By searching NowCasting, I recently compiled a list of agents to submit to who (I thought) accepted unsolicited pictures. Today though, I went to check through the list again. Yet when I checked the box for "Accepts Unsolicited Pictures," no agents came up. I checked several times to make sure I wasn't just pressing wrong buttons or something. Now, apparently none of the NYC agents listed in NowCasting accept unsolicited pictures or new actors. I'm confused though, because I had looked up discussions in these forums about a good portion of the agents on my list, and apparently many actors have mailed unsolicited submissions to them.

My list includes Abrams, Agents for the Performing Arts, Innovative Artists, Kolstein, Meg Pantera, Talentworks, Carson-Kolker, Carson-Adler, Paradigm, Stone Manners, Fifi Oscard, CESD, Gilla Roos, The Talent Mine, and then some.

I could swear that last week they all came up as agencies that accepted unsolicited pictures. Am I going crazy? Could someone please advise?

Hey, Lisa.

I wouldn't take these listings too literally. An agency may say "no unsolicited submissions," and yet respond if they get one that grabs their attention. Many actors will ignore the "no unsolicited submissions" warning and submit anyway.

No one is going to yell at you for trying.

However, you may want to refine your list, and focus on more attainable agencies. Big monsters like Paradigm, Innovative and APA are far less likely to take on a newcomer.

Good luck.

Thanks for the advice, Michael. I suppose I'll just go ahead and submit (after refining my list). I take it that Paradigm, Innovative, and APA are those types of agencies where "you don't go to them, they come to you"?

I agree with MK. Don't feel too put off by it. You may want to submit to these places with a hard copy as well as an internet submission, anyhow....

Also get a copy of Ross Report in the Agency Description, usually it will say if they accept mail submissions or not.

As for Paradigm, Innovative... it really depends on what division.

Base from my experince, the commercial department always have room for new faces. As for legit and others... pretty much through industry referral or the typical "they come to you" scenario.

I would submit to everyone I find that I want to work with.

There is no penality. the worse thing, is that they are not interested and they throw away your shot.