Alright, so I'm aware of the controversy over whether or not all these "pay-to-be-seen" events are morally right for an actor to participate in. I have personally established relationships with CDs/ have been called in as a direct result of one (Breakthrough Studios).

I am wondering if anyone has heard anything about NY Actormarathon, hosted by TAM (The Actors Market). Their website is www.theactorsmarket.com.
It's a 2-night event where 50 Agents/CDs get to see you do a monologue, a scene, and commercial copy. There's also a "wine and cheese reception" where you get to network with all of the attendees. You have to audition to be able to do it (they only allow 12-15 actors for each marathon, that way, you're the only one that is your "type"). I auditioned yesterday, and was invited to be able to pay to do it.

Has anyone heard of this organization or this event? Is it at all reputable.

I think these things are really good because they put you in front of all the right people. You can't expect them to see you for free. These networking events are valuable for your career and can potentially give you the opportunities you are looking for. It's the perfect chance for agents and casting directors to see your work but also gives you a chance to talk to them yourself in a really nice setting. I've never done anything with The Actors Market myself but I've only heard positive things. It sounds like they know what they are doing and are personally invested in helping their clients. I think if you are paying one-on-ones to see an agent directly then THAT'S a scam, but with something like this you're helping your career. At least you get prep sessions and time with the agents. And you get wine and cheese! If they accepted you you'll just learn a lot, grow as an actor, and probably get signed.

Don't you just love it, folks, when someone questions an organization and right away, same day, a poster we've never heard from before comes in to say what a great deal they are?

Note that "MattBrown64" signed up... today?

If that doesn't clinch it, how about this lovely claim - that you'll "probably get signed"?

Oh yeah. That's likely to happen. Any experienced, unbiased actor could tell you that .

I have to agree with Jim C... it does sound a bit like a sales pitch (and when I say "a bit like", what I mean is EXACTLY LIKE).

Actually you're being a little paranoid I heard good things from a friend

And I've learned a lot about this business and how it works recently and connections don't just fall into your lap, you have to take the steps to make them

quote:

Originally posted by MattBrown64:
I think these things are really good because they put you in front of all the right people. You can't expect them to see you for free. These networking events are valuable for your career and can potentially give you the opportunities you are looking for. It's the perfect chance for agents and casting directors to see your work but also gives you a chance to talk to them yourself in a really nice setting. I've never done anything with The Actors Market myself but I've only heard positive things. It sounds like they know what they are doing and are personally invested in helping their clients. I think if you are paying one-on-ones to see an agent directly then THAT'S a scam, but with something like this you're helping your career. At least you get prep sessions and time with the agents. And you get wine and cheese! If they accepted you you'll just learn a lot, grow as an actor, and probably get signed.

How much does this event cost???

I've never heard of it. 50 casting directors and no one knows the price? You better believe it's not five or ten dollars to get in and meet all these people!

I've been looking into some ways to meet agents since I don't have one yet. My thought is acting is a business and any business requires some sort of investment. If they can deliver results, I would think it would be a good investment and a good way to really get started. I saw some of their testimonials on YouTube and those people seemed pretty happy. It's something I want to look into more but I might consider doing.

i took her seminar at showbiz expo. while she seems to be extremely connected, i have a sour taste in my mouth because of the seminar (like what you would take at actorfest).

i paid to learn how to get an agent, which i thought would involve tips, such as how to find an agent to target or how to find their assistants, or the best ways to follow up, what should go in the envelope with your headshot, if anything, etc.

instead, we spent an hour learning that the answer to any and every question we had was "TAM can do that for you."

be it getting together a "sizzle reel" or headshots or the right wardrobe or whatever, they were the answer to all your problems.

she said the events that you are talking about result in no actor leaving without representation. that she knows so many people and trains you for MONTHS beforehand.

so basically, you are likely to come in, audition, and be told you need 2-6 months of preparation before you can do the actual showcase. the prep involves teaching you how to interview, how to do an agent audition w/monologues, copy, and sides, clothing, headshots, producing a "sizzle reel", etc.

i learned nothing and did end up complaining to the event manager that i paid for an hour long commercial. i was hoping to get a refund, but that's ok.

i'm surprised she said you could just jump right into it. i got the impression from her seminar on paying to take her seminar that you have to go through several months of training first.

she did a lot of name throwing (dropping would put it lightly) and ensured us constantly of her 6, sometimes 7, figure annual income.

i dont know. seems to pray on beginners who don't know much or people looking for a "quick fix." she did seem nice and like she did genuinely want to help actors, but i didn't get an excellent vibe (but i was busy being upset that i bought a commercial and not useful information).

so take that for what it is.

oh yes, and she said they really do serve wine and cheese to keep the guests happy, since they are her "personal friends and contacts."

quote:

Originally posted by MarissaColby:
I saw some of their testimonials on YouTube and those people seemed pretty happy.

How do you know if these actors aren't "acting?"

I met her at the expo too. I didn't take her seminar but I did meet her and I didn't get that weird vibe from her at all.

i didn't get a weird vibe either, and never claimed to have.