The three pieces that I want to highlight today are not only all gorgeous and inspiring, but they all incorporate live performance in different ways. When I think of how performers are used in animation, my first thought is that performers are used to give voice to the characters. Also, through films like “The Lord of the Rings” and “Avatar” we’ve seen actors used for motion or performance capture, their every move and gesture “captured” by a computer and then used by the animators to give the characters life. In terms of working in Hollywood films, commercials and videos, both of these areas are growing markets, but they aren’t the use of performers in animation that I want to highlight today.

Ryan Woodward, the animator of the first piece below, Thought of You, talks about the “itch to do something unique” and the “inner beast of creativity”. He has worked as a storyboard artist on some of Hollywood’s biggest films – Spiderman 2 and 3, Where the Wild Things Are, and Cowboys and Aliens, to name just a few. He works with the choreographer Kori Wakamatsu and four dancers for the creation of his film. The dancers aren’t hooked up to machines to calculate their precise movements but in the making of video you can see Ryan closely watching them and then interpreting their movements in his gorgeous drawings (of which he made over 20,000!).

You can see all the collaborators in this making of documentary.

This next piece, Tyger, by Guilherme Marcondes, uses a mix of traditional puppetry, photography and computer generated animation. The film was inspired by William Blake’s poem The Tyger, and in the book Animation in Process by Andrew Selby, Guilherme talks about why he kept the puppeteers visible in the final product.

That’s a reference to a line in the poem that questions the origin of this supernatural animal; “Was it created by God?” “Is it the image of a human desire?” There’s no answer to that in the text. I thought that using the direct puppet manipulation and showing the controlling dark figures was the perfect visual translation of that mystery.

In these last pieces, Miwa Matreyek is both the live performer and the animator. She uses a mix of rear and front projections, music and her own body to create her mesmerizing pieces.

Brings Miranda’s famous line from The Tempest to mind -

O, wonder!
How many goodly creatures are there here!
How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world,
That has such people in’t!

Image at top is a still from “Thought of You” by Ryan Woodward

Ms. Joy,

I want to do something fun and different, particularly different for me. I’ve been toying around with the idea of starting my own Twitter chat. I’ve participated in a ton of them and I’ve seen how it helped the owner’s Twitter following and reputation grow. I think that doing one myself will really help my branding, respect, and word of mouth.

The only thing is I have no idea what to do or how to do it. I’m also not sure what’s off limits to use as a topic. I don’t want to be boring and I don’t want to be a repeat. Can you give me some ideas of how to brand and publicize my Twitter chat successfully?

-Feeling Chatty

Dear Feeling Chatty,

I love Twitter chats! They’re a great way to share information, engage the Twitter community, gather fans and followers, sell products (indirectly) and just have fun.

I’ve helped market and grow Twitter chats and I participate in Kellye Crane’s #solopr whenever I can because I’m inspired by the topics. However, I’ve never started a Twitter chat myself because it is a true labor of love. Before you go down this road, make sure you have time to devote to it. The last thing you want is to start cancelling chats or letting your topic collect a thick layer of dust. With that in mind, branding and publicizing your chat boils down to topic, time, technique, and talking about it.

You can’t start from where you are until you know where that is, so, although picking your topic can seem banal, it’s actually fundamental. If you’re aiming for the chat to increase your brand awareness, then your topic needs to make sense for your brand and adhere to your key messages.  If you keep your chat close to your brand’s core, you will better resist the temptation to let the chat be all things to everyone just so it will grow. Be on brand and on topic and grow a true community from there.

Your chat is going to be identified by a hashtag [ # ] and this needs to be catchy as well as memorable. Since tweets can only be 140 characters, I suggest picking a chat name that is 6-9 characters including the hashtag. This way, tagging won’t eat up too much of anyone’s tweet.

Once you have your topic and fabulous name realized, you need to decide when your chat will take place. Again, be realistic about how much time you can give this. The only rule with time is to be consistent. If you want to do every Tuesday at 2PM EST, then let it be that. If you know you only have the first Tuesday of every month, then you better pick that time slot.

Your chat can’t grow if folks don’t know when to find you. Recall every time a network has messed with the timeslot of your favorite show- it will feel just like that to your tweeps if you let them down with the schedule.

The next important step is to determine your technique or chat style. You can keep it free flowing and informal where everyone jumps in suggesting topics, you can be structured with a Q & A style or, you can even bring in special guests who have deeper insight of the topic. Again, the only rule is to stay consistent so that people know the rules.

After you get all the details out of the way, you can move on to the publicity. You have to talk about the chat and give it life. Make a webpage just for the chat that explains what it is or add the details to your website. Let all of your contacts on all your social networks know about it and invite them to join in. List the details in your email signature and on your business cards. Seek and search for strangers on Twitter who might find interest in your topic and invite them to join in.

Don’t stop, yet. List your information in this free Google Twitter chat spreadsheet that anyone can access as long as they have the link. Be friendly to newbies- who might be overwhelmed- by retweeting what they contribute or giving them a personal shoutout after the chat. Let all your chatters know that everyone’s insight is valuable.

By linking your topic to your brand, keeping a reliable schedule and format, and spreading the word in fun, friendly ways you can grow a Twitter chat that will complement your overall brand goals. Plus, you’ll meet some amazing folks along the way. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Keep rising!
Joy

If you have a publicity or PR-related question to ask Joy, send it to joy@doitinpublic.com with the subject “Ask Joy”.

We’re thrilled that journalist Christopher Vaughan chose to profile our site in Backstage! You can check out the article here. Like so many others, we started our careers through the auditions that would come out every Thursday in the actors’ “paper of record,” so it’s especially sweet to be on the receiving end of its attention. And thanks to our fab contributors Kai Soremekun and Cris D’Annunzio for their kind quotes.

Photo of Sarah & Claire by Amanda Rowan

Tammy has nearly 15 years public relations experience providing her the opportunity to build long-standing relationships with a variety of media outlets. Starting her career at Medialink, the leading broadcast PR company in New York, Tammy was responsible for overseeing PR strategy and cultivating media contacts. Taking her knowledge and skills out on her own, she has worked on a variety of projects spanning the entertainment, lifestyle, technology, medical, non-profit, consumer product, and publishing fields.

You can read Tammy Lynn’s article on assembling materials for your press kit – with examples of bios & press releases – here.

It’s Time to Start Building Your Buzz

In today’s fast paced entertainment industry, it’s not enough to be artistically productive if no one knows about you or your projects. We all know incredibly talented, well-trained actors that just aren’t getting the opportunity to strut their stuff. Whether it’s for financial reasons, lack of imagination, or fear of failure, the bottom line is that studios and networks are taking fewer risks on unfamiliar talent. They want actors that are considered “bankable,” as evidenced by the large number of celebrities showing up on television and in independent films these days. Casting directors are given a “list” of talent from which they’re to start a project, leaving little room for thinking outside the box.

For this reason, it’s more important than ever that an actor starts thinking about how to utilize PR to elevate their career and build their buzz from the beginning.

So, now that we all agree on that…what exactly can you do to get started?

The Big Picture

First, you need to understand a few things about the media itself. There are different types: broadcast television & radio, print magazines & newspapers, and online outlets; and each are geared toward a specific audience. Industry trades like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline.com, Broadcasting & Cable, etc. cover the business of “the Biz.” They report on the details behind the scenes of the entertainment industry, the playmakers, companies, and deals that literally create Hollywood. These outlets are interested in you and your projects when you’re first cast in a role, sell a script, or land that distribution deal for your film.

On the flip side, consumer outlets like Entertainment Weekly, LA Times, EOnline.com, and People magazine, etc. want to hear about you and your projects when they’re releasing. They like to be able to tell their readers when and where they can watch you, using interviews and photos as teasers for soon-to-be-released projects.

It’s All About Timing

When thinking about a timeline for sending out a press release or pitching a story idea, it’s important to understand that magazines generally need a long lead time. They plan their issues 4-5 months in advance, so you have to start really early to land a story in them. Weekly magazines and newspapers like 1-2 months advance notice and dailies prefer 3-4 weeks if possible. Online outlets are the fastest growing segment of media and are looking for stories 24/7, so they can turn a story around very quickly.

These details are important to understand when figuring out exactly which outlets might be interested in covering you at various times throughout the life of any given project. It’s good to start thinking about how to capitalize on PR as soon as you book a role, so you can plan ahead. The longer lead time you have, the more you can create different pitches for the various types of media.

Not Just the Facts, Ma’am

A press release takes certain key elements of information and puts them together in such a way that announces something for the purpose of gaining favorable media attention. The headline is considered the most important element because it can often determine if a release gets read or not, so create one that grabs attention and creates a news hook. This isn’t always easy, so be prepared to write and re-write the headline a few times before you finalize it. The main section of the release should contain some basic facts: title of project, your role and how it relates to the storyline, when it will shoot/release, any well-known people you worked with, and any other significant tidbits about the project. The release should also give the reporter a brief history of your previous work and tell them what’s coming up next for you. At the bottom, it’s good to include your personal website address or where your fans can find you online. Don’t forget to include a way for media to contact you in case they have questions, need photos or want to schedule an interview.

My Release is Out…Now What?

There are numerous factors that can play into whether your story gets picked up quickly or if it’s a waiting game. Either way, make sure you have your bio and some photos ready to send out at the click of a mouse. Crafting your bio is something that you can do whether you need it immediately or not. They don’t really change that much, except possibly adding in your newest credits, so this is something you can start crafting today. Also, go back through your headshot sessions and pick photos that you really like. They don’t have to be the same ones that your agent uses to submit you with…instead pick your favorites. And, if you’ve got a few behind-the-scenes shots from the set…that’s a big plus with reporters, too.

Start Talking

Your release went out and Congratulations! — a reporter wants to do a story about you. Don’t panic…just prepare. Create your own sample questions that you think a reporter might ask you about this project, previous projects, your background, and what you’re doing next. I suggest you get together with a friend and have them pretend to be the reporter. You could even do it over the phone, since many interviews take place this way. Keep your answers simple, but no one-word responses. I don’t suggest you write out your answers and have them in front of you because you’ll probably sound like you’re reading them. Reporters are looking to get a glimpse of your personality during their interview, so keep it loose.

For questions that you’re afraid of, I call these the “complicated issues,” like your age, sexuality, relationship status, etc., I suggest crafting an answer that doesn’t give away any details that you wouldn’t want circulating, and then delivering it in such a way that is in-line with your personality, but also polite to the reporter. For example, if you’re asked how old you are, you might shockingly answer with something like, “I can’t tell you that…because then you’ll be able to figure out my Mother’s age and she’ll kill me if that gets out.” The most important thing during an interview is simply to relax and have fun. If you’re enjoying the conversation, they probably are too…which makes for a better final outcome.

Hiring Some Help

If you decide this is all too overwhelming and you want to work with a PR professional, there are a few things you can do to help. Do yourself a favor; keep a list of all the media that has covered you or your projects in the past because these reporters might remember you and be interested in following your career as you move forward. Tell your publicist of any conflict dates you’re not available for interviews in advance, that way they can schedule times easier and not have to do the back and forth phone-tag. Discuss your expectations with your publicist up front, that way everyone is on the same page about who you’re approaching and what your chances for coverage are. It’s always smart to ask your publicist questions when you don’t understand how the process works or what to expect.

The Long Haul

Even if you do all of these things, there is still no guarantee for coverage. Just like it can take a Casting Director numerous times of seeing your picture cross their desk before they call you in, it can take a reporter several times of seeing your name on a press release before they decide to run a story about you. Don’t give up! PR is all about cultivating relationships with the media over time. Create a target list of your “dream” outlets, but also include those that you have a connection to, like your hometown newspapers. In the beginning, the lower profile outlets might be your best bets for coverage, but send to your entire list because you never know what might catch a reporter’s interest.

Visit Tammy’s website at www.SpotlightPRCompany.com & sign up for her newsletter in which she shares PR tips, media details, and resources.

We have a discount for you!  The code is BRAINY.  For tickets click here.

We can’t wait to see you at The Bootleg Theater on February 13th!  Event starts at 7pm, doors will open at 6:30pm.

We’re thrilled to be hosting a panel discussion at Echo Park’s Bootleg Theater with the creative team of NBC’s new series The Cape. On Sunday February 13at at 7pm The Brains will moderate a stimulating talk on what it takes to bring a show from idea to its first season. Our incredible guests include the series creator Thomas Wheeler, casting director Risa Bramon Garcia and stars James Frain and Keith David. The $30 ticket price*  includes complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres at the after-party in the venue’s super-cool lounge.

Buy your tickets here!

Not only will the evening be fun, relaxed and educational, but it’s a great networking opportunity as well. For less than the price of a casting director workshop, you’ll get a stimulating talk that takes you behind the scenes of a much-anticipated new show, a chance to ask questions in the Q & A, and an opportunity to meet our guests and other enterprising pros like yourself at the after-party.

To learn more about our guests, you can read Sarah’s interview with Thomas Wheeler, check out Risa’s wonderful Brains post, and learn more about the incredible acting careers of James Frain here and Keith David here.

We”ll see you at The Bootleg!

For tickets and more info, click here.

*After January 20th tickets are $40 and $45 the day of the event.

If you need a Minerva fix in the meantime, take a look through our archives. We’ve published almost 150 articles at this point!

*That’s us whispering about our big, secret plans…. Hello 2011 ; )

By Richard Ruccolo

by TVAuteur

By April Lamb

Photo by grifray

The holidays are here!  As we try to keep up with all our work amidst the parties (and yes, do go to them!  As our friend, publicist Joy Donnell, says, “You’ve got to leave your house”) and try to figure out when it’s “safe” to leave town so as not to miss any last minute work or auditions, actors have yet another dilemma.  What is appropriate present etiquette when it comes to agents, managers, assistants, casting directors, clients and the rest of your team?  Even after being here for ten white-lights-on-palm-trees seasons, I’m still unsure how to navigate the waters.  I want to show my appreciation, not leave anyone out, and yet not go overboard and blow my budget.  Instead of my usual haphazard approach, I decided to use our network to try to get some answers.

One of the first people I asked for their opinion was actor Ben Whitehair.  Ben has tremendous people skills, and I think it’s fair to say that he makes a great impression on everyone he meets.  I asked him if he buys holiday gifts for his agent and manager.

I like to show some form of gratitude for all members of my team, including any and all of my representatives. Yes, they work for me, but (hopefully) they work really hard and make my life better and easier. Just as one might give a gift to their secretary, boss, or other co-worker, I think it’s appropriate to show your gratitude. With that said, I think that especially if money is an issue, people will appreciate a thoughtful hand-delivered card just as much as they would a basket of mini muffins. In the end, I think it’s about showing respect and thanks all year round for the most important part of your career, your team.

How about for the assistant(s)?

Absolutely. It turns out that assistants can very often make your life a HECK of a lot easier. Need a time frame for an audition, but know that you’d probably be pushing your luck with the agent…? Maybe an assistant can bite the bullet for you. Beyond that, assistants are probably the least well paid and most under-appreciated people in any office, so showing them some love at the holidays will go that much further.

Do you buy gifts for casting directors that regularly call you in?  Or ones that you’ve booked through?  What about directors or producers?

I think it all comes down to the individual relationship. You need to give gifts to people because you appreciate them in your life or things they’ve done for you, not out of any expectation of reciprocity. I will also add that giving gifts to people who might not expect them–the producer of the TV show you had a one-line co-star on; the director you worked with 11 months ago on a project you really loved; the casting director who cast you in your first movie–can go a long way.

Should the gifts (for agents, cds, etc.) reflect the size of the job/how much money they have made you?

Again, I think it depends on the individual relationship. I will say, however, that I hear from myriad people on the other side of the desk that they often receive far more wonderful gifts and shows of thanks from the actors at the beginning of their careers when they book some tiny co-star, than those actors who were given a series regular job. Just remember that the more successful you become, the more it’s probably appropriate to thank those who have helped you get there along the way.

As a final note, I don’t think anyone should feel obligated to get anyone gifts. If holiday gifts aren’t your thing, then take your team out to dinner in April during a slow week, or randomly drop some flowers off in May. It’s far more about the thought than the dollar amount.

I then asked my friend Ben Davis, who is an extremely talented actor and acting teacher at the Ivana Chubbuck Acting Studio.  He had a totally different take on the matter.  Here is what he had to say about presents for agents:

I don’t buy my agent gifts. They get ten percent of what I earn annually (before taxes) and I figure that that is gift enough. While it is true we are business partners, they in the end work for me. Were I prone to bake cookies (or write holiday cards for that matter) I might send them those as a kindness. But I doubt it.

It has been my experience that actor’s are constantly put in a position where they are made to feel they need to be thankful. “I’m going to bake cookies or send greetings to my agent to remind them I’m around, or in the hopes they’ll send me out more.” If that’s the nature of your business relationship with your representation – you don’t have a business relationship with your representation. I’m not saying that I necessarily think it’s a bad idea for those who are so inclined, but if you are baking cookies or sending cards as some sort of a business strategy, you’re crazy.

How about for casting directors that regularly call you in?  Or one that you’ve booked through?  Or directors?

I guess this comes down to personal taste. I have a large family and getting gifts for my nephews is enough time and expense for me. The casting directors that call me in regularly do so because I help them do their job. The directors that hire me do so because I help them tell their story. No one in this industry is going to call you in or hire you out of the kindness of their heart. They call you in or hire you because you’re good. So again, I don’t necessarily discourage a small gift or a holiday card for someone you’ve done business with on a given year, but I reject as false the notion that it is an important part of an actor’s business strategy. Further, you potentially run the risk of seeming needy. Neediness is about as effective in selling yourself as an actor as it is in getting you a date.

If you give them – should the gifts (for agents, cds, clients) reflect the size of the job/how much money they have made you?

Absolutely unequivocally NO!! Agents get ten percent. That ten percent grows in relationship to the size of the job. If my agent wants more out of me, he or she can work harder at raising my quote. As for directors and casting directors the larger the role, the more difficult it is to cast. If I booked a large role I did them a favor – not the other way around.  Further, I think it is a bit tacky to demonstrate your disposable income at anytime of year.

You are a teacher, do your students give you gifts?  Do you think it’s appropriate?

Some of my students give me gifts, and they know me well enough to know that I don’t respond to ass-kissing so I take it as a friendly gesture that I warmly welcome. I certainly don’t treat gift givers better than non-gift givers, and vice versa. Appropriate? sure. Necessary? Of course not.

Are consumable gifts – cookies, wine – great or annoying?

Cookies are typically a bad idea for actors as most of us are in a perpetual state of watching our weight. I’m not a wine drinker, but always appreciate a bottle of Maker’s Mark or Johnnie Walker Blue if any of my students are reading this…

I loved Ben Whitehair’s kindness and generosity and Ben Davis’ pro-actor toughness, but I hadn’t found much consensus, so I continued to ask around.  Brian Vermeire, actor and CEO of Holdon Log/Performer Track had yet another take on the whole gift giving venture.  Brian looks at gift giving as a cohesive part of his business strategy and I appreciate his thorough knowledge of what is tax deductible which he makes clear in this answer:

Be smart about gifting your Agents. Don’t make the fatal mistake of buying a $150 gift basket for the entire agency with a card that reads:

Dear XYZ Agency:

Thank you for everything – you are all fantastic to have as my agents!

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year,

-Joe Actor

That is a lost opportunity when gifting. Not only that, but you have just thrown $125 of tax-deductible expenses for your business as a performer down the drain. Why? Because as a performer you are allowed $25 per person/per year to use as a tax deductible “Gift For Business” (see the Holdon Log article “Can Business Gifts Be A Tax Deduction?”).
The IRS looks at a gift for the entire office as a gift for a single entity, thus losing out big-time when you do this.

That’s a great point and a mistake that I have made unknowingly many times (and that my expensive accountant at tax time never pointed out to me!).  With that said, his advice on how to personalize the cards for different agents doesn’t quite sit right for me, personally.

Assess what each rep has done for you and your performing business the entire year.  Spend up to $25 on each individual agent (maybe more if it has been a really big win financially for you because of what your rep has accomplished for you).  Then write a personalized card attached to that gift that assesses the year with them like this:

Dear Susan:

What a great year we have had! Thank you for your hard work at getting me into 123 auditions (which resulted in 67 Callbacks and 14 Bookings by the way!).

It is at this time of year I am especially grateful to have you on my team and can’t wait to see what you & I are in store for in 2011!

Happy Holidays,

-Joe Actor

A note like this with your gift does a couple of things. It not only expresses gratitude for their efforts, but more importantly it puts into place clear benchmarks that your agent has to meet, beat or exceed the following year. When the New Year begins, it is more likely your agent will work harder on your behalf than someone who is aloof with their career.

I don’t know, there may be actors that are completely comfortable with this, but for me, when I give a gift and a card, I want to make it about the person I’m giving the gift to, not about me.  I did, however, appreciate Brian’s firm opinions about the rest of the holiday etiquette matters.  Here are his thoughts:

Gifting The Assistants:

The assistants to your agents/managers should be given a gift/bonus from their bosses (the agents/managers themselves), NOT from the performer. The assistants are paid employees and are not getting a commission off of your bookings. Unless they have “Wowed” in some BIG way – the practice of gifting them is not necessary.

You can of course include them in your card list and if you want to give them a token of appreciation in that card, a scratch off lottery ticket or $5.00 Starbucks gift card will do.

Gifting Casting Directors, Directors, Producers, etc.:
You should, of course, include these individuals in your holiday card list (and if you want, include a token of appreciation in that card).

The best thing you can do when it comes to rewarding a Casting Director, Director, Producer, etc. is to follow-up with them AFTER you completed the job you just booked and give them a card & gift (again up to $25… or more if it is a big time booking).

What To Give:
Don’t be generic. This is a relationship business! Spark up conversations with your representatives, directors, producers…. Find out what they enjoy. Do they have a pet, a favorite charity, a hobby?

When you are in their office, look around and be observant!  A good example was a time we wanted to gift a business contact (who “wowed us”) and recalled being in her office and seeing lots of pictures of giraffes and her knack for always fetching a fresh cup of tea. The perfect gift was finding a ceramic mug in the shape of a giraffe alongside a box of exotic teas (thank you Cost Plus!). She loved it because it showed we paid attention to what she likes!

While I appreciated the wide range of actor opinions I was finding, I wanted to talk to some others in the business.  Career Coach Dallas Travers always has great insight into relationship building, so I was curious to hear what she had to say:

Do you have an opinion about actors giving gifts to their team – agents, manager, lawyer, publicist, etc?  Is it appropriate, necessary, an opportunity?

It’s just good business.  In the same way that a great boss gives bonuses to her team, treats the staff to an occasional lunch, provides benefits and vacations, an actor must show his team appreciation as well.  This is not a bribe.  It’s good mojo.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that an expensive gift is a better gift, either.  I recommend giving something thoughtful, original, and actually inexpensive.  Personalized post-it notes, inspirational quote magnets, a money tree, or a Staples ‘easy button’.  It truly is the thought that counts.

I talk a lot about how an actor can add value.  The value you add & the way you contribute to your industry relationships is the new currency for every actor.

Do you have a sense of the etiquette around assistants, i.e. your manager’s assistant?  Should they always get a present if you are giving one to their boss?

Try to find an office-friendly gift.  That way, everyone gets a little something.  Trust your instincts on this.  If it’s ALWAYS the assistant calling with appointments, maybe the assistant deserves a special gift just because.  As a boss, I can tell you that I appreciate when my clients honor my team even more than I appreciate when they honor me.

How about casting directors, directors and producers who you have a relationship with?

Yes.  If you have a legitimate relationship, a small thoughtful gift is more than appropriate.  Think about how you can add value in the form of sharing of time, information, and energy as well.   Now, if you are not in a relationship and you are giving a gift in an effort to forge a relationship, people will sense your ulterior motives.

If you’re unsure… use dating or another industry as a barometer.  If you sold car insurance, what type of gift do you feel would be appropriate to share with biz colleagues?  How would you feel if a girl you just met bought you a watch?

Are consumable items – homemade cookies, champagne – appropriate?

I personally think they’re great.  But that’s because I like to eat   Try to stick with user-friendly gifts.  These days, you never know who’s gluten free, free range, Kosher, diabetic, sober, allergic to nuts, or just trying to lose some weight.

I think at the root of actors confusion about all of this are a few main issues.

1 – We are professionals doing our job and we don’t want to undermine that by thanking people as if they were doing us a favor.

That’s interesting.  I see how actors may feel that way, but I don’t think that entrepreneurs necessarily do.  Every successful person understands and appreciates the importance of expressing gratitude, whether it’s a realtor thanking a former client for a referral or an actor thanking a CD for a great role.

2- We want to show our appreciation.

See above…  The trick is to express appreciation authentically.  If you’re giving a gift because you think you should ‘take advantage’ of an opportunity, the motivation may be a little off and your gift may not have the right effect.  But if you’re inspired to thank your colleagues, a sincere and simple gift will do the trick.

3- We sometimes have very large teams and limited budgets!  Do you have any creative suggestions for how to navigate through the gifting process with our team, ego and budget in tact?

Last year, I had 80 clients, students or colleagues I wanted to give a gift to.  So, I decided on a ‘lucky rock’.  I went to Michael’s and bought a bag of river rocks along with a silver metallic sharpie.  On one side of each rock, I wrote “wish” and on the other side, I wrote “granted”.  I placed each rock in a mini Chinese take out box (also from Michael’s).   Shazaam… 80 cute and thoughtful gifts that people really loved.  It cost me about 2 hours of prep work and less than $40.00 for the whole thing.

You could also create a cool card listing “My Favorite Things of 2010″.  Design a fun layout at vistaprint.com.  This simple card could feature an inspirational quote, your fave manicure spot, favorite Blog and a list of must-have songs.  If you package it well, this simple list could be a lovely and thoughtful gift for a large group.

What about 12 note cards with great holiday cocktail recipes on them?
You could also donate a can a food to the food bank in lieu of a gift.  Then, offer up a card expressing that the donation was made in whomever-you’re-thanking’s honor.  The note card could even be Warhol’s  classic Campbell’s Tomato Soup image.

When all else fails, a sincere thank you letter is often the perfect gift

I really appreciated Dallas’ comparison of actors and entrepreneurs.  We do all run a small business (Me, Inc.), whether we like it or not.  And entrepreneurs are rarely burdened by the shame and self-deprecation that we actors are so prone to.

Casting Director Marci Liroff’s answers ultimately made me start writing up lists and perusing cards online.  She so clearly honestly appreciates the cards and gifts and in the end that speaks to me far more than any business strategy.

Do actors often give you gifts at the holidays or after booking a role?  How do you feel about that?  Is it appropriate?  Is it welcomed?

I don’t often get gifts, but when I do it’s very special.  I don’t think many people understand just how much the CD is involved in helping an actor get the role.  Yes, you can be very good and right for the role, but when it comes down to deciding who gets the part, the producers/director/studio execs/network execs ask us for our opinion based on our experience with that actor.  Will they be professional?  Will they help us make our day?  Will they come up with new stuff we hadn’t even thought of?  Will they be a distraction on the set?  These are all the things that the CD will have input on and can steer the role towards you – or away from you if your reputation isn’t stellar.

It is GREATLY appreciated to be acknowledged by the actor with a simple thank-you note.  A gift is certainly not necessary or required (you’d go broke!) but it’s definitely appreciated.

If they give something to you, is it appropriate to give something to everyone else in the office as well?

Again, I think you’d go broke trying to give gifts to EVERYONE.  You also have to understand that sometimes the idea of the actor for a particular part can come from not just me, but from my staff – so they too should be included in the thank-you note or gift.  You can give one gift that we all can share.

Are there ever times where gift giving or particular gifts seem unprofessional?  Are there times when someone hits exactly the right note and does it exceptionally well?

This season, I had an agent give me children’s plastic jewelry.  I’m still trying to figure that one out!

I’ve been given some unique gifts in the past.  After I cast Kelly Preston in a film, View From the Top – I remarked to her that I’ve now cast her in 3 films (one of  in which she met her husband-to-be, John Travolta).  I said jokingly, “Kelly, at the very least, you owe me a houseboat or something!”  The next day her assistant arrived with a very large box.  When I opened it, I found “Barbie’s Dream Houseboat”.  It was hilarious!

The lead actress in The Paul Reiser Show, Amy Landecker, sent me a gift card for movies at AMC Theaters. That was thoughtful!

The lead actress Carla Gugino in my last movie, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, sent me a box of cookies and fresh, cold milk!  We all indulged in that one!

As you can see, everyone’s answers were unique, and we are left in that somehow frustrating but also liberating place that we so often get to in this business: there is no right answer.  We must find our own way through holiday gift giving like everything else in this career, and yet I believe there is one truth that all of the interviewees were getting at.  Do what feels authentic to you, with generosity, respect for yourself and your budget, lots of creativity and a dash of business savvy.

Photo of Sarah by Andy Hayato Riddle

Ah well, no point in lamenting.  I have a confession to make.  I am a terrible gift giver.  That is not to say that I don’t sometimes give great gifts, but they are almost always on my own timetable, which rarely coincides with actual holidays or birthdays.  My sister-in-law swears she loves “birthday in July” (her birthday is in February), but my goal is to stay a little more true to the calendar this holiday season.  So, in an attempt to organize my own gift-giving, and to help you through this over-harried season, we’ve put together our own actor-centric gift wish list.

Happy Holidays!
Sarah

Sarah’s picks:

Tea and paraphernalia

Perhaps the best thing about chilly weather is the chance to drink lots of tea.  From waking you up to calming pre-audition jitters, tea does it all.  I cannot sit down to do anything- read a script, learn lines, write this article – until I have a pot of tea brewing beside me.  I love these little Bee House pots, perfect for one with a strainer inside in sunny orange or this moody blue. Mountain Rose Herbs Firefly Chai has gotten Claire and I through many a meeting, and Jamie Oliver has come out with a line of teas so pretty they’re definitely gift worthy.  When empty (alack the day), the re-usable tins would be great for pens or make-up brushes.  Lastly, tea is also the best defense against unheated rehearsal rooms!  Be sure your loved ones won’t go without by sending them off with this cordless kettle.

Letters to a Young Poet and Letters to a Young Artist

These books, the first by Rainer Maria Rilke, and the second, a response of sorts by Anna Deavere Smith, are dear friends to turn to again and again.  Both written as a series of letters to a young artist, they are the guide and mentor through life and art that most of us can only dream of having.  Full of inspiration, these books are amazing additions to any actor’s library and they are available in the Minerva shop.

Headshots

This is a bit of a jump in price point, but if you are looking for a big ticket item, often nothing looms larger on the actor wish list than new headshots.  Great shots can re-energize an actor’s team and cause a leap forward in auditions, but setting aside the cash to not only shoot, but re-touch, print, and post to all the online sites can be extremely difficult.  Picking a photographer is probably too personal a decision for you to make for someone else (or have someone make for you), but a gift card or cash clearly earmarked for new photos would be a lovely gift indeed.

Appetite by Nigel Slater

If you want to eat well on an actor’s erratic income, cooking is a necessary skill.  I’ve just returned from my parents’ house for Thanksgiving, where cooking, baking, eating and all of the warmth and raucous conversation that attends such activities was in abundance.  Cooking with my mom is hilarious, as first she tells you that she “just follows the recipe” and then proceeds to stop you before you add each ingredient with, “I actually use,” or “you can put more of that” or “taste, taste, taste!”  Perhaps that’s why I like Appetite so much.  Nigel gives you the basic outline of a dish and then tells you all the ways you can change it.  The homey pictures make you ready to get your hands dirty and the words are a needed reminder to stop working for a minute to eat, drink and laugh with friends.

Tickets, Experiences, Time

I love experiential presents.  Claire recently took me for my birthday to see Jonathan Franzen talk at the Library Foundation of Los Angeles and it will stay with me far longer than a box of chocolates.  Take someone with you or give tickets to the theater.  A day at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens with lunch at the Rose Garden Tea Room  might be perfect for your parents.  Museum memberships will let your friends skip the long lines.  At the end of the day, the irony of this busy time of year is often that we realize what we want is time with the people we love, far more than any thing, so don’t be afraid to give just that.

Claire’s picks:

Indie Filmmaker ‘Metal’ T-shirts and more…

Seldom do I find a film-related gift that might just be too pretentious for the likes of, well, me, but I daresay the fantabulous IFC Center in NY may have done it. For the aspiring auteur who wants to wear his love of Fassbinder on his chest, this series of t-shirts with notable filmmakers’ names given the 80s metal band graphic treatment does the trick. The Merchandise section of the IFC Center also offers up hard-to-find dvds and – yes, you’re reading this right – David Lynch’s specialty roast coffee beans (from which he claims to make his 10 daily cups…)

Simon Callow’s book Love Is Where It Falls

This book, written by actor/director/author (his Being an Actor is another must-read) is the story of Callow’s friendship with the late British agent Peggy Ramsay. It was given to me by a colleague and friend, actor/director and  Brian McManamon, who, casting me in my first project after acting school, made me feel there was a place for my work in the world even when much else indicated otherwise…I always think of this book as a great way to honor a friendship that’s made one’s life in art possible.

Wine of Substance’s 2009 Malbec

The Sound’s Jeffrey and I drained a bottle of this recently as we watched People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive. Rest assured, though, Jeffrey’s taste in wine is more of the caliber of his music preferences than his reality TV picks…It’s smooth, full-bodied, goes with almost everything, and can help you savor the ‘you booked it’ phone call or console you after the ‘you almost booked it’ phone call.

Gift Certificate for Olympic Spa

This Koreatown spot features several of the standard spa treatments, but the $15 ‘Simple Soak’ is my go-to healthy indulgence. For $15 you can soak in the whirlpools, lie in the jade sauna, and thumb through back issues of Allure while laying on the heated floor of the lounge area.

Heath Ceramics

I’ve come to the conclusion I don’t like shopping. I also don’t like wearing H&M shirts eaten by moths or serving guests from the chipped Ikea mugs I got 6 years ago at Goodwill. Thus, I am vowing to invest in the good stuff that lasts. Heath Ceramics makes beautiful and simple housewares that can make an uber-fancy place look down-to-earth and a dump look like it’s inhabited by someone with serious potential.

Coupons for Union Dues

The pesky semi-annual bills have a terrible habit of coming a) all at the same time from the 3 entities (WTF?) and b) when I have no money and/or c) just when some financial emergency has sprung up. Hence, I’ve endured some slides into late fees and mad dashes to the AEA office to pay up when a can’t-miss EPA is on the horizon…If you have someone in your life who’s just relocated or is going through another financial transition, you can help them keep their career on track with a coupon for a cycle or two of SAG, AFTRA or AEA dues.

What’s on your wish list?  Do you have the perfect present that you can’t wait to give one of your actor friends?  Let us know your ideas in the comments!

Photo by Cláudia*~Assad