After many many months of trying to get a meeting with a commercial agent, I have finally accomplished it. This is the first time, and I would really love some advice on a) questions I should ask them; b)what to bring up and c)anything else I should know. Anyone out there with thoughts. I would really appreciate it!

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Originally posted by jss:
After many many months of trying to get a meeting with a commercial agent, I have finally accomplished it. This is the first time, and I would really love some advice on a) questions I should ask them; b)what to bring up and c)anything else I should know. Anyone out there with thoughts. I would really appreciate it!

First of all, every first meeting with an agent is essentially, "Getting to know you." So above all else, always arrive with an engaging and enthusiastic attitude -- after all, it's you they're selling. Often times the agent will have formed some pretty strong assumptions about you in short order, as evidenced by the abundance (or lack of) professional work on your resume and your overall "sellability." So I tend to leave the questions to the agent and speak only when asked to.

I find it extremely helpful for you to have some prior knowledge of your prospective agent as well. Even a brief perusal of their reputation and history can be gleaned both from fellow actors and in guide books like Henderson's The Agencies, which provide an up-to-date thumbnail sketch of who your agent is and what they're all about. An informed actor is a professional actor, and agents do respond favorably to those who've done their homework in this area.

Most often agents won't want to immediately sign you to a contract, preferring to work with you on a freelance basis, but once again, that subject will be broached by them. Sometimes talent is so potentially appealing however, that agents will jump on the opportunity to book you immediately. But unless your resume reflects this kind of income-producing potential, that's not likely on the first go-round. Most all of your questions regarding your working relationship will be explained verbally and in your agency contract, but as in all else, don't be shy about asking questions. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask.

www.robertkim.com

Thanks so much Robert, your answer was very helpful!

Boy, I can't remember which episode it is, but I discuss this at length in one of the podcasts. Essentially, you should be prepared to talk about who you are, why you act, what types of commercial roles you can see yourself in and which casting directors in the city know you. If you've had any commercial experience, bring copies of it to the meeting. Bring about twenty headshot/resumes, too. If the meeting goes well, they may want them right away!

Good luck and let us know how it goes. And to hear me talk about the commercial agent meeting in detail, go to eerythingactingpodcast.com and search around. I think I even did a series of episodes covering that topic.

Great Darbi,
Thanks. I'm on it!