Headshots NYC: THE STORIES WE TELL

I spend a lot of my time writing. Or wishing I was writing, or avoiding writing, or going over what I just wrote, or daydreaming about how great what I wrote is going to be, or hoping that what I just wrote isn't total crap, or riding the high of writing something I'm truly proud of. I write screenplays-- feature-length, short film length, and short scenes for my actor clients through our screener services. I write because I'm obsessed with storytelling.

When I was a kid I was obsessed with summer camp. With that season approaching I am reminded of those excited butterflies I'd get over the prospect of kayak trips, late night capture the flag and, of course, telling stories by the camp fire and in our cabins. Counselors and staff members would come over to our bunks late at night and tell the latest accounts of ghoulish trickery that had occurred at camp since last year-- which, let's face it, were mostly re-arrangements of what we heard before, little adjustments to make us think camp was perpetually frequented by key supernatural visitors. 

Storytelling has the power to brighten eyes, open minds, and keep a kid on the edge of her bunk at midnight-- and up all night, ears pricked to pick up the slightest paranormal rustle. 

Stories also have the power to build companies, brands, individuals to near-mythic heights. What do we love almost as much as our iPhone? The story of Steve Jobs. Why do we donate to that non-profit? Because they tell such a compelling, urgent story that we cannot deny their request for help. 

I work with with all kinds of people here at the studio. It's fascinating. Pharmacists, authors, enzyme researchers, models, actors, athletes. They all have a story to tell, and many times their success comes in part from how they can relay that story to others, how they can compel others into investing in new crop growing techniques, into buying their book, into casting them for that film.

What story are you telling with your life, with your career? How can you best convey it through your website, head shot, demo reel, business card? How will you compel others to stop and listen with eyes wide and minds open? 

I am privileged to help people tell what no one else can: who they are and how they got to be their compelling, unique selves.

I can't wait to hear about you. 

Comment below low or tweet @mjbhomeent about a story that's captivated you, whether it be the life of Nelson Mandela or Ferris Bueller 's Day Off!

As always,
-  Lee Ann

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