Just wanted to share this story about my friend who did a mailing a week and a half ago for a commercial agent and already got three meetings (one with one of the top 5 agencies on Truthteller's commercial agent list with a *) and another one with a big agency with offices in NY and LA. He has zero credits on his resume, no commercial classes and no improv training. One of the agencies offered a contract (they are one of the top 10 agencies). All he has on his resume is one cold reading class (theatrical) and he speaks Spanish.

However, he is EXTREMELY good looking; 6'3, chiseled features and has the body of a male supermodel/underwear model (the body is apparent through clothes/t-shirt). Everywhere he goes people ask him if he is a model or actor and he has women throwing themselves at him. He also happens to be EXTREMELY charismatic and has "star quality"; he's just as charming as A-list actors you see charming audiences on Leno and Letterman etc. So he charmed the agents with his charisma and good looks and got an offer from a top agency with no experience whatsoever. That doesn't mean that they may not ask him to take classes (I'm sure they will). However, if you have the "look" they are looking for it makes it so much easier. I know of many actors with training who still can't get meetings from their mailings.

He didn't use a top photographer either, he will probably need to take new ones. However, he is good looking enough whereas it didn't matter; he was still able to get meetings based on his shots.

He also went to DH with me before and got 2 callbacks. DH didn't care that he didn't have commercial and improv training but told him he had a "good look" in addition to speaking Spanish.

I guess the point is that if you have the right look, you can still get in the door commercially without training in the beginning.

I wouldn't be surprised if they tell him after he gets signed to take a commercial and improv class.

I've gotten meetings and offers before I took a commercial and improv class when I was starting out.

But, I think it's better to show that you're prepared by already having improv and commercial classes listed.

Hey TT, I'm just about ready to be signed. I've got an appt to update headshots to a pro-level. Need to trim my clips to 10 secs each. Easy.

If you had to choose one class now, to put on resume for CD's eyes, what would you choose? And whom? Or should I look over your list already posted?

Spydog

ps-- my long replies were an effort to give back on the forum. i'm very thankful for the advice here.

@Jackie200 -- great story! I love it that he didn't have to jump through all the usual hoops. LOVE IT!

quote:

Originally posted by SPYDOG:
Hey TT, I'm just about ready to be signed. I've got an appt to update headshots to a pro-level. Need to trim my clips to 10 secs each. Easy.

If you had to choose one class now, to put on resume for CD's eyes, what would you choose? And whom? Or should I look over your list already posted?

Spydog

ps-- my long replies were an effort to give back on the forum. i'm very thankful for the advice here.

Clips should ideally be 30-45 seconds each. 10 secs is way too short.

I've said a million times, an improv and a commercial class is the MINIMUM to get commercial representation. I've listed the top classes many times as well.