Social Media 101: For Actors, Filmmakers And Entertainers.

It’s interesting how information is shared these days. We see what our friends and family are up to through Facebook, tweet our opinions to the hundreds of thousands of users in the Twittersphere, and connect with industry insiders on LinkedIn.
Its disappointing to realise that some actors, filmmakers and entertainers are not on any social media platform or rarely use the facebook somebody created for them years back.
Every entertainer ought to be on the social network, that's where your fans are and it is a potent platform to start the publicity for your latest work but if you are not there yet, get started right away.
Here are three great ways to take advantage of social media and expand your brand.
1.FACEBOOK FAN PAGE:

Facebook is the most popular social media platform to date and has a wide range of features with an easy-to-navigate interface. One of the best features would be the fan page integration. If you’re an actor, I suggest building a fan page. It’s pretty much an interactive electronic press kit that anyone can view. Being able to post images, video, and updates on your current work while using a different profile than your original one is excellent. Your fan page should focus mostly on news and press opportunities, especially for those that would prefer they keep their personal profile private.

2. TWITTER ACCOUNT:

Originally, I was impressed with Twitter’s infinite hashtag options, but now that Facebook uses hashtags, Twitter has lost some of its uniqueness. However, Twitter is a great place to share your information, press, and work. You have direct access to other actors, celebrities, directors, casting directors, etc. You can deliver a tweet to a particular person by MENTIONING or using the hashtag to create a stream of tweets which can be read by simply clicking on the hashtag.

3. LINKEDIN GROUPS:

LinkedIn is one of the “classier” social media sites. Though many see it as more of a business and job seeker portal, LinkedIn have a variety of features that actors should take advantage of. Here you can reach the business class audience. Least I forget, The “Actors and Casting Directors “group is a good place to hang. The group boasts roughly 32,000 members, which means there’s opportunity to network and meet new acting buddies all over the world.

4. YOUTUBE CHANNEL:

Youtube is the most popular platform in video streaming. As a filmmaker or actor, its advisable you create a personal youtube channel. That's where you will upload your works, copy the links and promote in your twitter, facebook and linkedIn platform.
Its really pathetic when a filmmaker can't refer you to an online channel to see their work. As an actor or entertainer, you also need a channel to upload your show reel and other short videos you may want people to see.

DOs AND DON'Ts
1. DO publish photos that show you at your best. No silly or obscene photos— you drunk with your friends at a party is a good example. Photos with you on a film set or on stage will give you great credibility. Your fans and industry professionals in your circle want to know you’re proactive and working.
2. DO upload videos that show your recent work. Short clips from film set, trailers, or a show reel are okay. Keep it short so downloading is easy.
3. DO post frequently. Keep your post, tweets and status short and always say something intelligent. “I had spaghetti for dinner.” “My dog snores.” NO! Professional info and key issues is what the industry and your fans want to read and see.
4. DON’T contact industry professionals if you don’t know them in person. If you met them at an event or set, it’s a perfect time to follow up.
I’ve always suggested that keeping your profile information up-to-date on your social media accounts—even if you’re not constantly updating your status—is a great way to be open to contacts and connect with opportunities.
There are other social network platform you can use but these four are the foremost and as an actor, filmmaker or entertainer, it’s a sin if you are not in at least two out of the four.
If you can’t create and manage the account, get someone to work it for you.
Personally, I have derived immense gains from social media. It gives you an edge among your peers if you utilize it intelligently.