Hey guys!
I was wondering if anybody had any success stories about doing a targeted mailing to agencies.

Yes, they can be successful-but you have to know that your response rate will be very low, even if the mailing is highly targeted. The better agencies don't sign people from mailings so much-their clients usually come from referrals. I would send out at least 30 or so if you want to hear from even one or two. It's expensive with postage, headshot reproduction, etc. but it is the cost of doing business. I just got a commercial agent from one, so it could pan out.

quote:

Originally posted by LADelight:
Yes, they can be successful-but you have to know that your response rate will be very low, even if the mailing is highly targeted. The better agencies don't sign people from mailings so much-their clients usually come from referrals. I would send out at least 30 or so if you want to hear from even one or two. It's expensive with postage, headshot reproduction, etc. but it is the cost of doing business. I just got a commercial agent from one, so it could pan out.

This might seem like a dumb question LADelight but what exactly constitutes a "referral?" Who or what are the best kinds of referrals??
Thanx.
N.

Referrals are from industry professionals (usually casting directors, fellow actors, or even clients).

A referral is having someone set up an appointment on your behalf. Someone within the agency. I'm just now learning this myself, but that's the gist of it.

When submitting mailings do you send directly to the Television studions contact information listed under Ross Reports. For instance, one for L.A warner bros, I should send it to the address provided and not worry about not having an attention person or place?

Thanks for your reply in advance.

meg -

i could be wrong here, but i don't think sending it directly to a studio will do you any good.

you want to target Agents and Casting Directors.. specifically people that you think you'd fit with. (as in, if you have zero experience, you don't want to be sending your resume to Creative Artists or something.)

You absolutely want to have a specific name on any submission. it shows that you've put research and thought into it, and you know who it is you're reaching out to, and what kind of work they do. People can usually tell if you're just sending a mass mailing where there's nothing specific to that agency.