Scene Success Kit
Make the Most of Your New Footage
​- by Martin Bentsen (founder of Scenematic Studios)

This guide covers:

• The most effective way to organize your casting profiles so you actually get called in
• What to say in your agent submissions so they stop ignoring your emails
• The one simple change that makes casting directors actually click and watch your scenes instead of skipping past them​
• ​And much more...

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​Congrats on completing your shoot with us!

That's a huge accomplishment. But a lot of actors wonder, "How can I make the most of my footage?"

Well, there are two directions you can go now – getting more auditions or getting an agent.

I've written this practical, easy-to-implement guide that covers how to do BOTH. If you follow the steps I outline, you WILL see results in time.

Start by watching the quick video below (it may take a moment to load):

Martin Bentsen

​​P.S.: If you want personal help growing your career, you can learn about my 6-Month Private Coaching Program here.

You can reach me directly at [email protected].

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Part 1: Use Your Footage to...
Get More Auditions​

​I recommend starting with my standard advice on how to get more auditions.

​Follow these steps this first:
​

1. Create your casting profiles: If you don't yet have one, create a profile on Actor's Access, Casting Networks, and/or Backstage.
2. Fill them in: Fill in your profiles with as much information as you can:
   1. Upload headshots (if you need new ones, reach out to my team at www.cityheadshots.com for a discounted rate).
   2. Add as many speaking credits as possible (prioritize screen acting over theater, but make sure to include both).
      1. Note: You can include the scenes you shot with us as credits – just name and title each scene, your character, and the director's name. Many actors do this to increase the number of credits they have.
   3. Fill in your sizes, weight, age range, and other specs.
   4. Upload your clips. Ideally you want 3-5 total speaking clips, whether they are pro scenes like what you shot with us, or even just self-tapes on a flat backdrop. Aim for 3-4 dialogues (you can include self-tapes with a reader) and 1-2 monologues.
   5. Be sure to include a bio. The first sentence of your bio should state what kinds of characters you most enjoy playing so casting gets a sense of how to see you.
3. Submit: Start submitting to projects. Aim for 5-10 submissions per week minimum.
4. Track and adjust: I recommend aiming for one audition or self-tape request for every 10 projects you submit to. If you're getting more than that, great! If less, don't worry – it just means you can benefit by testing some of my advanced tips below.
5. Sign with an agent: Once you have at least 4-6 speaking credits, you can start looking for an agent who will get you into auditions for bigger, legit network productions (since most of the stuff you'll find on casting websites is smaller indie & student films). Scroll down further to read my section on how to get an agent with your new footage.

Here are three advanced strategies I teach my clients. Implement these only after completing the above if you're still getting less than one audition per ten projects you submit to:
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• Advanced Strategy #1: Use a Proven Submissions Note Formula - Include the 2-3 sentence SHORT submissions note formula below with every submission you do. Indie filmmakers/producers are excited to read what actors write when submitting to their projects, but you need to capture their attention instantly or they won't even read it.
  • Use this formula: "CAPS + Explanation + Enthusiasm + Credibility."
    • Example 1: PIANO, YES! I’ve played since I was 8 and would be thrilled to audition for Emily. I’m SAG-AFTRA Eligible and trained in musical theatre at NYU.
    • Example 2: CRIME DRAMA, YES! Lifelong fan of the genre and would jump at the chance to read for Detective Miller. By the way, I see you’re working with Jane Smith, whom I collaborated with on City Lights.
• Advanced Strategy #2: Special Skills Clips - For any special skills that aren't easy to do for most people (like if you can dance, sing, do realistic accents, etc.), it's a good idea to upload a clip demonstrating that ability. This proves you can do it so you don't get skipped over.
• Advanced Strategy #3: Make Your Clips Easy to Digest - Instead of the whole scene, just use the strongest 30-40 seconds of your scenes so people get sucked in immediately:
  • If possible, try to keep your clips less than 2 minutes long, and even better, less than one minute. I recommend finding the strongest section of your scene and only uploading that to your profiles. If you’d like a tightened version of your scene (just your strongest 30-40 seconds), we can create that for you. Just reach out and we’ll walk you through options.
  • Label your clips so people can find them easily. "Type + Action" is a great way to label them. Example: "Detective interrogating a suspect." Or "Mother consoling her daughter." Improper labeling means casting directors won't even click to watch them.

​Need help booking or getting more auditions?

If you want help getting more auditions (or if you have trouble actually booking), you might benefit from my coaching program.

Learn about my 6-Month Private Coaching Program here.

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​Part 2: Use Your Footage to...
Get an Agent

​Here's my standard advice on how to get an agent. Do this first:
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1. You need at bare minimum 3-5 speaking credits before getting an agent: More than that is better though. Agents want to know that you can get auditions and book projects on your own, so you should ideally be auditioning at least 4-6 times per month, and booking once every month or two. If you’re not there yet, that’s totally fine! Just focus on Part 1 for now so you can build those credits and book a few roles first.
2. Create your brand statement: Look at the archetypes and energies listed below, and pick two from each category:
   1. Archetypes (you can google others too, but here's a short list to get your started):
      1. Everyman / Everywoman (relatable, ordinary person)
      2. Authority Figure (boss, lawyer, judge, politician, military leader)
      3. Romantic Lead (attractive, emotionally open, love interest)
      4. Comic Relief (funny best friend, goofy sidekick)
      5. Villain / Antagonist (menacing, manipulative, dangerous)
      6. Ingenue / Youthful Lead (fresh-faced, naïve, young romantic)
      7. Professional (doctor, lawyer, tech worker, journalist)
   2. Energies (same as above - this is a short list to get started but you can use other words too):
      1. ​Grounded
      2. Intense
      3. Warm
      4. Quirky
      5. Playful
      6. Mysterious
      7. Charming
   3. Figure out your age range (should ideally be no more than about 6 years).
   4. ​Fill in the sentence below to uncover your brand:
      1. ​“I’m a [age range] [gender presentation] who brings a [energy 1] / [energy 2] presence, best fit for [archetype 1] and [archetype 2] roles.”
      2. Example: I'm a 18-24 female who brings a warm but quirky presence, best fit for ingenue and comic relief roles.
   5. Replace the first sentence of your bio on your casting profiles with this new brand statement.
3. Create a strong cover letter: Fill in the cover letter template below. Feel free to modify as you see fit, but keep it SHORT.
   1. TEMPLATE EMAIL (be sure to space it out so it doesn't look like one big chunk of text):
      1. Hi NAME,
         HOOK SENTENCE (choose from below)
         BRAND STATEMENT. Recent work includes CREDIT 1 & CREDIT 2.
         In the past few months, I’ve booked X roles and auditioned X times and have updated headshots, clips, and resume that show my range.
         Actor’s Access: LINK
         Website (if you have one): LINK
         Would you be open to a brief call or meeting to see if I’d be a strong fit for your roster?
         Best,
         YOUR NAME
   2. HOOK SENTENCE OPTIONS (if you’re SAG-AFTRA or Eligible, make sure to add that to the hook line):
      1. Referral​
         1. ​NAME suggested I get in touch, and spoke highly of you and your team.
         2. I’ve heard great things about your agency from [Acting School/Classmates/Colleague], and wanted to share my materials.
      2. Recent Work
         1. ​Fresh off PROJECT for NETWORK/STUDIO, I’m seeking representation to build on the momentum.
         2. I recently wrapped PROJECT alongside NAME ACTOR OR DIRECTOR, and am excited to expand my opportunities.
         3. My recent bookings include KNOWN PROJECTS.
      3. Achievement
         1. In the past X MONTHS, I’ve booked X roles and auditioned for X projects.
         2. My work was recently recognized at FESTIVAL/SHOWCASE, and I’m looking to connect with the right team for next steps.
      4. Special Skill
         1. Known for my SPECIAL SKILL - a skill that’s landed me BOOKING/OPPORTUNITY - I bring a unique edge to every role.
         2. Fluent in LANGUAGE and trained in SPECIALIZED ACTING SKILL, I bring versatility to my acting roles.
      5. Representation Shift
         1. ​I’m currently represented by AGENCY in REGION, and am now seeking BI-COASTAL/NATIONAL representation.​
   3. SUBJECT LINE OPTIONS (be sure to keep it under about 60 characters or it will get cut off):
      1. Referred [or "Recommended" if you don’t know them] by FIRST LAST – Seeking Representation
      2. Fresh Off [Notable Project] with [Network/Studio] – Seeking Representation
      3. [Industry Blog/Press Mention] Spotlight – Seeking Representation
      4. Major Buzz from [Film Festival/Showcase] – Seeking Representation
      5. UNIQUE SPECIAL SKILL – Seeking Representation
      6. X Auditions and X Bookings This Month – Seeking Representation
      7. Currently/Previously Represented by X – Seeking New Representation
      8. If none of the above work, you can create a custom subject line by choosing the strongest credibility indicator you have from your cover letter. Is it the number of auditions you're getting? How many credits? the fact that you've just created a high-end, professional reel?
4. Submit a mass email using Talent Link or Repunzel. These services are not uncommon for actors to use, so agencies expect them. If your credits and cover letter are strong enough, you'll save time by first using one of these services to contact tons of agencies. You might some meetings and sign right away. But if that doesn't work, move onto the next step:
5. Use my Advanced 6-Step Strategy to Get an Agent below: If a mass email doesn't work (or you want to sign with a very specific agency), it's time to reach out to agencies individually, doing 5 per week (so you can keep adding new credits/bookings to your resume and cover letter as they come in). Scroll down to see the strategy in detail.
6. Meet, audition, and sign: You should start hearing back from agencies soon, and then you'll go to meetings with them, either in person or via Zoom. Be sure to have a monologue prepared and all your materials ready to go so you make a great first impression!

Here's my Advanced 6-Step Strategy to Getting an Agent:

Implement this only if Step 4 above does not work, or if you want to sign with a very specific agent/agency and need to contact them directly.
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​IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that all communications should be done on weekdays, NOT weekends or holidays. In general, the best time of year to reach out to agencies is between May and November (avoid August though). Other times can work but your response rate may be lower.
​

1. First you'll submit a customized cover letter via their standard submissions process. You'll either submit using their website form or a general email address listed on their website. Basically, follow the instructions they outline on their site. If there are no specific instructions on how to submit, you can email the agent directly. ​You'll need to customize your cover letter a bit more by adding a single sentence stating why specifically you're reaching out to this agency or agent.
   1. This custom sentence should be added after the following part of your cover letter:
      1. Recent work includes CREDIT 1 & CREDIT 2.
   2. ​Example: I noticed that you have gotten many of your clients into period pieces, which is exactly what I'm most interested in.
2. Next send them a video greeting. If you don't hear back after your initial cover letter, you'll want to create a personalized video for the agent instead. It should be sent 3-4 days after your initial cover letter.
   1. The video should be a shortened version of your cover letter, covering the same key points. Be sure to come across as friendly and approachable – don't read or rehearse too much. Make some notes for your key points and then go for it!
   2. Be sure to address the agent by name so they know the video was just for them.
   3. Keep it short – less than one minute long.
   4. Use your professional self-tape setup for this, and you can upload the video to YouTube and simply include the link in your email.
   5. When you send the video, keep your typed message short – a simple subject line like "Quick video for you, NAME" can work well, and then your email can be something along the lines of, "I wanted to shoot you this quick thank you video for the work you do!"
   6. It might feel awkward at first, but that's fine! It typically takes about 5-6 takes before you start getting usable videos, and then it begins to feel easier.
3. Next, you'll make a phone call. If, after another 2-3 days you still haven't heard back, it's time to get on the phone. The phone is probably one of the most effective ways to get an agent – often even more effective than submitting online or via email! Don't worry – you're just calling their office to ask a few questions. You're not demanding they represent you, so there's no need to feel scared or uncomfortable picking up the phone.
   1. ​Expect the call to last just 1-2 quick minutes. Do NOT give them your background or other details unless they ask for it – they are not determining whether to represent you over the phone.
   2. ​Follow the script/outline below when you call, and feel free to modify it slightly as needed:
      1. Hey, my name is NAME and I'm a professional actor [if you know the agent from a workshop or somewhere else, feel free to mention how you know them here]. I wanted to call to find out about the submissions process, or what's necessary to be considered for representation with SPECIFIC AGENT NAME.
         1. "Blah, blah, blah, submissions process, etc..."
         2. "Our submissions instructions can be found on our website."
         3. "We're not taking any new clients at this time."
      2. Oh ok, thanks so much! Do you mind if I just ask a couple quick questions before we end the call?
         1. "​Sure."
         2. "I’m sorry, but submitting online is best."
      3. Well, I've just BIGGEST RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENT, and I was wondering what an actor in my position should do to potentially set up a meeting with AGENT FIRST NAME.
         1. "Here's what you'll need to do to be considered..."
         2. "We're not taking new clients at this time."
         3. "We're only taking clients with a referral."
      4. Ok, thank you! I can [definitely send over the materials you're requesting/follow up in 6 months/have REFERRAL give you a call] if that's OK. What's your name, by the way?
         1. "John."
      5. Thanks so much John! I really appreciate your time.
4. Then, you'll follow up however they requested. ​On the phone, they'll likely confirm what to do next, so be sure to do it within the time frame you promised!
   1. If they said they are not taking on any clients, you can ask if it's OK to follow up in about 6 months, and then do so!
   2. If they asked you to send over materials you had already sent in a previous step, don't tell them you already sent those materials. Just re-send them, and this time include a sentence in your cover letter saying, "NAME asked me to send these materials over" (with NAME being the person you spoke to on the phone).
   3. Lastly, you should send a personalized thank you note to the specific person you spoke to. Since you have their name, you should be able to visit the agency's website and find their email address to send the thank you note. Remember: the assistant is the person you'll likely be dealing with most until you get signed, so treat them well!
      1. Example: Hey John, just wanted to say thanks again for your time on the phone! [Include a personal note here if anything specific was discussed in your phone call]. Thanks for letting me know how to submit my materials and for forwarding them along. I appreciate it!
5. Finally, you'll call them one last time after re-submitting your materials. This phone call will help solidify things and make sure they pay attention to your submission.
   1. Be sure to ask for whoever you spoke to last time. Then ask for next steps and let them know how you'll be following up.
      1. Hey, this is Martin Bentsen, calling for John. I spoke with him last time I called and just wanted to follow up.
         1. This is John.
      2. Hey John! Just wanted to say thanks again for the info last time. I submitted my materials and wanted to see what next steps I should take to schedule a meeting with AGENT NAME.
         1. No problem, I'll make sure he gets your materials and we'll reach out to you if she's interested.
      3. Amazing, thank you!
6. ​After this call, send them a final thank you email. It should be similar to the one earlier and sent within a day or two, just to remind them to send over your submission to the agent.

​Need help getting a great agent?

If you want my personal guidance growing your career and signing with an agent, I'd love to speak with you and see if you'd be a good fit for my coaching/consulting program.

Learn about my 6-Month Private Coaching Program here.

We can do a free Zoom meeting and I'll answer any questions you have and we'll see if the program is right for you!



Thanks so much for working with us!

​I hope you've had a great experience and now have footage you love.

If you know anyone who might need footage for their reel, the most amazing thing you could do would be to recommend us.

Referrals are super helpful and let us continue focusing our efforts and profit into making the experience better and better for our clients (instead of spending our time and money on advertising). Right now, we literally spend $0.00 on ads because client experience and referrals always come first.

Thanks so much!

  - Martin Bentsen
Founder, Scenematic Studios