First, I'm very fortunate to have landed a great agent/agency, but because of my regular job (pro wrestling) I'm only submitted for the big jacked up bouncer/security guard/monster type roles. I weigh 215 lbs and I'm 6'1". I'm not Tom Cruise, but by no means a "monster". I've tried gently suggesting that I would like to be submitted for other roles to no avail. I don't want to sound ungrateful for what I am given. Can I submit myself for roles or is that considered inappropriate?

You have to show them that you are apt at, and correct in, other parts. 215 lbs at 6'1" is considered huge by The Average Joe.

I think self submitting is frowned upon, but it depends on the agent. I would just talk to your agent and about wanting more variety in roles.

I don't think 215 and 6'1 is out of the norm.

Next time you are at their office in person, try dressing in a different way that you think you might be marketable. It can help your agent see you in a different light without pushing anything on them.

It's your career; don't take a "sit by the phone" approach.

There are two types of projects: The big budget projects which the agency is likely to be submitting actors for, and the low budget projects which they probably won't touch. I'd recommend concentrating on the latter.

Keep in mind that your physical appearance is an important factor in casting decisions. The audience needs to be able to believe, without stretching the imagination, that you could be a district attorney or math teacher or...

What he said.

Don't tell your agent what you're doing. If you book something through your own submissions, tell your agent you've been offered a gig, and be sure to have him do the negotiating and coordinating. They don't need to know how it happened.

I'll ask you a question, Mr. Anderson, what sort of roles are a)on brand for you, and b)get you excited to play within that brand? Notice I didn't ask what would you like to play in your wildest dreams. We're looking at within the realm of reality here. You're a big guy, but you represent part of humanity, and there's no reason you have to be limited to the heavy.

So, it's now cheaper and easy to self-produce. Heck, people make entire movies on their iPhone and edit it on iMovie now. Do not take a passive approach.

1. Figure out what is the BEST role you'd like to play that is achievable and believable.
2. Write that script-make it a short if you like, or if features intimidate you.
3. Get together with a trusted group of industry peers in your area.
4. Shoot it on a SAG new media agreement, which is easy to file with SAG, even in Minnesota.
5. Get it up online and/or submit it to festivals.
6. Worst case scenario: Great footage for your reel, a learning experience, and a talking point with your agent.
7. Best case scenario: All of # 6, plus additional exposure beyond your local market, and conquering another segment of the industry.

Best of luck.

There's no way you'll stop hustling just because you have an agent. Self submit, self produce, network etc. Self submitting may be frowned upon because actors don't always use their best judgement, so watch what you're doing but never stop.