Hey SAM,


I'm in a pickle - here are the facts.


SAG/AFTRA/FI-CORE
I play attractive mid to late 20's
I'm 5'10 and my agent is worried that I'm too tall (I was transeferred to him when my origional agent
left the company)
Great training - conservatory, Groundlings, Howard Fine (Master Class), Margie Haber (Master Class)
NO TELEVISION OR FILM CREDITS, lots of theatre
Headshots are good but could be better (to shoot again next month)


I am currently represented by an extremely small agency but VERY rarely go out (maybe once every two months). I have only been out for one SAG role in 2 years with them(an NBC sitcom for which I was called to producers), and few non-union commercials of which I've booked two last year. I have had great talks with them about what I can do to go out more and nothing has changed. I like them very much as people but am ready to try something else and seek representation that really believes in me. I felt they did believe in me when the first agent was there and went out quite a bit more back then.

I've called in all favors as far as referrals to agencies go (there weren't many) the last response was today - "we have too many people in your category at this time" - fair - "and they have stronger credits than you" - also fair. Though I understand this response I can't help but feel a little down in the dumps today - I sincerely feel like I would be working if I was actually auditioning.

So here I am with no referrals left to speak of, and still in need of a great agent. I know I can't go to any of the "big dogs" without credits, but I definitely do not want to end up in the same boat two years from now.

I would love any of your advice. Would it be in my best interest to do a mailing? A showcase that you know of? Are there any agencies that you could think of that are great about taking on developmental clients and actually getting them out?

Thank you!!

quote:

Originally posted by Tristen:
Hey SAM,

I'm in a pickle - here are the facts.

SAG/AFTRA/FI-CORE
I play attractive mid to late 20's
I'm 5'10 and my agent is worried that I'm too tall (I was transeferred to him when my origional agent
left the company)
Great training - conservatory, Groundlings, Howard Fine (Master Class), Margie Haber (Master Class)
NO TELEVISION OR FILM CREDITS, lots of theatre
Headshots are good but could be better (to shoot again next month)

"NO TELEVISION OR FILM CREDITS, lots of theatre."

Therein lies the rub. Hollywood is, and always will be, a television and film town. Had you been in New York, your resume would have far more leverage.

It is essential that you begin building that weak link with SOMETHING... leads in good student films, commercials, indies -- anything to give you street cred in those areas. If you don't, I fear you're in for a long, hard slog.

You'll need a killer headshot, too. Not just "average" or "okay." I've seen hundreds of potential careers that were never realized simply because the actor continually submitted ineffective or unflattering photographs. You'll need a great one, particularly in a city as competitive as the one you live in.

It looks as though you already have a tremendous backlog of excellent training -- from soup to nuts. But in LA, having a decent reel is like manna from heaven. Outside of direct industry connections, it's your meal ticket.


”I deliver results, not promises.”

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Do you belong to any casting websites, and do you check craigslist? I agree that your agent is a huge problem here, but I also wonder why you aren't submitting yourself for roles? It certainly doesn't sound like your agent is submitting you for enough projects, so maybe you should start doing it yourself. You may not even need an agent at this point. Or, you might remind your agent that there is something about you worth believing in if you start booking jobs on your own. Either way, you don't want to be where you are in 2 years, so start trying something else. Ask your agent to make you a profile on lacasting or make one yourself, and start submitting.

Agents are a particular bunch... I'm in the market again, but nbot looking forward to doing another mailing.

I do have credits, including some TV and movies, but it's still a hard process to get an agent... and to get a good one, that is near impossible. I had one that I actually liked a couple years back... and he went out of business. All the others have sucked to some degree.

I agress with Olivia, that you should start submitting yourself (If you haven't yet). Actors Access often posts great union jobs.

Instead of mass mailing, you can start sending post cards to invite them to see you in a show. Or even better, ask your current castmates to invite their talent agents/representatives to the show. If they like you, most like, you will be approached.

Robert is right on the spot in terms of your credit. In LA, TV/Film credits weights a heck lot more than Theatre... But it's like a catch 22 - you need an agent to submit you for a TV role casting, and to book that job. Without an agent, you can do direct mailing, but the chances of your package getting opened is very slim. People who usually got called for an audition through mailing, is usually the case where their headshot/resume arrived at the office at the right time, and fits the exact description of the character the CD is looking for.

Have you thought about attending one of those... Industry Networking event? They can be pretty expensive, but you will get a chance to sit down and audition/talk one on one with a Talent Agent or Casting Director. There's the LA Connection, The Acting Corps, and Actors Network.

Good Luck!!

Getting a good agent in NYC is a problem also. Most agents submit pictures then wait for the CD to call in names. A GOOD agent will pick up the phone and call the CD direct to get you in to audition. That is an agent with JUICE!!! They are hard to find and sign with. I do not know any actors who are happy with their current representation. I am currently looking to replace my current agent who is in re-hab more then not.