I just got my headshots done, and will be sending them out to agencies. I live in Los Angeles. Where can I find a list of agents I should mail too? Also what should I include along with my headshot. I am in Los Angeles, and am 20 years old. I am not interested in doing commercials.

Hi Xhale. You can find those answers on the board by using the Find button, above.

Good luck in trying to get just theatrical representation.

If you haven't been in LA too long and don't have effective clips, then the only thing you'll realistically get is either commercial rep or across the board rep where you'll be sent out for commercials more than theatrical.

In SAM's section, there's a list of theatrical agents. Most of the "Starter" agencies will take you across the board or no deal.

Also, nowadays, an actor can't just blow off commercials. Commercials DO help you in getting shots at guest stars, which are being taken from us Joe Actors by either celebs or established film actors. If you score a National, there could be a chance that a film/tv CD will send out an email to all of the agencies asking for "that guy in the (whatever) commercial"

Thank you. Where can I find that list? I don't know where sams section is. Also what should be on my resume?

http://bbs.backstage.com/group.../6031061/m/187101224

What have you done so far?

Well, whatever credits you do have (NO extra work!) and training. CELL phone # and email

I have done several plays, and 5-6 student films. Should I also list acting schools/classes I have attended?

quote:

Originally posted by Xhale:
I have done several plays, and 5-6 student films. Should I also list acting schools/classes I have attended?

Umm...yeah...you should list your training. If you're studying at good schools it can help make up for lack of credits.

Which schools have you attended? One day casting director workshops are NOT training. JRP, Barbizon, ACT/tHE, John Casablancas on your resume will get you laughed out.

I did the 2 year program at Stella Adler in NYC, and have taken classes at Chubbuck and the Stella in LA.

quote:

Originally posted by Xhale:
I did the 2 year program at Stella Adler in NYC, and have taken classes at Chubbuck and the Stella in LA.

Then duh you should list them

quote:

Originally posted by Xhale:
Thank you. Where can I find that list? I don't know where sams section is. Also what should be on my resume?

Gotta say...doesn't sound like you're too ready for an agent. They want clients who are just as smart and knowledgable in the "business" end of the industry as they are the "show" end. If you don't know what goes on your resume it sounds like you have some research to do before you go for agencies, esp if you're planning to skip out on commercial rep altogether.

quote:

Originally posted by LA_Actress:

quote:

Originally posted by Xhale:
Thank you. Where can I find that list? I don't know where sams section is. Also what should be on my resume?

Gotta say...doesn't sound like you're too ready for an agent. They want clients who are just as smart and knowledgable in the "business" end of the industry as they are the "show" end. If you don't know what goes on your resume it sounds like you have some research to do before you go for agencies, esp if you're planning to skip out on commercial rep altogether.

I definitely have to co-sign this. You are looking for someone to hold your hand on this when you can just search, read and do the research yourself. Seriously, stop being lazy and do your homework. How is it that you've had training and done student films when you don't even know what to put on your resume?

You're young...if you look young and you have great shots you'll be able to get into youth dept at a good agency if you are any good. But I would drop the "I'm not interested in commercials attitude". I know guys that have made TV and Film careers by being seen on commercials. Not to mention making money is very respected in the entertainment world. Being above that suggests that you're above ever a-lister in hollywood.

I also am having a very difficult time getting an agent/manager....

They like me in workshops I've taken. They give me 4/5 on headshots.

I have a good number of indie shorts I've been in, a few plays, and other stuff, too. I have taken acting classes since college.

They say that's enough for at least a commercial agent.

Nothing yet.

I would love to be repped commercially, but at this time (how long I've been in LA) I should be across the board repped as most of my friends are, and most have just done background work and very few shorts. It's hard because nobody wil give me a referral. Some of my friend are with agents who want at least 1 co-star or highe role, but others have agents who don't care about that and are not on the scam list. It's as if I have to do it all alone on my own. Taking workshops, taking new legit classes, making my own short films, joining the union, et.

My first head shots sucked. My 2nd ones were good as were my 3rd ones. I've been in LA a while, and I've gone through 3 "scam list" watch-out-for agents/managers. No agents who aren't on it have even said "I'll rep you." It's like I have to settle for just those. All my friends have agents not on the scam list now, and they have a lot less in education in acting than I have. I've taken theatre classes in high school and college, other classes in other areas for script and screenwriting, making my own films, have taken on camera classes, improv, done comedy, comfy in front of audiences, done shorts, et. and now I'm taking a really good class with an acting coach who does refer actors to managers/agents/CDs.

MTA,
The question is what else besides workshops are you doing to get a commercial agent? You should be doing mailings with covers weekly. Follow ups. Then Drop offs. The harder you work.....you know the rest.

Yeah, doing the online submission thing as well.

Usually, these agents don't want any calls or drop offs. All the ones I've submitted to online, just want that. A cover letter, resume, photo, and a reel if they ask. Some have other submission ways such as attaching to their own system to get stuff to them.

I may do some agent showcases at some point. I have only done one on ones so far.