One-Sheet vs EPK: What the Heck are They?
While sending a headshot and resume to industry professionals you want to work with is standard, you might wonder what else you can do besides sit around and wait for an answer. You might also wonder how managers and agents pitch the talent they’re developing. The answer to both is one-sheets and EPKs. The great thing is that any actor, voice actor, stand-up comedian, audiobook narrator, etc., can benefit from using them.
What's a One-Sheet?
Often referred to as an actor one-sheet, marketing doc, or visual pitch, the one-sheet is a single 8.5" x 11" page designed to grab attention and communicate essential information about an actor. Because it’s just a single page, the one-sheet is a great way to introduce yourself, follow up after an initial contact, or send a quick update on your career.
Initially popularized in the early 2000s by actor business coach Dallas Travers, the one-sheet is a dynamic elevator pitch ideal for marketing to casting directors, agents, managers, and other industry professionals. Dallas came up with the idea of having the one-sheet look like a magazine cover. While this was novel and innovative then, many actor business coaches (who are not designers) would also suggest this design look to their clients. Since no one else suggested other designs, it is the only look you’ll hear about, but it is not an industry standard. There is none. So when you look to have it custom-made or get a DIY template you can use, you want to be sure that it will not only show your personality but that it is a design that highlights everything you want about you as a person and an artist.
What's an EPK?
Short for Electronic Press Kit, the EPK was used mainly by musicians and bands in the mid-90s as a PDF or a one-page website (does anyone remember Geocities?). It was a way for them to pitch themselves to venues, fans, and other people in the industry. For an actor, an EPK is a 3 to 5-page PDF providing a comprehensive overview of their career and achievements. Widely used as a hard pitch to industry professionals such as casting offices and potential representation, the EPK is also a valuable resource for press inquiries and interviews. They typically include a cover page, a section for career highlights, and a bio section.
When designing an EPK for my clients, I see it as a short story. I want an eye-catching beginning, a juicy middle, and a satisfying end. I want readers to be immediately drawn to my client’s achievements.
When do I use an EPK vs a One-Sheet?
The decision between using a one-sheet or an EPK depends on a few things, including where you are in your career, future goals, and the intended audience. One-sheets are great for actors at any level, offering a concise and visually engaging snapshot of their brand and capabilities. They are particularly effective for initial introductions, follow-ups, networking events, and casual pitches. A manager might send one out to an office already casting a particular role you’d be perfect for.
On the other hand, EPKs are better suited for actors with a substantial body of work looking to advance in their careers, for instance, going from co-star to guest star or guest-star to series regular. With their comprehensive format and detailed content, EPKs provide a more in-depth exploration of an actor's career, making them perfect for formal pitches, press engagements, and professional submissions. With an EPK, a manager might send one to an office that may not be casting yet but knows their talent would be a shoo-in for the project and world they will be casting for.
Conclusion:
At the end of the day, it’s your talent and skills that will get you opportunities, but polished marketing materials can be great, eye-catching assets. Just remember, whether you pitch with a one-sheet or an EPK, make sure that it is a great visual representation of who you are as a person and an artist. If you can’t be in the room, make your marketing your visual ambassador.