When mailing my heashot how do i package it and how do i mail it to the agent. Do i mail it thought UPS,FedEx,USPS. Sorry for this question i am not a noob in acting but i am a noob in agent submission.

You staple and cut your resume to the back of your headshot, write a CONCISE coverletter and put it in an UNSEALED manilla envelope.

You can just take it to a post office and have it mailed normally for $1.00 or whatever depending on the weight of your promotional package.

Ok thank you so much well as well how long does it take for a agent to contact i heard it could take from 1-7 months and if they don't contact then to mail out the headshot once again.

That's true. I've been contacted recently by agencies that I mass mailed to MONTHS AGO.

One way you can expedite the mailing process is by following up with post cards. Postcards are the best because they're small enough to go with the mail that Agents/assistants HAVE to look at such as bills, checks, etc.

I have my postcards designed where I have my main headshot, usually the one I send out, on it to the right half. On the top left half, I have my CELL phone number and email. Below my contact info, I leave a black space. I put Avery rectangle stickers there so the postcard NEVER goes out of date until I drastically change and need new headshots.

As for the agent follow up. I would print on Avery rectangle stickers depending who I SPECIFICALLY addressed it to, I would print "Seeking Commercial Representation",
"Seeking Theatrical Representation" or if they're strong across the board, just "Seeking representation."

For agent submissions, I would send a post card 2-3 days after mailing my headshot/resume and CONCISE coverletter. If you don't get a bite and you WANT to be with that agency, send a postcard once a month or if your budget allows, one every two weeks to show that you're serious.

Just make sure you are ready to be sent out i made a huge mistake sent out my modeling comp and got called by brand model and talent for commercials but i submitted for print work well i was aday late for ther audition but they let me audition anyway and lets just say ni never heard back from them.I was not prepared i should havbe known better so be prepared!!!

Casting directors have looooooooong memories!!!

If you have a REALLY AMAZING looking headshot, that can make a HUGE difference on when or if they will contact you.

I sent in my first 21 targeted mailings the other week for commercial rep and 2 called me back the very next day! So far I haven't got calls from any other. Thus, if an Agency wants you, they will call you as soon as possible. There isn't a rule where it takes a month or whatever.

So just make sure your headshots are PRO and your cover letter tells something about you that your resume doesn't cover. Personal experiences, classes you've taken, or are going to take, why you are seeking rep, or maybe you just became SAGe. etc.

Also cut your cover letter to the same size as your headshot and resume too, then you can just clip it to the stapled package.

But yea if that doesn't help, just do what eldorado says with the postcards.

Target your agencies, the ones you really want. Don't be random about it.

good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by ChocaMilkStudios:
So just make sure your headshots are PRO and your cover letter tells something about you that your resume doesn't cover. Personal experiences, classes you've taken, or are going to take, why you are seeking rep, or maybe you just became SAGe. etc.

I disagree with the coverletter. A lot of top ranked agencies barely or never read them. Classes taken would go on the resume. Why are you seeking rep is redundant and stupid.

Here's some pointers on a CONCISE coverletter:

-You want to address it to the SPECIFIC AGENT HEAD of the division you're interested in. It makes the letter personable and doesn't lead the agent to think that your letter was one of hundreds.

-Don't give your age in the coverletter. You might appear younger or maybe older when you meet with them and they might see you differently from your headshots. You give your age when they ask while actually meeting with them. This is for legal purposes ie. You can't do ANY alcohol related commercials if you're NOT at least 25. And if you're 18, a parent or legal guardian HAS to be on set and you CAN'T work normal hours.

-Don't list past agencies that you've worked with. You don't know the relationship between that agent and the current agency you're applying to. They might hate eachother.

-Don't talk about stuff that's already on your resume. It's cliche.

-Don't put yourself down. "I don't have much experience but...." You're already giving the agent a reason why they shouldn't sign you yet let alone meet with you.

-Don't describe yourself in adjectives "hardworking, determined, polite, friendly, etc." It's CLICHE!

Here's all you need to say:

Dear (Specific agent's name),

Hello my name is ActorZONEbOY34 and I am currently seeking (insert either commercial or theatrical depending on the addressed agent) representation. Please find enclosed my picture and resume for your consideration. I look forward to meeting you soon! Thank you.

Sincerely,
(sign your name here with a BLUE Ballpoint pen so it's more personal)

ActorZONEbOY34
(xxx)XXX-XXXX
(Email address)

P.S. (Write something quirky/creative and TRUE about yourself to make this concise letter stand out.)

yea you are right, they usually don't read them unless they are actually interested in meeting with you...
I met with an Agent and he said they very rarely ever respond to mail in submissions. But he said he liked my headshot and he knew other agents would probably call in to speak to me. So thats why he contacted me.

I don't know if these help, but in that one book, acting is everything, some things to include are,

-What is great about you? what makes you stand out or sets you apart from others?
-tell them why don't have an agent. is it because you moved from another market? or been in another business etc?
-where you are going to make money. tell them why money is going to come in if they respond to this submission.

keep it short and sweet.

just some suggestions...

Acting is Everything is a great source book, I used to just disagree with her recommendation of Kevyn Major Howard, but I have to disagree with those things to include in a coverletter.

-There's no reason to state why you don't have an agent.

-Telling them where you're going to help them make money is arrogant and an insult to them. They might see you in other things.

I recommend using SmartGirlsProductions.com to all of my clients who plan to do a mailing. It's expensive to do a mailing correctly on your own. You might as well get help from a professional who knows how to package you, and can help you target the kind of response you're looking to get. If you do the mailing yourself, Showbizltd.com sells pre-printed mailing labels with agents addresses, ready to peel and stick. And Argentum Lab is running a 2 for 1 printing special until Feb 28th, so if you need a ton of headshots for a mailing, it's a great way to save a little cash. Hope this helps :-) Go get that agent!