Thank you cyber manager Truthteller for all your advice and helpful info on how to approach getting commercial representation. I think I would be lost if it wasn't for your input in this forum.

I took a Groundlings class and Killian McHugh's commercial workshop.

I sent this headshot:

http://bbs.backstage.com/group...=429107334#429107334

to these agents:

http://bbs.backstage.com/group...1061/m/388102893/p/1

with a resume and a cover letter stating I am seeking commercial representation.

I sent postcards out the same week as a followup.

Three weeks have gone by and I haven't heard anything yet. What should I do? Let more time pass to see if anyone bites? Send more postcards? Wait a little while and send out the same headshot? Let some time pass, get new headshots and send those out?

...curl up in the fetal position and suck my thumb? lol

I don't know if this could be why, but that headshot isn't really a commercial headshot. Do you have others? A great headshot could be your key to getting in the door.

Yeah, this is not a commercial headshot. Wait a little longer and email the ones that accept emails submissions a different headshot. Then resubmit.

Mike, you're not alone! I'm in the same exact position as you. I did those two classes as well, plus a few others, I have great headshots, and a pretty good resume with a few Lead episodic TV roles, but yet I can't seem to even get a meeting with a commercial agent! I sent to about 33. Its crazy! Everyone always says as long as you have a commercial/improv class, you'll be good. I think times have changed! haha

Also Mike, what I did was send them my usual headshot, but then also included a commercial headshot in the mailing as well. I prefer the look of my theatrical headshot VS commercial, so I put my theatrical on the front of the window envelope and the other one behind it.

quote:

Originally posted by AndSheWhispered:
Mike, you're not alone! I'm in the same exact position as you. I did those two classes as well, plus a few others, I have great headshots, and a pretty good resume with a few Lead episodic TV roles, but yet I can't seem to even get a meeting with a commercial agent! I sent to about 33. Its crazy! Everyone always says as long as you have a commercial/improv class, you'll be good. I think times have changed! haha

seriously! i sent mine out last thursday. it's been a week and still nothing -.-

quote:

Originally posted by AustenCA:
I don't know if this could be why, but that headshot isn't really a commercial headshot. Do you have others? A great headshot could be your key to getting in the door.

What is it about this that makes it not a commercial headshot? I created a thread a couple months ago specifically to figure out which was my best commercial headshot and this one got pretty good reviews. Is there a better option from this group:http://bbs.backstage.com/group...1031/m/209104334/p/1

quote:

Originally posted by mikebee:

quote:

Originally posted by AustenCA:
I don't know if this could be why, but that headshot isn't really a commercial headshot. Do you have others? A great headshot could be your key to getting in the door.

What is it about this that makes it not a commercial headshot? I created a thread a couple months ago specifically to figure out which was my best commercial headshot and this one got pretty good reviews. Is there a better option from this group:http://bbs.backstage.com/group...1031/m/209104334/p/1

Actually, it's a good shot and I'm surprised you haven't heard anything.

Commercial head shots are NOT about smiling anymore. Now smiling headshots and serious looking headshots can cross over. i.e. I've gotten comedy auditions with my "commercial" headshot and have gotten commercial auditions with my non smiling serious shots.

Some wise Hollywood sage left me with this useful bit of advice:

If the headshots you're submitting aren't getting any response, you need new headshots.

If you're getting auditions but no callbacks, you need to work on your acting.

If you're getting callbacks but not booking the job, you need to work on your personality or it's just a matter of time.

It doesn't get much simpler than that.

I think a lot of new actors forget that they're competing with seasoned professional actors in Los Angeles. It's hard to compete on a professional level if you're submitting subpar headshots and you know nothing about sub-text or camera techniques.

quote:

Originally posted by Headshots Only:

I think a lot of new actors forget that they're competing with seasoned professional actors in Los Angeles. It's hard to compete on a professional level if you're submitting subpar headshots and you know nothing about sub-text or camera techniques.

I hope I don't come off as defensive when I say this, but the way this statement is worded implies I knowingly sent out subpar headshots. I've gotten great feedback from these headshots by casting directors at workshops, and I realize that the commercial world is different, but based on their reception and the generally positive feedback I got in my other thread where I asked people to comment on this series of headshots, I really thought they were good. I didn't "forget" that I'm competing with seasoned professionals. Yes, some new actors think they can take shortcuts, etc, but I'm not one of them. I'm on this forum and lots of other places regularly researching, and asking questions so that I can compete, hence this very thread. I appreciate your input, and I think you're right that I probably need new headshots soon, but anyways I just wanted to make this clarification.

It's hard to ever figure out why you/we don't get responses... one thing that comes to mind is that it's November. I would tend to think by November agent rosters are filled. So, one of the many reasons could simply be agencies have the white boy brunette slots filled. I think you have a good look and wish you the best. But don't know if anyone on the forum can pinpoint why but just say - keep at it! If you throw enough things at a wall, somethings gonna stick Try submitting via email to the ones that allow it with a different pic and see what happens but I like your pic...

Just got called in for a meeting with DPM Talent! It took a month but it happened. Woo hoo! Thread is now moot.

Cool, good luck!

Good luck with DPM is right. I gave them a chance, but besides only getting 5 auditions in a year with them, every week all clients were sent scathing emails about being professional, etc. etc. I felt like I was 5 years old.

I hope your experience is better than mine.
Of course, I was told it was my headshots, yet continued to get called in on my own.

I liked Daniel, but didn't appreciate the way he treated his clients. Just my two cents.