Okay so I'm new to LA, and I just signed up for LA Casting on Monday.. My pictures just went up Tuesday... So not that long.

I've already been contacted to meet with an agency- which I mean, not to get down on myself but- I don't have any LA credits yet- training, nothing- It's all from Toronto, CA.(I literally just got here) So no offense to myself- but I'm a newbie to LA, and if I was an agent- I'd probably want to see a bit more. I'm "only" 20, but I look 15ish- and not in the 20 playing 15 way- so maybe that makes a difference...

Anyways... they asked me to send them my resume and headshot- but- wouldn't they have access to that already since they want to meet with me?? Or am I just not understanding how it works?

I should also mention that the agency is Dedicated, and from what I hear, is iffy because it's supposedly to get from a bad image of another agency- but the email address is the same as what's posted on the old agencies web page! Anyone else seeing red flags, or am I overreacting?

LA Casting is a great site to get started with until you land an agent. Agents do not typically use this site to find new talent. Those that do typically use it for an open call to non union talent. They are typically doing this now the pilot season is over and there are purging thier files as I write this. With that said you need to start with a mailing to the agencies first a.s.a.p! Go to info4actors.com and they have the top 50 commercial agencies in the area. It is kept up to date and very reliable. These agencies also have theaterical departments. Also, Lacasting has labels available to use for a quicker resource. It takes a little research on the internet about them to know how to submit to them.
I have never heard of Dedicated and they may have a limited account to see all your information. Beware!!! You need and established agency that is professional and knows the casting directors in town.
Last note...NTA Talent is having an open call, the first in 7 years, for non union talent this Saturday from 1-4pm. There is a notice on LAcasting from last week. They also have a website addressing this....good luck!

Thanks so much for that info! I'm just very weary because I know all too well what happens when you sign with an agent that isn't well established... and I just thought it was a weird thing for them [dedicated] to contact me off of LA casting- I didn't think that happened all to often. Which is why I wanted another opinion of whether that was okay or not, because like I said, I just got here- I'm not quite desperate enough to just sign with any agent yet- I'd like to work with one thats established- even though I know it will take some time to get into one.

Still confused-- I thought reputable agents weren't supposed to have open calls... I'm pretty sure I've heard it repeated on these message boards...

Wow. There's a lot to address here. First - welcome to LA! Moving here is a huge step and I applaud you for having the courage to do it at such a young age.

As an agent, I've never used LA Casting. My understanding is that LA Casting is a way for you to submit yourself to casting directors till you find representation. Agents do not see these submissions so I'm not sure how Dedicated found you. (You should also know that LA Casting only gets a small percentage of active film and TV projects. People like me have access to EVERYTHING through breakdowns and other industry sources.)

So I'd say your instincts are right and you should trust them. It seems odd that these people are chasing you when you're brand spanking new. Hmmm.

Also, don't worry about theatrical representation right now. This has been a strike year and you have much more to worry about. Focus on commercial representation first and get into a good solid class that is known to the industy. (A friend of mine wrote a great book called "An Agent Tells All" that will serve you well. I think Samuel French has it.)

And no, LA theatrical agents do not have open calls. Commercial agents might be different but I doubt it.

Good luck!

Thank you so much S.A.M.! I just wanted to get an opinion on this and to make sure that I wasn't completely backwards on how the industry works. It's easy to second guess yourself when your new!

And thanks for the book suggestion... I will definitely go find it and read it!

First of all, I'm with N.T.A. and they are a fantastic commercial agency. Their roster consists of all types, but I do know that they have a lot of models. An open call is not a red flag, especially in this case.

Also, I checked that link to the "Top 50 Commercial Casting Directors" and it looks like you have to pay $20 to get the book. I hope LA Corvin isn't getting a cut.