I am SAG, and I'm looking for representation, and so I am thinking about showcases. Good? Bad?

A friend suggested AIA Studio - any comments or opinions? Any other showcases worth looking into?

Thanks for comments

Andy

AIA is another factory school like TVI. The classes are NOT the best. They're taught by casting directors and the only reason you take the classes is to impress them enough for them to want to invite you to audition for one of their projects.

But if you were to compare AIA with TVI, AIA is slightly better, SLIGHTLY!

The better and more affordable showcase places are:
-The Network Studio (next door Samuel French in studio city)
-Reelpros
-Casting Network
-Talent2go
-ActorKeys

My favorite is the Network Studio. They have the same cds and agents that every other showcase place has. But in addition they have opportunities where you meet the HEAD CD and NOT the associate/assistant CD. They also have CD intensives that are WAY cheaper than AIA and TVI's CD Intensives.

I have to agree with Truthteller about Reel Pros and The Network Studio. I've never had a bad experience at either of those companies. They have more of a boutique feel, as opposed to those other two companies.

If I were you, I would focus on meeting casting people at these places, not agents.

Thanks Truthteller & Secreet Agent.

quote:

Originally posted by Secret Agent Man:
If I were you, I would focus on meeting casting people at these places, not agents.

Secret Agent man, another question or three for you:

1) As it happens, as an editor I've worked a bit on the other side of the casting process where I've interfaced with CDs quite a bit. It's obvious to me how important they are to the process and thus how critical it is to get to know them.

But I also need representation, so I am a bit more focused on getting an agent - that is, I'm making representation my primary goal right now. Here's the question I've been pestering everyone about:

Does it make more sense to focus on representation (mailings, marketing, referrals, etc.), OR focus on getting to know casting directors and let the representation grow organically from those relationships?


2) If showcases aren't a good way to meet agents, what is? I just read the book you recommend (Agent Tells All) fantastic read, and great information. I have been getting involved in theater, and of course acting workshops to continue my development as well as broaden my network.

Like everything else in this town it seems herculean. As in, how does any script ever get made, or any movie actually get financed. It seems almost random - like conception, with millions of spermatozoa racing to one single egg - do I turn left? or right? I feel lost for want of a map.


3) One thing that I'm very concerned about is not just finding "an" agent, but finding the "right" agent, the one that is the right fit - but I'm something at a loss to figure out how to tell? Kiss a lot of frogs? At first I was thinking of looking at agents that reped actors with similar qualities, but on further thinking, it might seems those would be the *worst* agents to sign with (not wanting to compete within the same agency for similar roles.) What I'm asking in my long-winded way is, what are some guidelines for separating the wheat from the chaff?


Thank you for any comments.


Andy

1) My original post answers this question. It's hard to score representation at one of these places. You're better off making casting friends who will help you build up your resume which in turn will make you more attractive to agents. Can you dig it?

2) If you read his book, you have your answers. Referrals, referrals, referrals...

3) Good luck.

Fair enough - I'm in the information gathering stage, so I'm asking asking asking - thanks for the comments!

Andy