Looking to get advice from Film/TV agents (or anyone else with an opinion on this) about pseudonyms & having a 'memorable' name.

I'm a writer/director working on several short films at the moment. I'm not sure whether my name is memorable enough, as it's a foreign name and often difficult for people to pronouce.

I'm split between these two options - Anastasia Soev or my birth name Anastasia Arsentyeva.

Any advice/thoughts would be helpful! Thanks.

Replies5

  • American-trained actor here - I wouldn't change your name. We discussed it in our course in school with multiple agents, and they say it's more trouble for you that it's worth. More and more agents and casting directors around the world are advocating for diversity, or they're being pushed to be competent at pronouncing names from a variety of languages. It also may get you flagged for jobs that call for specific accents (which you may or may not be able to do but hey, it might mean work). Best of luck with this!
  • Stick with your name as it is. Yes, it may be tricky for some, but once they like your work, they will never forget it.
  • Hi Anastasia!

    I also have an unsual first name, and have had and still have the difficulties that come with it in terms of people struggling to pronounce it.

    Of course, everyone is different, but perhaps giving you my experience will help you answer this question.

    At drama school, it was recommended that I changed my name. I changed it to my middle name- Benjamin. I wished I hadn't. It felt awful whenever anyone called me Benjamin, like I'd compromised my identity/ who I was! I changed it back to Ieuan, and I felt so much better.

    My advice from my experience- would be if that's your name, own it! I'm sure it's something you're proud of. It's your name, and if people have an issue with it, that's their problem!

    Anyway, that's my opinion on that.

    Hope it helps!


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