A Brand You're Proud Of

When you're crystal clear on the characters you play best...
EVERYTHING becomes easier.

You'll book higher-paying jobs, get an agent/manager faster, start building a following and even get called in (out of the blue) by casting directors who want YOU... over all other actors.

Martin Bentsen has been featured in:

"I've got my resume, I'm about to get my headshots, I'm about to enroll in class... now what?"

"Acting class was a world of make-believe, a safe space where I could breathe life into characters and live completely in the moment. It was all about performance, about becoming someone else.

But stepping into the real world, trying to turn my passion into a paid profession... everything changed.

Suddenly, I'm confronted with the 'business' side of acting, which seems like a different beast entirely:

I'm struggling to understand how to make myself stand out in a sea of submissions, hoping to catch the eye of a casting director who's sifting through thousands of eager actors just like me.
Self-tapes and auditions have become a necessary evil, tasks that feel like they're sucking the joy out of what should be an exciting journey.
Even if I make it to callbacks, the pressure is immense. How do I set myself apart from the other equally talented finalists?

And the most daunting part? I'm still at step zero. I've just managed to get my headshots done, but what's next? How do I even get to the stage of being invited to auditions when I'm not sure where to start?

Should I enroll in another acting class? Do I need different headshots? Is it time to invest in a reel, even though I hardly have any footage?

The biggest question looming over me is... how do I know if any of these steps will make a real difference?

My dream of an acting career feels like it's turned into a never-ending series of fixes and attempts to crack a code I don't have a clue about... and even after all these fixes, I'm still feeling lost and stuck at the starting line."

But what about the actors who've got it figured out?

But what about the actors who seem to have the map to this labyrinth?

You've seen them, gracing your screens in your favorite TV shows on Netflix, HBO, and beyond. They're the ones who consistently land co-star and guest-star roles, the ones who make it seem effortless. Before you know it, they're being called in for recurring and series regular auditions – jobs that have the potential to transform careers overnight.

Imagine, if you will, the exhilaration of being one of those actors. Picture yourself as the kind of actor who:

Is constantly attending auditions, thanks to a dedicated agent who gets you in front of casting directors for major TV shows, films, and theatrical productions.
Has a callback rate that makes others envious, and a knack for converting those auditions into bookings.
Steps into every audition room with confidence, secure in your abilities and the knowledge that you've invested your time and money into the right training and preparation.
Doesn't fritter away money on unnecessary headshots, reels, and marketing materials because you know exactly what you need to showcase your talent.

Imagine the doors that would open for you, the opportunities that casting directors, agents, and managers would lay at your feet. Imagine the ease with which you'd navigate this industry, the clarity with which you'd steer your career growth. Now that's a dream worth chasing.

So what's the difference?

So, what creates this disparity?

What separates the actors who seem to unlock audition after audition, captivating the attention of agents and managers with ease, from those still trying to decipher the code?

Why do some, even after investing hundreds or thousands of dollars on headshots, reel footage, and training, still face an uphill battle just to secure their place in auditions, or hear only crickets from the agents and managers they approach?

It's not some arcane secret, nor is it pure luck.

Sure, luck has its part, as do strategy and networking. But I've encountered many actors who've strategized diligently and boast an enviable network in the industry, yet they still find it hard to land more than 1-2 acting gigs every few months.

So, what's the missing piece of the puzzle?

In a nutshell: A clear, actionable game plan.

Think about it: Would you set out on a cross-country road trip without a map, hoping to stumble upon your destination by chance?

Unlikely. Most would prefer a GPS or a map, offering precise directions and the most efficient route to their destination.

This principle holds true for casting directors, agents, and the acting industry as a whole! Industry professionals are drawn to actors who have:

A clear understanding of their goals and a strategy to reach them - they appreciate an actor who realizes they can't aimlessly wander and expect success, but instead carves out a clear path and follows it with determination.
A visible alignment with their strategy – they desire an actor whose headshots, reels, and auditions all align with the specific path they've chosen and the roles they're targeting.
Marketing materials that reflect their strategy – so the casting directors and agents can instantly see the roles the actor is targeting and how they fit into those roles.

Time and time again, I've seen actors hold themselves back simply because they're wandering without a map.

They're under the illusion that trying everything will open more opportunities, when in reality, it's the exact opposite.

No casting director is looking for an aimless wanderer. They're seeking the one actor who has a clear strategy, knows their path, and walks it confidently.

In other words, no casting director or agent wants an actor without a plan. They're looking for an actor who knows where they're headed and has a strategy to get there.

The Magic of Being Clear on Your Types & Brand

The Power of Having a Clear Game Plan

Imagine the impression you'd make on an agent or casting director who asked, "What's your plan?" and you confidently outlined a well-articulated, concise strategy?

"I aim to focus on honing my craft and networking in the first month, then work on getting high-quality headshots and a compelling reel by the end of the second month."
"My goal is to start attending auditions by the third month while also seeking representation, using my improved skills, polished headshots, and compelling reel as leverage."
"I intend to regularly evaluate my progress and adjust my strategy as necessary, ensuring I stay on the right path towards my career goals."

Imagine if you then showed them a well-organized portfolio, complete with a professional headshot, a compelling reel, and a clear career roadmap?

The simple truth is, actors who have a clear game plan command respect from industry gatekeepers and are often remembered for their strategic approach.

These actors may be in the minority... but they are the ones who secure the majority of all high-level acting work.

Having a clear game plan means knowing exactly what steps you need to take to advance your career - from improving your acting skills and networking effectively, to securing high-quality headshots and a compelling reel, to finding the right auditions and securing representation.

In essence, having a clear game plan is about combining all the necessary elements of an acting career and pursuing them in a strategic, organized manner. It's about knowing where you're going, how you'll get there, and what tools and resources you'll need along the way.

But getting clear on your Brand and Types can be very challenging!

But developing a clear game plan can be incredibly daunting!

It can be tough to determine the steps you should take:

You may have sought advice from friends, mentors, or even strangers on the internet. But this can be awkward and time-consuming, and how do you know if they're giving you sound advice? What if, just to be polite, they avoided telling you that your current approach isn't effective?
You may have searched online for step-by-step guides, but finding a comprehensive action plan tailored to your individual needs and goals can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack! Plus, what does "network effectively" or "find the right auditions" actually mean in practical terms, and how do you know for sure these strategies will work for you?
You may have paid for career coaching or consulting services, but at the end of them, you were left with a list of vague suggestions or generic advice that left you just as confused as you were before. OR worse... you may have been pushed into pursuing a career path that doesn't align with your interests or goals.

In fact, getting "stuck in a rut" in your acting career can be terrifying – I know some people who followed misguided advice or pursued ineffective strategies for YEARS!

But the fact is, whether you have a clear game plan or not, people are already forming impressions of you the moment they meet you (or look at your headshot/reel).

In other words, you're already being judged based on your current approach, and if you're unclear about what that approach is, you're always going to find it difficult to get work as an actor.

Almost every day, people share their struggles with me:

"I'm not satisfied with the kinds of acting jobs I'm getting offered, but they're the only ones that pay..."
"I feel like I'm too [skinny/tall/short/overweight/etc.] to be considered for roles I really want..."
"If I lock myself into a specific strategy, I might limit my opportunities, but I want to explore as many avenues as possible..."

But each of these concerns is just a narrative we tell ourselves... a narrative that might not reflect reality.

In fact, there are ways to break out of any rut you've found yourself in, but the first step is to understand your current strategy and its limitations.

Wouldn't it make sense to get a clear grasp of your current approach... so you can take control of it – and then adapt it to serve your goals better?

Once you're clear on your current strategy (or have decided to create a new one for yourself), you can refine it into a game plan you love – one that inspires and motivates you to do your absolute BEST work.

Tyrone L. Robinson - Getting clear on his Brand helped him get to Broadway.

"I’ve been working as an actor for almost 2 decades and had been wanting to perform on Broadway for almost seven years. I did a branding and career consultation with a well-known business of acting coach a few years ago but it didn't help, so I was skeptical.

Would Martin's material be any different?

YES. His unique Brand/Type process combined with my training and experience in the industry unlocked something that helped me book several jobs back-to-back... including my Broadway debut!

Martin has something very special to offer actors, and I can’t recommend him highly enough.”

– Tyrone L. Robinson, professional actor

Hi, I'm Martin Bentsen and I believe EVERY actor deserves a shot.

You might have seen me speak at NYU, Actor's Connection, or The Actor's Green Room. Or you might have taken headshots at my #1 Yelp and Google rated photography company called City Headshots.

I've had the opportunity to work with tens of thousands of actors since 2009 when I started, and every day, actors ask me if I know what they should do to book more work.

I've realized that most actors are so busy earning a living, paying their bills, training, and performing, that they have ZERO time to figure out how to position themselves properly so they start booking more jobs.

Well, after YEARS of working with so many different actors (at all different levels in their careers), I've come to a simple conclusion:

Finding steady work as an actor all starts with creating A Brand You're Proud Of.

Securing steady work as an actor all starts with creating A Strategy You Believe In.

No serious casting director or agent is going to work with an actor who isn't crystal clear on their game plan, and yet it's so easy to fall into the trap of thinking, "I'll figure out my strategy later, once I'm more established."

But the reality is, once you develop a strategic plan, you will find yourself in a position where you can systematically build up a resume of credits that will open the door to bigger and better roles – roles you'll truly love playing.

When you're crystal clear on your strategy and you create an action plan you're passionate about, you'll find yourself auditioning for roles that align perfectly with your strengths, which VASTLY improves your shot at booking them.

Eventually, one day when you're booking so much work that you have a major following, you can even completely change your game plan (if you want) because people will simply want to work with you for the reputation you've built.

But it all starts with creating...

A Brand You're Proud Of is my three-part video course designed to help you uncover your Types and build a Brand you love.

In just two hours from now, you could be crystal clear on your Types and Brand – this program does NOT require you to ask random people on the street "how they see you" or wait ages to figure out your Type-specific "booking ratios" in the industry.

Access A Brand You're Proud Of online instantly, from anywhere in the world.

I've designed this as an easy-to-access video course you can go through from the comfort of your own home as soon as today, or whenever you're ready.

Plus, you get lifetime access so you can come back whenever needed to review the material – either this year, next year, or two decades from now.

A Layout of the Course:

A Brand You're Proud Of is broken into three modules. Check out the breakdown below to learn what the program includes:

Module 1: Mind Reading
Learn How You're Perceived

The first and most important step in building a brand you love is discovering what people think when they first see and meet you. Without knowing what's going through their minds, how can you ever hope to take control of it?

Module #1 Covers:

"Type" vs. "Brand" vs. "Passion Brand," and what each can do for your acting career
The Most Commonly Looked-For Types and How to Use Them to Book More Work – plus a different way of thinking about Type that makes it WAY easier to understand
X-Ray Vision: The Step-by-Step Process to Discover Your 4 Primary Type(s) – this simple, quick process you can do from home right now will get you crystal clear on your Types (and doesn't require you to ask random strangers on the street for feedback)
How to Verify Your Types – once you've uncovered your primary Types, you need know with absolute certainty that they're correct – this shortcut will show you how to do it fast

Module 2: Take Control
Create a Brand You Love

Module 2 is all about how to take control of what people think when they meet you, so you can build a Brand you're proud of.

In this Module, you'll upgrade your Types to a "Brand" and "Passion Brand," and learn how to change the way people perceive you so you start getting opportunities for roles that excite and energize you, instead of ones that make you feel stuck and uninspired.

Module #2 Covers:

A Step-by-Step Process to Expand Your Range – avoid getting pigeonholed by learning how to get the industry to see you almost ANY way you want (potentially as soon as this week)
The 9-Step Process to Upgrade Your Types to a Brand – one that will inspire and excite you, and differentiate you from ALL other actors out there so you get noticed by casting directors and agents
Upgrade Your Brand to a "Passion Brand" – uncover the final (and deepest) level of Branding – what I call your "Passion Brand" – and learn how this advanced concept can make auditioning and networking feel significantly easier

Module 3: Make it Real
Use Your Brand to Boost Your Career

Once you've come up with a Brand you're proud of, it's time to make it real. Module 3 dives deep the exact steps to capture your newfound Brand in all your marketing materials, plus how to use it to get more auditions FAST.

Module #3 Covers:

How to Work Your Brand into Your Headshot, Reel, & Resume, Step by Step - this little-known shortcut will help you get clear on the exact colors, fonts, and styles for all your marketing materials (including a website if you have one) so they capture your brand perfectly
How to Audition Better with Your Brand – this easy-to-use psychological hack can be used before ANY audition to ease nerves and help you feel more grounded (this was the same technique my client Tyrone used to get booked on Broadway)
How to Talk About Your Brand with Industry Gatekeepers - it can feel awkward to talk about your Brand & Types when someone asks... but I'll show you exactly what to say with word-for-word scripts
How to Access Hidden Opportunities With Your "Passion Brand" - learn 10 creative ways to get agents, managers, and casting directors interested in meeting you by using your "Passion Brand"

Bonus Module:
Submissions Secrets

Self-submitting is very much a numbers game. You can submit yourself to 1,000 auditions, but if you do it improperly, you'll still rarely get called in – even if you're clear on your Brand and Types!

In this module, I share secrets to help you greatly increase the number of auditions you get by using your newfound Types and Brand.

This Module Covers:

Marketing Materials That Impress Casting Directors - learn the critical differentiators between "amateur" and "professional" actor marketing materials – differentiators that can mean the difference between coming across as an "out of touch" actor... or someone the casting director can trust completely
Cover Letter Secrets – discover how to get noticed by casting directors and improve your shot of being called in with a simple "submissions note" that makes the casting director think, "Wow, this actor is perfect for the role because of X"
Winning the Long Game of Acting - In Part #3, I break down the most common mistakes actors make in their careers that cause them to spend YEARS focused on the wrong things – just becoming aware of and changing a few of these things can make a huge difference in the long run

Where will you be next year... and in another five years?

So many actors I know got into this industry because they wanted to do something they loved.

Acting always had a special "magic" for them – something that made them feel truly alive as they performed.

But when they look back, they feel like they've been stuck in the same place for far too long... boxed into playing roles they're uninspired (or even bored) by.

Some actors are never even invited to auditions in the first place!

The sad truth is that too many actors give up because acting has lost its magic for them.

I don't want this to happen to you.

It’s not easy, but if you’re truly committed to your acting career, you owe it to yourself to take control of how the industry sees you so you can start getting called in for roles you'll love.

Because once you do, all that magic comes back. And that's when everything changes.

Milly Figuereo - Getting clear on her Brand made networking WAY easier.

"I have worked as a full-time actor for the past 8+ years. I have had a good amount of success - national SAG commercials, supporting roles in independent films, long time representation... However, I did not have a clear picture of my Brand, my Type or even my Why, and I didn't have an idea of what was working and what wasn't.

Through your process, I am now completely clear on my Brand and Types and I understand how to use this knowledge to get to where I want to be.

I have created new and more appropriate marketing materials and even a website. I produced new footage for my reel. I have even used my Brand to strengthen my relationship with my agent and am finding it much easier to connect with Casting Directors. I am so grateful to have found Martin Bentsen. I pass his information along to any and all of my actor friends who want to succeed."

– Milly Figuereo, professional actress

Ashley Davis - Getting clear on her Brand helped her land her dream job.

"As a new actor, I didn't know what made me any different from all the other actors out there. But just a few months after I got clear on my Brand, I landed my dream job! I decided to focus my Brand on comedy and ran with it for my new headshots.

I now work at Shadowbox Live in Columbus, Ohio. It’s steady work where I sing rock n' roll and act in sketch comedies. It’s an open-ended contract, so ironically your Branding process and the headshots I took based on that Brand were so good that I never had to use them to find more auditions because I found my professional home.

Thanks, Martin!"

– Ashley Davis, professional actress

More Kind Words

"This is by far THE BEST program I've come across on branding. MIND BLOWN. Thank you."
Naina M.

"I just got a manager AND booked my first paid acting gig since discovering my Brand. Thank you!! Figuring out my Brand made it easier for me to make a website, and by clarifying what I bring and how unique I am, I am now getting new opportunities."
Manu P.

"You make it so simple to 'step-by-step' tackle in a logical way something I find overwhelming. I have just rebranded myself, or at least tweaked my Brand. I sincerely appreciate this."
Carolyn G.

"LOVED this!!! THANK YOU! Types I came up with – #1-Edgy, Business Pro, #2-Punky Mom Sexy Rockstar, #3-Love Interest, Leading Lady, #4-Sexy Powerhouse Boss, CEO. Fun and SO HELPFUL! Honestly, THANK YOU – this process has been invaluable for me to figure this out!!"
Kate J.

"Hello Martin, just wanted to let you know that I have gotten a supporting role in a short film and wanted to thank you for all of your help with branding. I feel more confident when I submit to NYC Agents and managers because now my resume isn’t just training. Thanks again!"
Tristan D.

"This program has helped me to understand a lot about the necessity and requirement for branding and selling my type. I am learning how to present myself as a serious and more professional artist so as to be viewed more favourably and given consideration in a very competitive industry."
Zariah C.

"This was a really great program. It was so comprehensive and the idea that you're not necessarily limited by your Brand (or that you should limit yourself) is important to self-actualization and motivation."
Elizabeth B.

"Your advice on how to have your headshot, demo reel, and website all in alignment with your brand was immensely helpful to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Martin!!!"
Elena S.

"Martin's strategy on branding was SO helpful and insightful! His strategy opened many doors even during the pandemic – I've gotten more auditions than usual and also booked a pilot! I highly recommend taking this program."
Lisa M.