Actors: Is IMDb Useful?

This week we investigate how important IMDb is to your acting career. We cover topics like whether Casting uses it, curating your page, the Star meter, and more!

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#actorslife #auditiontips #IMDb

[maxbickelhaup]

its incredibly useful for researching upcoming projects you may be auditioning for, directors you may be working for, etc. It's also incredibly useful for researching managers and agencies.

[sherryrichards]

I really appreciated some clarity on the star-meter. I’ve often been confused as to why/what does it really do. Even posted my star-meter on social lol! But what’s the true purpose behind it??? When updating my IMDBPro I’m prompted to get my star-meter. Now I know, for myself, it means nothing…. Except vanity of course… and I don’t need that. Thanks for the informative videos!

[robodobro]

I watch all your videos and appreciate the advice.. that being said I've found things different in the NE and Mid North areas. I was told personally by a major tv and film producer that he cast me based on my "About Me" section of my IMDB profile page. So not only was the page necessary but filling it out to the fullest is also key. Another personal friend and accomplished TV and Film producer explained to me that he does look at the Starmeter rating and that other actors will attempt to leverage their score when negotiating salary. On agents..from what i see actors are doing way more to promote themselves and get auditions than agents are.. Starmeter is a popularity measurement. Everyone knows it doesn't gage talent, but it does gage who is hot right now, and that doesn't hurt, as you know much of casting is based off of looks, relationships, social media engagement etc, everyone notices the Starmeter, we also realize when the rating doesn't match the talent and experience level of some. As far as self submissions, in your example i agree, don't post the role if it is a plot twist or surprise cameo, otherwise newer actors are the only ones promoting themselves. If an actor doesn't list himself he may never be posted by the production company. Many people including stuntmen, consultants, background actors and day players are left off the list. You can actually list other people to help each other out. These producers want to promote their best actors and names but will not give the proper credit to everyone else that helped in the project....and at the same time they will give Crafty a credit, or the assistant to assistant to BG casting.. while leaving soo many more off. The NDAs are generic and are referred to in broad terms, as long as you aren't giving away plots or showing set designs i think you can use your best judgement. Not going to the press, doing interviews, not posting pictures... but a simple google search will show all these things, again, the information is already public, so as long as you aren't giving away some super secret detail, repeating what the producers have put out wont hurt. Adding oneself as uncredited for a BG is a good thing, it helped me book other speaking Sag roles, so again, yeah, the production company wont (as I learned) so you must, IMDB is your online resume with pictures, names of character roles, everything. It is very important. When a production company tagged you in a image on their side it doesn't transfer over to your own page. It isn't like social media where it transfers automatically or even asks you for permission, it stays on their page. I've learned the most from this channel and Kurt Yue.

[TennantMary]

They shot Black Panther front of muy work and DIr. told us at the work place don't say nothing.. I waited for the movie to come out and then I told people. And I had a picture I saved and NEVER shared it and waited for the movie came out. That is how LOYAL I am.

[coastiesmitty]

Just happened upon this video, as I recently joined IMDbPro and man, I am so glad you did this video!! I will focus on the things that matter - getting better. Who cares about how many productions I've been on in the background? Literally no one. You are certainly right about everything you said, regardless of region. Casting directors only really care about who's in front of them and if they fit the mold they are looking for. You could not know how to read, literally be illiterate, but you have that prominent jaw line, or that pouty face and you get cast. Anyone who says they've seen casting directors cross-referencing their call sheet with imdb is just bs, 'cause nobody's ever said that. "Be so good they can't ignore you" couldn't be more true. Thanks Steve Martin & Thanks Matt!!

[sharonsquires]

Ha!! I am so cracking up!!! Excellent points! It's shameful the cost for IMDBPRO. Lawyers would have no problem paying the yearly fee, but actor's struggle and they KNOW this!!! which makes this action even worse. I'm sure Amazon Prime is making enough money to pay for all actor's imdbpro accounts and still make their profit lines.

[FleXxTheFuture]

I’ve signed many contracts including several STUDENT FILMS WITH PROMISE OF AN IMBD SUBMISSION. One was judge Ross never received credits for defendant role

[kaylastraker-trotman]

I think that it depends where you live because over here as long as you are close to production, you will be credited like you are the main actor or actress even if it was just background acting. No one has a clue if they don't actually watch the film. Again, where I live, it's controlled by very few people so that's why this can happen. It builds people's CV's fast. I don't see this in Montréal or Toronto, but that's because there are so many people there in control.

[kaylastraker-trotman]

Yeah so what I'm realizing is the part of Canada I live in, everyone lists themselves. Even if it's just background acting. It works for them, but that's because it's very controlled here under very few people. So this is eye opening.

[GoDonDON]

What do you think about auditions request on YouTube

[lynneashe]

And IMDB won't allow you to change your height, either, haha! I used to be (actual height) 5.475, so I fudged it up to 5-5 on slates and on my imdb listing. Well, now, I've actually lost a little over a quarter of an inch in height and found that CDs prefer you to round "down" rather than up ... And IMDB won't allow it. So I slate 5-4 but will perpetually be 5-5 on imdb. Such is life. 🙂

[charlita]

I think 💭 it’s youthful for seasoned actors who already have a name or brand

[joguestin]

what happens to your IMDb headshot when you stop paying for PRO?

[davidmoskowitz]

All IMDb credits aren’t created equal.