Ken Horkavy's Lounge Discussions

Kurt, that’s a great point you raise. I think it depends on the market, the actor, and how established they are within that market. So, for instance, I’ve been in Atlanta 20 years. All the major casting offices know me well, so if I neglect to update my headshot for a couple years, it won’t kill those relationships. Conversely, freshening up my headshot will cause these “old friends” to go “oooh, a new headshot” and that, psychologically speaking, could bring me to the front-of-mind temporarily. It’s like being new to fishing, and trying out different lures having no knowledge of what fish are underneath the water. If you’re too impatient, you might put too many lures in or keep changing them every 5min. On the other hand, if you stick with same lure for too long, you might not even realize that there were a ton of fish that swam by, but just weren’t intrigued enough to bite.

Hello Ken! Glad to see the headshot we created together is still earning its keep! Weighing in on your question: Here's the reality, from my perspective as a headshot professional, a Director of Photography, and filmmaker. I've sat on both sides of the table, at one point as a professional actor, then as a Director, and finally as the person many professional actors in Los Angeles turn to to make a real impact on their careers with headshots that command attention. When Casting has only days to fill a role, they're not really looking for actors. They're looking for "David, 25-30, All-American Quarterback, but with a dark, secretive side, potentially volatile, perhaps even dangerous." They're looking for the CHARACTER, and they don't have time to go thorough the full "5000 actors for one guest star digital submission" package. Sadly, the reality is, at that point, they often don't' even OPEN that package, they just go to their list of actors they know, they're confident they can take to Producers, and who won't be an ass at Craft Service at 7:00 a.m. That is why knowing your casting and branding, and capturing your most authentic range in your headshots is so essential right now. When we finally emerge from Covid, there will certainly be a rush to make up for the lost time, and lots of new opportunities, but If you don't do that work, and convey it in your headshots, unless your IMDB is stellar, or you're a well known commodity to the CD, you're never even seen.

Mr Donne! It has been too long! Thanks for chiming in, I always enjoy your candor and humor. The 7am craft service comment brought back all kinds of "did she just do that" memories from blurry morning LA sets.

How is CA treating you? I'm back to producing in Florida and loving it. Have any time to fly out and update my shots? I"ll cover and you can get a break! :)

That is a really good point, Geoffrey! Especially with the "reset" during the lockdown, the only thing other than your resume that may still hold up is your relationships.

Thank you Karen... sometimes you really have to do something to set yourself apart. With some clients, when they're targeting very specific characters or shows, we'll do what I call an "In Character" shot. This does not replace a more traditional images, but rather accompanies it. A number of the actors on this page I'm sharing here, had very specific shows or genres or characters they knew they were right for, so we captured that, and as opposed to the cheesy 90's "I'm wearing a lab coat, so I'm a Doctor" shots, these images are crafted to feel more like they are publicity images shot BTS or for promo on set. The response from CD's has been really quite exciting for my cleints. https://www.geoffreydonnephotography.com/in-character

The MeToo Solution, good for you!

Hi Eric......send me some additional information about the gig. Interested here......... William

I'd like to hear more about the project Eric..)) add me )

Eric, send me a synopsis or log line. I have several writers on staff that could be contracted.

Hi eric, Let me know if you are still looking for a writing assistant and what kind of writing projects you are looking to create? (tv, webisode, movie. etc.)

hello again Eric................are there any projects of your that are scrambling about looking for an editor or screenwriter? Keep me posted, as I am working on a ghostwriting gig at the moment, as well as an editing project, but are always on the hunt for more. Ttyl Will

Thank you Richard! I have been a recluse for almost 5 years. Now I'm starting something new and coming out of hiding. Glad to be back amongst the Creatives!

Well it has been an interesting couple of days...I talked with the union rep and he said their local encourages union members to take any work union or not. They evaluate the projects in the area and decide if it is worth pursuing as a union. I also talked to an AD that is very experienced and is a friend and he recommended it. I also spoke with some crew I've worked with on a feature and they pushed me to join. So the ending result is I am joining...they are waivering the initiation fee due to the films I worked in the past. Let's hope for a 3 year project on the water...anyone planning a big pirate tv series set in Savannah with a really big budget?

Glad to hear that you investigated and determined the best path for yourself. I'll be card carrying, too. I hope we cross paths & get to work on a project together. I'll let you know when we premier Untouched and have you attend if you're available. Here's to the Pirate Project!

Thanks everyone for their input on this.

I know this is an old post but just wanted those in this group that I just wrapped my first department head job as the Marine Coordinator on Anchorman 2, as a member of IATSE 491

That is pretty cool! Please send me their contact information or ask them if they would be interested. I probably won't start filming before late spring, so we have plenty of time. :) Thanks Sandra!

will do. i'll contact you via the website above.

I like it. It would be nice to see something happy and positive with all of the negativity out there.

Elizabeth, all we have to do is turn the channel or turn off the TV, but the masses keep tuning in, so until that changes, negativity will be on tap for all to view...

Yep I agree. We don't watch that crap. Most of it is pretty lame.