You're in the film industry. How important is social media for your success?

Social Media is hugely important to the film industry because it allows writers, directors, producers and actors to directly share their thoughts and insights with the fans and their audience in real time! Likewise, it allows the audience and the fans to connect directly with some of their favorite industry professionals on a more personal level than ever before! Best of all, it allows independent projects to receive access to the same tools that, previously, were only available to larger studios. In essence, it has helped to level the playing field and shift, however slightly, the power dynamic in Hollywood!

When thousands of actors have submitted for a role and it's been whittled down to just a few, it's pretty clear each of those actors is wholly capable of fulfilling the role. Casting directors, directors, producers and possibly a corporate client, have all weighed in. So then how do they arrive at the final choice? They look at the actor's social media. In particular, they look to Instagram to see what kind of audience the actor already has and what kind of message are they already sending. Political? Controversial? Upscale? Down market? Consistent or scattered topics? To when posting, don't just let your words fly. Focus your followers and more importantly those who are judging who your followers are, to present your best, honest self.

I am a Model, an Actress, but also a founder of an International Models Community i have been running for the past 12 years and from my experience i can tell you following: "Lot of the actors dont do enough to sell their skills and complain about "lack of jobs and options". You cant expect an Agent to do it all, you have to do something yourself as well. And Social Media is great for that.

Choose 3 subjects that you believe honestly reflect your interests and expertise and post on those at least weekly. Be consistent with topic and how often you post. Limit your color scheme to primarily 3 colors also, to set your profile's mood. Include images or video every time. Be honest and try to add valuable info to your followers. Fact check like a top notch reporter. Use your iPhone camera to shoot and utilize its editing ability. Be sure to shoot in the aspect ratio the social media account prefers. Horizontal (landscape) for most social media, except Instagram--use vertical orientation. Post across as many platforms as possible with one click using an app that pushes it out to all your accounts. Always focus on giving, not getting!

Interacting with your audience is by far hardest part to get oneself to do, in social media. Engagement-it even sounds like a big commitment. We like to post and move on. Start simple. Like your own post. Click thumbs up or heart for comments. Learn from what gets lots of reactions. Ask followers to repost as a reminder, so those algorithms leap. Never criticize someone who leaves a comment. Just block negative people. Set up some keyboard shortcuts on your phone for quick responses that you often give. Be grateful that people care enough to comment. All in all, it's a lesson in life's relationships: Be available, sincere, appreciative and give negativity no attention, so those people simply go elsewhere.

From the right audience, to the right connections, to talking about the right thing, you need to be strategic. If you are a writer and want to be a writer, use your social media to talk about the process of being a writer, the good and the bad - be open and honest. Make good connections, be polite, and be patient. If you connect with a producer you will be eager to send a script or idea or synopsis. There is nothing wrong with that but be aware it could take months to hear a response - if any at all. Still be polite even if you’re disappointed. 1.) Write about your creative passion 2.) Connect with good people 3.) Be kind and patient You do those three things everyday and I promise your life will change in a year.

It's simple really. Let your topics and content reflect where you want to be in 5 years. Exclude everything else. Be grammatically correct, if you want to be perceived as educated. Speak to one's inner thought process to be perceived as introspective. Always take the high road, if a life with dignity is important to you. Check out your analytics and stats. Time your posts to release in the future, during those heightened hours of engagement on your profiles. Mention people with whom you emulate or would actually like to meet. Be yourself in that process. Personas are difficult to maintain. Sincerity is easy, but like the truth is easy to remember. Repost only what will promote that image you have for yourself 5 years from now.

Read as much as you can from social media specialists that is currently relative. I know that Christopher Nolan shot his first feature on an iphone in just days on a very small budget, which got him on his way to multiple Batman features, Oscars and the true respect of his piers. Jane Campion did a live action short, which got her enough attention to get funded for The Piano. Rachel Ray was found doing in-store demos, when she got her big break. Do what you can on a shoestring and promote, promote, promote. Filmfreeway.com is a great way to get your projects into film festivals. Then you can promote your promotional piece. It's the domino effect you are seeking, which is a lot more common than going viral.

I'm interested in acting roles that are period pieces, so I look up casting directors, directors and writers who work in that genre. I may not get a response from Nina Gold on my first try, but when its sincere and relative, I send to her and her employees. Remember, what's old can become refreshing if utilized. I still send out postcards, with stills from the latest productions I've been in. Just like I still send thank you notes to dinner party hosts, who have graced me with an invitation, I'll send a postcard they can hold in their hand. It gets a different response that says I value personal relationships sincerely earned, not just clicks.

Trademark your brand elements like company name and logo to establish legal ownership. Monitor social platforms vigilantly for unauthorized use of your trademarks or copyrighted content, and promptly address any infringements. You may also share behind-the-scenes glimpse and engage with fans.