Paperlinks links QR codes to headshots

Rating: Ideal promo cards for aspiring actresses

It appears that Paperlinks is blissfully unaware how niche its offering is by concentrating on Apple. But now it has partnered with Headshotbox to offer a service aimed at actors and models using QR codes. Somehow the pair seem to assume that everyone important in Hollywood must own an iPhone because Paperlinks still hasn’t launched an Android or Blackberry version of its app. Anyway, this service very definitely saves trees because it saves the beautiful people from having to carry their portfolios around with them. You put a Paperlinks QR code on the back of your calling card and it will take cameraphones to your own personalised web site. Their people can view your best shots; read your resume and even view a video you’ve made.As Hamilton Chan, Paperlinks’ CEO says, “An actor greatly benefits from only having to carry around a small business card that links to high-quality photos and a video reel, rather than having to lug around their 8×10 headshots everywhere they go.”

The technology doesn’t just work with business cards, of course. The QR codes can be placed on comp (composite) cards which actors frequently use as promotional tools.

Naturally, all the best things in life aren’t free. To utilise the service, you first have to visit Headshotbox.com here.

Then – for what Paperlinks describes as a small fee – actors and models have the option to add a Paperlink QR code to their orders.

On checkout, customers are directed to the Paperlinks site in order to add more photos, a video and bio. This content will then be connected to the cards they’ve just created (complete with unique QR code).

Here’s an endorsement from Hollywood actress Allison McAtee. You might remember her from TV shows such as CSI: Miami and Castle. Or you can see her next in Showtime’s Californication.

“With Paperlinks, I’ll be able to add my reel and additional photos to the headshots I leave with studios and casting directors,” McAtee says.

“Paperlinked headshots and business cards will give me an edge by helping me stand out to advance my acting career.” Say no more.

While Paperlinks’ iPhone app was recently featured as the No. 1 ‘New & Noteworthy free app’ in the iTunes store, only about 30,000 people have downloaded it.

The reality is that you can scan the QR code with a good reader such as the Neoreader from NeoMedia. We did using our spiffing, new Motorola Defy.

If you ignore the Paperlinks’ plea to download the iPhone app for a better experience, you can view Ms McAtee’s portfolio anyway.

For those who are wondering what a SAG actor is, Ms McAtee is too politically correct to say actress and SAG means Screen Actors Guild.

Of course, we couldn’t be so mean as to suggest that other females beside actresses might be leaving their QR code enabled calling cards in Hollywood phoneboxes. Just another niche use, that.