We were lucky to catch up with Danielle Halley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Danielle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you signed with an agent or manager? Why or why not?
Signing with an agent is really so important to an actor/actresses career. However, many agents want to see some sort of self tape or performance from you. So how do you get an agent? There are many different ways and no one way is correct, you can have one come across your work, be referred to by a friend, or what I personally like to do is reach out to THEM. Agents don’t know what they don’t know, and if they don’t know you exist how could they ever represent you. I’d say the first thing you should be doing is getting a few solid headshots and then start working on projects where you can get some footage for yourself. You can send submit to projects on Backstage or casting networks or even create your own short and film it. This was when you email an agent they can see you in action. If you really want to start submitting to agents right away then at the very least you should be submitting some self tapes. Do your research, make a list of potential agents you could work with, put your electronic press kit together and start submitting. There will be several no responses or no thank yous but if you keep it up I believe there is a good fit for most people out there. Take your time, meet with different agents and see which one will fits your career goals!
Danielle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I started modeling at 17 in New England, a few years ago I out to Load Angeles to hopefully start working in that industry. However, I realized there was so much more you could do out here outside of modeling. I fell in love with acting and writing as well, both I had dabbled with previously but had not really taken seriously until I came out here. I think being multi fascinated is so important, and learning how to be a good writer has made me a better actress and vice versa. I say do as much as you can, because you never know where your next opportunity will come from and there is no reason to limit yourself! Be the best creative version of yourself, and love every second of it.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
There are so many resources out there for individuals but not always well known. I really had to find my way and figure it out but I would say any online submission platform is helpful to get work. Backstage, actors access, casting networks, new book, and even instagram have places where you can self submit. Your agent is of course working hard for you but while you have free time you should always be self submitting. Any way you can expand your portfolio is a must, attend as many networking events as possible, meet other creatives, this industry really isn’t just about your talent but who you know and meet and the impressions you make on them. On top of that, have a social media presence, I know it’s not everyone favorite but a public place where people can find you and your work is so important in this day and age. I have had many opportunities come my way just by people finding me online. It is a hustle but I believe it’s the best way to see your goals come to fruition.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I started social media at a young age, particularly instagram. It can be hard to grow, especially on platforms that have been around a long time. With social media, you need to be consistent, post content every day and make sure you are using the algorithm to your advantage. Follow trends and hop on them, work with other creators, and most important have fun! Social media is so much better when it showcases your personality, have fun with it, people really enjoy someone who is authentically themselves over some curated individual that looks like everyone else online.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hoo.be/daniellehalley
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle_halley_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielleHalleyModel
- Other: TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@danielle_halley_ IMdb- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12657415/ NewBook- https://newbookmodels.page.link/eoHF