How important are cover letters in this business? Forgive me if this seems like a weird question, but I am somewhat new to all of this and I don't really know what kinds of things I should highlight in my cover letter. Does anyone have a good exmaple/template for writing an acting cover letter?
Also, is it necessary to send a cover letter with every submission? I am assuming (similar to cover letters for non-acting jobs) that you should tailor your letter to the specific role you are apply for. How does this work when you are mailing to agents??

Much thanks for any help provided!!

If you do a search you'll find at least 100 posts on this subject.

Submissions of your photos and resumes to industry people should be accompanied by a short, to the point, one or two-brief paragraphs cover note, stating in the first words why your material is being sent and not just for consideration. Brevity will encourage the recipient to quickly scan whay you say.

If your look, speech (natural accent) or something else makes you right for what a casting person is currently working on, state it quickly in the very first sentence. If an agent is known to represent your type and age group, point that out, again in those first words of the first sentence.

http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8011031/m/92710675

Thanks for the advice everyone! This is very helpful for a novice such as myself...

All the best!!