I sent my headshot and resume to commercial agent Stella Lane of ACTION TALENT AGENCY. I found her information in THE AGENCIES directory, a monthly listing of agents currently seeking actors.
In response to my submission, I received a nasty form letter, not once but three times. She indicated "we only consider actors that have taken at least 2 commercial courses in the last year and a half with reputable companies in the Los Angeles area. (Included a list of classes she "recommends") The audition processes for commercials and TV/film are extremely different, and actors must know the difference as to not get a bad reputation in the commercial casting community. (This part underlined) It's imperative that our actors know what they are doing when they go on a commercial audition and not 'just wing it'." Then she goes on to say I should only contact her after I've enrolled in the classes - and follows this with a list of classes she recommends and the prices. Is this a scam? Or just incredibly bad agenting practice? Ironically, I am a professional commercial actress and received my SAG card through booking a national. Did Ms. Lane bother to call and inquire whether I have training or experience? NO. Did she read my resume or cover letter that indicates clearly a long background and training in the commercial industry? Apparently not. Be aware, if you are looking for commercial representation, this could come at a very high price if you choose to go with ACTION TALENT AGENCY

Yeah the same thing happened to me!

Well they aren't even a memeber of ATA. You would think she'd get you in and try to push those classes on you though. I use to do sales and if she was a scam she'd probably get you in for a meeting, promise representation as long as you do this this and this. So if she is a scam...she needs some tips on her technique.

I just got the very same letter today! I am currently taking commercial classes at Weist Barron Hill which is highly respected, but strangely enough, not on the list.

I think I'll give Ms. Lane a call and see what her response is.

quote:

Originally posted by pharoah:
I just got the very same letter today! I am currently taking commercial classes at Weist Barron Hill which is highly respected, but strangely enough, not on the list.

Who are the commercial classes on her list?

#1- Hey, I saw your commercial
#2-Stuart K. Robinson
#3-Carolyne Barry
#4-John Sudol Studio
#5-TVI Actors Studio

In the letter it states,"although the first training company on the list does come highly recommended by our agency and casting directors,(they also offer a free class our clients rave about) we suggest you do your own homework and make up your own mind when seeking classes.

I'll definitely post when I call her because Weist Barron Hill should be on the list as should Tepper Gallegos.

Thanks for the list. I was curious whether she'd recommended people with decent reputations, or just a bunch of her friends who'd proclaimed themselves teachers for the sake of a kickback scam.
I'm glad to see John Sudol is on there. He's my favorite.

Well, first of all their phone number was incorrect on their letterhead (how professional). I had to look in the agencies guide to find the correct number. Of course, an answering machine picked up so I told them I had submitted to them, and how they sent me the letter about commercial classes, and how I WAS currently studying with a highly respected workshop. Guess what? No phone call back.

While the letter wasn't professional, at least it had several recommendations for classes, and noen of them were her classes!

I have had years of experience in the industry. Two of the best commercial workshops I have had are Tepper Gallegos, with Dennis. I know him very well. I am currently in Daphne Kirby's class. You can book commercials. www.daphnekirby.com It is a great class.

Good Luck

I got that same letter response after mailing my headshot and resume a few months ago!

I DO hope you all received that letter by email as you know not to put your home address on submissions!!!

I got the same letter last year when I submitted. Just brush it off.

Nice work everyone, you've answered my question. I too, am a proud recipient of the you need to be enrolled letter...

quote:

Originally posted by pharoah:
#1- Hey, I saw your commercial
#2-Stuart K. Robinson
#3-Carolyne Barry
#4-John Sudol Studio
#5-TVI Actors Studio

In the letter it states,"although the first training company on the list does come highly recommended by our agency and casting directors,(they also offer a free class our clients rave about) we suggest you do your own homework and make up your own mind when seeking classes.

I'll definitely post when I call her because Weist Barron Hill should be on the list as should Tepper Gallegos.

That's funny! When she said that I've never taken 1 commercial class, I polite responded that my resume does clearly state that I've taken a commercial class at TVI Studios. She responded "our agency isn't fond of big box training facilities"