A zed card, also known as a composite card, is an
8x10 sheet that contains different photos of an actor or
model. The photos contained on the sheet depict the
actor in several different looks or poses. The
purpose of the zed card is to help the actor or model
obtain work by showing the different ways the actor or
model can look in different settings. For example, in
one image, the actor may have on a business outfit to go
for a more professional look. But, in another image, the
actor may have on a simple outfit with jeans and a shirt
to go for a "family man" look. All of these looks or
images are contained on the zed card to market the actor
or model.
In modeling, the zed card is crucial. It is usually
the main tool used to market a model. Models must be
able to strike different poses, so a zed card allows
models to display different poses.
In acting, however, zed cards are not the primary
marketing tool. Actors typically use standard headshots,
which display only one look. However, when an actor is
looking to work in commercials, he or she may want to
get a zed card. That's because, actors who work in
commercials must be able to display different looks or
images. Therefore, a standard headshot may not be in
order and a zed card, with it's ability to showcase the
different poses of an actor, is better suited.
