Computer Geek's Corner

COMPUTER GEEK'S CORNER

"Welcome back to this issue’s Computer Geek’s Corner. In previous columns, we have learned how to get your headshot and resume into the computer. This time, we will discuss how to get your FREE iActor profile up and going.

"There are many advantages to using the free iActor service. Among them are: it is free, your picture/resume is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to any casting director of any SAG-signatory project, and you don’t have to build your own website.

"To get started, you will need your username and password for the SAG site. If you haven’t done so yet, you can create an account by clicking here.  

"On the right-hand side of the page is where you enter basic info about yourself. If you ever get confused or need to ask a question, you can click on the button in the middle of the page that says “Click Here to Chat Live” or call 1-800-724-0767 during normal business hours (Pacific Time).

"SAG will email you back your username and password. WRITE THIS DOWN somewhere and keep it some place you can find it. Enter your username and password on the registration page. You can also get to the member login page by clicking on the link in the top right section of the SAG homepage. After logging in, double check to ensure all the member info is correct before going further.

"Across the top of the page, second from left, is Member Services. Place your cursor over Member Services and a menu should drop down. Select iActor.

"iActor allows you to publish several different types of resumes (principal, voiceover, stunt, etc.). The process is basically the same for all.

"Each section will have an Edit button, allowing you to manipulate your iActor presence an unlimited amount of times. The only exception to this is when you want to change your Agency info — that must be done by the SAG Membership/Agency Department.

"Since we already have a folder of headshots on your hard drive, you should be able to upload them one at a time. What iActor calls your “primary” headshot is the photo that it starts with as your main photo. You can have other headshots on your iActor presence, but only one primary headshot.

"At the bottom of the Headshot section is the Edit button. After clicking this, you can click-and-drag the order of the photos to be listed.

"Since you already spent time polishing your resume, pull that out and type it into the Professional Experience/Credits section.

"Once you have fleshed out your iActor presence, email it to yourself, so you can see what that looks like and if any changes need to be made.

"When I submit myself to a casting director, I always include my iActor link underneath my name and phone number in the body of the email.

"Remember SAG is there to help. Just call 1-800-724-0767 during normal business hours (Pacific Time).

"So, that’s it for today’s column. iActor is an amazing free service you can use to get work. You can update your credits as often as you like, 24/7/365.

"P.S.: If you are computer-savvy, we always need members to help other SAG Nevada Branch brothers and sisters that are not technically inclined. If you’d like to help, contact Nevada Branch President Barbara Grant or Branch Executive Director to volunteer."

This item was originally featured in the February 2012 local newsletter.