#BoostingPerformerPresence: NextGen Performers Panel Teaches Best Social Media Practices

A handful of influencers and digital marketing experts from the entertainment industry lent their knowledge in an information-packed panel on how to get the most out of social media at SAG-AFTRA Plaza on April 23. Attendees were provided with a solid foundation of the best online practices and an understanding on how to best use social media to advance their careers.

Organized by the NextGen Performers Subcommittee, the panel included TSMA Consulting founder Ryan Walker, Riverdale star Trevor Stines, Innovative Artists Head of Digital Jake Wachtel, Casting Influence Head of Casting Tanya Bershadsky and SAG-AFTRA Associate Commercial Strategist Shaine Griffin.

The panelists agreed that although Instagram is the most popular platform at the moment, it is beneficial to broaden one’s presence to grow a following. Attendees were encouraged to experiment with different platforms and analyze what draws them to their favorite profiles. Panelists recommended that users define three overall themes for their page (e.g. entertainment, lifestyle and fitness) to provide followers with a variety of content, use emojis to overcome language barriers and utilize free photo-editing and filter apps to help craft high-quality content.

Social media can be a useful tool to land roles, but panelists noted that casting agencies often become frustrated when they have a hard time finding contact information on a performer’s profile. They suggested creating a simple, one-page website to use like a digital business card, and mentioned using platforms that provide free website building tools. The panel also warned against purchasing fake followers, as it’s akin to lying on a resume and can get a performer blacklisted by a casting office. Delving further, they explained that while a large following can be helpful throughout your career, it certainly isn’t required to get work.

There was a robust discussion about the collision of so-called “influencer marketing” with traditional commercial work, as many “micro-influencers” — those with followings between 10,000 and 100,000 — are paid by companies to pitch their products. Staff clarified that branded content on social media platforms qualify as covered work under current SAG-AFTRA contracts. However, still photos such as an Instagram post are not, and members are encouraged to contact the union to clarify if the work would fall under one of the agreements. Overall, members were glad to hear more about the work the union continues to do to organize work in the digital space.

Above all, performers should endeavor to understand the contracts and stick up for their worth as professional actors.

Contracts workshops are held monthly by several departments. Visit sagaftra.org/LA to learn what member education events are being offered and to RSVP.

Photo: Social media and digital marketing experts, including, from left, Innovative Artists Head of Digital Jake Wachtel, Casting Influence Head of Casting Tanya Bershadsky, TSMA Consulting Founder Ryan Walker, Riverdale star Trevor Stines and SAG-AFTRA Associate Commercial Strategist Shaine Griffin shared their knowledge with SAG-AFTRA members on April 23.