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UNIQUE CHARACTER PRESENTATION
by Bob Fraser
THE ACTOR'S TOOL KIT #15
One of the basic premises of all marketing (a fancy word for
sales) is the USP. It stands for Unique Selling Proposition.
For instance Avis "Tries Harder," or Pepsi "Hits the Spot."
I like to promote an idea to actors, called the UCP or ...
Unique Character Presentation.
Beat the casting directors to the punch -- decide on your
"type" yourself. Learn the basic types -- and how they are
sold -- and then choose what fits you best.
Pay particular attention to that word "unique." It means
that the product must be differentiated from other products.
Here are the types -- and the components used to sell them -
in hopes that this list will help you develop your own
Unique Character Presentation.
(I'll also give a few examples of actors who have used each
type in building their career. Note how widely varied two
people in the same type can be):
THE INNOCENT - A person whose goal and core desire is
happiness, who fears being punished for doing something
wrong. This person's strategy is to do things the "right"
way. This approach requires faith and optimism -- so THE
INNOCENT is expected to reflect goodness, morality,
simplicity, nostalgia -- the child.
Selling this image generally requires a romantic, traditional
approach. Or in some cases, mystical, saintly or dreamy.
(David Schwimmer, Meg Ryan)
REGULAR GUY (GAL) - This is person whose goal and core desire
is belonging and connecting with others. The strategy is to
have a "common touch," be a "down to earth" person with solid
virtues.
Known for realism, empathy and lack of pretense. This is the
"good ol' boy," the girl next door, the working stiff, the
solid citizen, the good neighbor and the regular Joe.
Selling this image requires differentiating from elitist,
powerful people and stressing the everyday functionality of
this sort of person. (Ray Romano, Sandra Bullock)
THE EXPLORER - This sort of person wants to experience a
better, more authentic, more fulfilling life. Conformity and
the feeling of being trapped are what THE EXPLORER is avoiding.
The strategy is seeking new things, escape from the everyday,
autonomy, ambition and being true to one's inner life.
Selling an image like this is done with individuality,
differentiation, 'new and exciting' are words to keep in mind.
This is the seeker, the wanderer, the pilgrim. A Pioneering
spirit. (Ellen DeGeneres, Johnny Depp)
THE SAGE - This is the type of person whose goal and desire
are to use intelligence and analysis to find the truth and
understand the world. Not wanting to be duped, misled or
ignored, THE SAGE uses information, knowledge and self-
reflection to reach the goal of the truth.
Selling the sage is mostly a matter of projecting expertise,
philosophy, good planning, solidity, a professional image.
The mentor, the teacher, the guru. (Leonard Nimoy, Oprah
Winfrey)
THE HERO - A constant in the telling of stories, THE HERO is
the person who believes to their core that where there's a
will, there's a way. The goal and main desire is to prove
one's worth through courage. The strategy here is strength
and competence. From the superhero to the team player -- the
warrior to the winner -- this person wants to improve the world
with his mastery of fear.
Selling this image is somewhat complicated as several of the
other types can cross over to this role. But, straight-
forwardness is a mainstay. Clear-eyed and capable. No
reluctance to go into the unknown. This is someone we can
depend on. (Sylvester Stallone, Linda Hamilton)
THE OUTLAW - This type wants to change what doesn't work for
themselves, generally through revenge or revolution. This
person is a misfit, a wild man (or woman) who rebels against
the norm. The strategy here is to disrupt, destroy or shock.
Selling THE OUTLAW is mostly a matter of breaking with
convention. Words to keep in mind are radical, outrageous,
the "dark side." Social outcast. Reactionary. Rebellious.
(Al Pacino, Kathy Bates)
THE MAGICIAN - This person's goal is to make dreams come
true through a fundamental laws of how the universe works.
The main strategy is to develop a vision and live by it.
Always looking for the "win-win" situation. Appearing as
the visionary, the inventor, shaman, medicine man, or
charismatic.
Selling this image is projecting a transformative nature.
Specialness, spirituality, and ability to effect the outcome.
This can be a "new age" approach. (Lucy Liu, Jon Voight)
THE LOVER - People of this type have a goal of relationships
through intimacy and experience. The strategy of THE LOVER
is to be passionate, grateful, appreciative and committed --
to become more emotionally or physically attractive. This
person can be a spouse, a friend, a partner or team builder.
Selling this image is a matter of being outer directed and
able to please others. A comfortable feeling of "belonging"
differentiates THE LOVER from other types. (Aaron Eckhart,
Drew Barrymore)
THE JESTER - With a goal of having a good time and "kidding"
the world, THE JESTER plays, makes jokes, can be a trickster.
Never wants to be boring or to be bored. A strategy of
puncturing self importance, creating fun and live in the
moment is what differentiates this person from the "herd."
Selling this image requires a welcoming, trustworthy,
friendly approach. Truthful, open to change, easy to
know are ideas that important to being this person.
(Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah)
THE RULER - The goal of 'the boss' is to create a
prosperous family, community or team. Success is a
result of this person's core desire to control the
situation. The strategy is to exercise power, leadership,
responsibility and authority to achieve a greater end.
Selling this image is all in the areas of confidence,
stability and trust. Differentiate from "regular"
people. (Judi Dench, Alan Alda)
THE CAREGIVER - This type cares and protects other selflessly.
The strategy of THE CAREGIVER is doing things for others with
compassion and generosity. The parent, helper and supporter
are people that fall into this category.
Selling this image is about family, team, health, education --
helping. Differentiate from selfish people. (Frances McDormand,
Keanu Reeves)
THE CREATOR - This is a person who wants to give form to a
vision and to create enduing value. The strategy here is to
develop artistic control, culture, skills and to express her
own vision using creativity and imagination.
Selling this image requires innovation, self expression, and
artistry. Differentiate from unimaginative, banal and usual.
(Steve Martin, Bette Midler)
As you can see, there are many types and even more strategies
for projecting the image that sells. Add to that, the ability of
some actors to combine some types and you have, literally,
thousands of choices.
For instance, Harrison Ford is the regular guy hero, Robin
Williams is the jester creator, Julia Roberts is the innocent
explorer, and Sarah Jessica Parker is the lover caregiver.
In fact one of the transitions every actor makes in a career is
the expansion of their basic type -- to include elements of other
types -- which, in turn, extends their staying power.
So the question is not "What type are you" as much as it is...
"What's your Unique Character Presentation?"
All you have to do is look at yourself in an objective way and
align your marketing efforts with your natural tendencies.
It's up to you to choose, or you can wait for someone else to
decide for you ... which might take a long time.
Be the creative hero in your own career.
"Reprinted from ACTOR'S TOOL KIT, the email course just for
subscribers of Show Biz How-To, the free e-zine for actors.
Get your own subscription at: www.showbizhowto.com
© 2007 Bob Fraser Productions All Rights Reserved"
