the people who typed you? Are you marketing to casting directors who cast shows that cast your type? Have you been submitting on roles that are your type? This re-evaluation of your marketing will allow you to target roles and casting people who are more likely to use your type and therefore, more likely to call you in. And after all, isn’t that the point?