Sandy's Secret Self-Promotional Tool

Okay, so this isn’t REALLY a secret.

It’s one of those, “I can’t believe everyone doesn’t know this!” Yet, there is always at least one actor (or more) in every play that I’ve ever produced, performed in, or supported, who DOES NOT know of or utilize this wonderful promotional tool.

Why aren’t you using the breakdown services to send out your flyers?

Actors love postcards (and they have always worked for me!) Postcards are like little 4x6 cardboard commercials. They run and run and run and you actually notice them the 7th time you see them. However, most actors buy postcards and spend endless hours making labels, licking stamps and spending money on these particular promotional materials that often get returned. Instead, you could send notices in one shot through the Breakdown Services. No, I do NOT receive a kick back for printing this.

What is the benefit?

(1) Cost-effective;

(2) Your advertisement goes out WITH THE BREAKDOWN in the AM, not mingling in snail mail with 6,000 other post-cards that arrive later in the day;

(3) You are reaching a TARGETED audience in a sophisticated manner;

(4) If you are truly a starving artist [translation: BROKE] and don’t have a lot of cash, you can opt to deliver notices to only one group at a time. Send to the next group once you save more tips.

(5) NO RETURNS!! Ahh, the returns! Actors often ask permission to use the theatre address on their return label and I gladly allow it when we they are in a live show on stage at Riprap Studio Theatre or any other activity, class, showcase, or video-taping. Those mailings are inevitably followed by a deluge of returned post-cards marked, "Return To Sender." Not gonna' happen with Breakdown Services.

(6) MY FAVORITE – go in on the mailing together with:

(a) another actor; or . . . better yet . . .

(b) the entire cast. This method allows everyone to pitch in a minuscule amount of money for a big blast to the industry benefiting EVERYONE. By having the entire cast participate, you can usually fund two, three or more marketing blasts for less than one blast done individually. Make sure you create a terrific flyer that includes individual photos of each actor with names spelled correctly along with the general information about the play, screening, or event; AND

(7) MY OTHER FAVORITE: You're not focused solely on casting directors! While they are very important, you need to start cultivating relationships with other industry folks that have as much power and clout (if not more) as the casting directors. Breakdown Delivery Services is a good place to start.

FLYER DELIVERY SERVICE:
Print this rate sheet and keep it in your marketing file.
http://www.breakdownservices.com/deliver.html
Info: Breakdown Services, Ltd. (310) 276-9166

I do not have permission to reprint anything from breakdownservices.com web site but the rough idea is that you are marketing your talent in an EFFECTIVE, TARGETED fashion that also highlights your marketing sophistication to the recipients.

This service is not just for actors! Remember, I have a theatre and I use the service to market the rental space for auditions, readings, workshops, seminars, etc. In the same vein, it’s perfect to market your writing, your reading series, your workshop space, your theatre, your sound stage, your catering company, your hair and make-up services, etc. Commercial rates, however, are higher. But still worth it!

Happy Mailing!

PS: FLYER DELIVERIES at breakdown need to be CLEARED first but they are “personally” hand delivered . . . “to every active feature film and television casting director in Los Angeles within 72 hours” and include: Los Angeles Casting Director Flyer; Los Angeles Producer Flyer; Los Angeles Agency Flyer . . . what are you waiting for??