January 20, 2005

• Evolution of a Website

  
  

  My revamped website is up today.  This has been a project that’s been in the works for a few months now.

  
  

  I wanted to streamline my site into something a little more timeless so that I wouldn’t have to change it project to project.  I wanted something I could keep the same for a few years while just easily adding in new updates over time.  Clicking the xanga banner above will take you to: www.parryshen.com .

  
  

  I loved my previous site as well but felt the splash page was dating me project-wise (basketball in hand: homage to my character in “BLT“-btw: that’s really me palming the ball, it took forever to get that shot so I’ll throw my shoe at anyone who says it was photoshopped).  I also needed more menu options to allocate the content a bit better and make things easier to find.  (Ex: I wanted to separate ”Press” clippings away from “Updates”  - before they were all under “News”.  And Autograph Info away from the “Photo” section.  Also, the photo with me in the blue shirt has become my signature shot that I use for all publicity and headshots.  You can view my previous site here: http://bloopie.com/dave/parryshen/ .

  
  

  This site even predates the one above.  Again, nothing wrong with this one either.    Still clean and simple the way I like it but as I booked more and more roles, I garnered more attention and fans.

  
  

  So now, I had to take into consideration stuff I didn’t have to before like: FAQ’s, Autograph Info, Speaking Enragement info, Store info, etc.

  
  

  When someone first suggested to have a website done, I was really hesitant and felt it was just too self serving.  I always responded, “ I’d rather a really enthusiastic fan come up with one instead.” 

  
  

  But honestly, it has been the best thing ever to handle the business side of things.  Even if I do look like a narcissistic bastard.  

  
  

  For press inquires:  “We need a bio.”  A: Check my Website.  “We need a photo.”  A: Check my Website.  “What are you doing next?”  A: Check my Website. 

  
  

  For Industry folks: “How can we get in contact with you or your agent?”  A: Check my Website.

  
  

  For Programming inquires: “Can you come speak at my college?”  A: Check my Website. 

  
  

  And for the question I get asked at least once a week: “How do I get into the Business?”  A: Check my Website, Faq answers #1 and #2. 

  
  

  It may seem a clinical way of doing things but it’s always been my mindset to run your career as you would a business.  This way it’s the most expedient and efficient way for as many people to get what they need from Parry Shen, INC. – leaving me with more time to do what I’m here to do in the first place: Act.

  
  

  I’ve recently expanded the mention of my site on my headshots, so that producers/directors can now view my demo reel online as well (to be added next month).  But with that said, it was vital to keep my site looking that much more professional. 

  
  

  Most agencies forbid actors to put their websites on their headshots or resumes for that very reason – they look unprofessional.  They have links to their friends/favorite sites, cussing, inappropriate photos or just look very amatuerish. 

  
  

  The tricky issue I had to deal with on my site was that I also wanted to infuse my personality for the fans that visited the site.  So I ”hid” stuff like this journal under “Updates” and didn’t make it an obvious menu option when you first visit the site.  This way, only the true fans/supporters would be rewarded for their “digging” while also keeping it professional-looking at a glance. 

  
  

  So if you do have a site created for yourself as an actor, it helps to think:  “Would a business like Proctor & Gamble have something like this on their site?”  If not, then yours probably shouldn’t either.  Something even as simple as this is great: www.eddiemui.com .  Straight, simple, to the point and looks put together. 

  
  

  Thanks to all those who have contributed in any fashion to my sites: (Vic Chao-for suggesting it in the first place, Dennis Amith-Site #1, Dave Liu-Site #2, Linda Lee-for your input, Amy Yip and Cat-Site #3)     

  • 11:23 am
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