I'm curious how possible it is to get a Legit agent if you're a non-union actor. I have a great commercial agent that gets me out (although its been quite slow) and I'm considering doing targeted mailings.

Any ideas/suggestions? Thanks!

It's not really possible. Agents are having a tough enough time getting SAG actors out if they don't have great credits. You're just going to have to find a way around those Catch-22s. If the commercial agent is getting you out on SAG auditions that might be the best way. Rest assured, it doesn't get much easier when you do join SAG.

Targeted mailings? I don't think there's a theatrical agency worth anything that would take a non-union actor, unless they were famous from some other career(music, sports, comedy, etc) and had a built-in audience that would automatically bring them roles.

Theatrical Agents like SAM will tell you straight up that they don't waste their time with non-union. There's no money in it for them! They work with only SAG or AFTRA projects and thus need SAG actors.

Getting Taft-Hartleyed via film/tv is a lot more difficult than it is with commercials. Get your SAG card through commercials and then submit to a theatrical agent.

Also, in LA it's called Theatrical. Are commercials, voice acting, writing, etc. not Legit?

Thank you for your frank responses! I'm from back East hence the "Legit" reference

Unfortunately, it's true. Most theatrical agents won't even consider non-union talent these days. It's just too tough and we have plenty of union choices in this town. The only exception would be kids and people who are either crossing over from another field (sports, modeling, etc.) or relocating from a different country.

i actually have an extension of the OP's question. what if you are SAG eligible but just haven't joined. will you have a better chance with getting theatrical representation?

quote:

Originally posted by lisamarie:
i actually have an extension of the OP's question. what if you are SAG eligible but just haven't joined. will you have a better chance with getting theatrical representation?

In the case of submitting to Theatrical Agents, just put "SAG" on your resume and make sure that you have at least $2400 in the bank to make a quick payment when you actually book a SAG job.

SAG Eligible on the resume (Non-union auditions and commercial agents excluded) can sometimes give the wrong impression that you either can't afford the initiation fee or you're not serious enough.

awesome. thanks!