I'm starting a mass mailing to every franchised agency =),I will also target about 8-12 agencies that I personally want to work with. Now I am looking for some starter agencies to send out too, any good ones anyone?
I've researched on this site and all I got was BMG and Talent works.
Thanks in advance.

You might want to do a little more research. Talentworks is definitely NOT a starter agency. Track down the list that I posted and that should give you a decent start.

Good luck with your submission!

Thank you I've researched and now I am going through more threads, don't know how I missed them the first time. Thanks again.

Here's the list:
http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/f.../6031061/m/222108822

Also, know that most of the TOP agencies are ATA and NOT SAG Franchised! SAG Franchised lost it's clout back in 2002 when rule 16a was suspended and no new agreements were made between the agencies and unions.

SAG Franchised is now a title that can be bought for $2-3k and three industry recommendations.

Also some of the worst agencies are SAG Franchised:
-Michael Zanuck
-Gerler
-Steinberg's
-Dedicated

Thank you for the link, I'f I'm Aftra paid up, and not yet SAG will that give me a better chance? Or should I have just waited to be a must join for AFTRA and SAG?

If you want to get a GOOD theatrical agent, you NEED to be SAG or SAG-Eligible (with the money in a bank). AFTRA is an open union in that you just give them around $1400. You have to either EARN SAG or get lucky through the stupid Extra SAG voucher system. Theatrical agents really only work with SAG and AFTRA projects. There's NO money for them in non-union. So at least SAG-E with money in the bank or you're wasting your time mailing.

Getting Taft-Hartleyed via Film/TV is NOT easy like it is with commercials. Hence why a lot of theatrical agents are reluctant to take non-union.

Commercial Agents don't care for there are A LOT of decent paying non-union gigs. They also know that commercials are one of the easiest ways of getting SAG-E.

I joined AFTRA towards the beginning of the year, I want to get my 5 lines or less, or some a guest star on a T.V show, which is why I'm sending out to these agencies. I have took some good classes, over the course of time, and will continue to do so; Any suggestions on getting my 5 lines or less through AFTRA?
Thanks Again,
I truly feel my cover letter and the way I packaged/marketed myself should at least get me a meeting. Then it's up to me. I put alot into it, I hope it gets noticed.

You're NOT a hot, young chick, so NO SAG=NO CHANCE!

Agents could care less about coverletters. They admit to hardly ever reading them. They really ONLY care about your headshot, resume, and demoreel.

Like I said, SAG Eligible with $2400 in the bank or you're wasting your time and money. Even if you got your Under 5 right now, the agents are going to have to wait till January or whenever you joined in 2009 until you're finally SAG Eligible.

To get an under 5:
Send your headshot and resume to Soap Casting Directors. They're the only casting directors who actually are open to unsolicited mailings.

Definitely, Gwen Hillier of General Hospital

4151 Prospect Ave., Hwd. Ca 90027

Thank you for the truth.
This surely helps me.
"no shortcuts, or handouts, gotta bust my own ass and keep knocking."

quote:

Originally posted by TRUTHTELLER59:
You're NOT a hot, young chick, so NO SAG=NO CHANCE!

Agents could care less about coverletters. They admit to hardly ever reading them. They really ONLY care about your headshot, resume, and demoreel.

Like I said, SAG Eligible with $2400 in the bank or you're wasting your time and money. Even if you got your Under 5 right now, the agents are going to have to wait till January or whenever you joined in 2009 until you're finally SAG Eligible.

To get an under 5:
Send your headshot and resume to Soap Casting Directors. They're the only casting directors who actually are open to unsolicited mailings.

Definitely, Gwen Hillier of General Hospital

4151 Prospect Ave., Hwd. Ca 90027

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Paradice:
Thank you for the truth.
This surely helps me.
"no shortcuts, or handouts, gotta bust my own ass and keep knocking."

You got it. But I disagree about the cover letter. I write a mean cover letter if I do say so myself and it has opened doors.

It can't hurt so always include one. Be creative and to the point. Highlight your qualities. Don't ramble on, though.