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Models, actors add mobile bar codes on headshots for additional casting content

Headshotbox is adding mobile bar codes to model and actor headshots to connect casting directors to additional multimedia content.

The company is working with Paperlinks to use its technology and place the QR codes on headshots, as well as business cards. Actors and models have the option of adding interactive bonus material such as film reel, their biography and additional headshots.

?Through the Web site, individuals can order prints that will have their own QR code imprinted on the back,? said Hamilton Chan, CEO of Paperlinks, Los Angeles. ?Our broad view is that printed communications are still prevalent and useful in today?s world, but can be augmented with the power of digital interactivity via the smartphone-scannable bar code.

?By tying a printed item to digital content, consumers enjoy the best of both worlds,? he said. ?When holding a Paperlinked card, consumers are essentially holding a piece of the Internet that can be dynamically updated at any time.

?QR codes are the common language of real world hyperlinking ? every smartphone system has free QR code readers and some standard flip phones do as well, making the format accessible to everyone.?

Headshotbox is an online destination for actors and models to create headshots, comp cards and business cards.

Paperlinks is uses custom QR codes to take stationery, personal communications and marketing from one dimension to three.

Bar code me
Users can create a 2D bar code on their headshot or business card at http://www.headshotbox.com.

Models and actors can add photos, videos and other content to their cards.

?The Paperlink can then be scanned with the free Paperlinks iPhone app or any other QR Code reader to direct casting directors and agents to the additional multimedia content,? Mr. Hamilton said. ?By utilizing this feature, actors and models can quickly turn a paper photo into a digital experience that better communicates who they are and what they can do, with the added benefit of not having to carry around their 8x10 headshots everywhere they go.

?Increasingly, people are turning to their mobile phones for information, rather than desktop computers,? he said. ?By making information retrievable fun and easy through the smartphone, ?Paperlink-enabled headshots and business cards facilitate and encourage content discovery anywhere.?

Model scan
After scanning the headshot or business card, casting directors can browse more photos, view the model?s introduction, get their contact information or comment on their card.

?The possibilities that QR Codes provide?for virtually any type of business?is endless, especially as consumers continue to get comfortable with the QR technology and scanning items from their smartphones,? Mr. Chan said. ?Since a QR Code can be added to any item in the physical world, we?ll continue to look for ways to bring this technology to individuals and marketers.?

Final Take
Rimma Kats is editorial assistant on Mobile Marketer, New York