How to Get An Agent

By Darryl Green

  • How To Get an Agent: Basic Tips for Actors

    It is not easy getting an agent but it is almost necessary if you want to work in this business. There are no easy methods to secure one; rather, it takes hard work and lot of tenacity. The irony of it all is that agents want established actors yet to really get established you may need the help of a talent agent. Although trade publications such as backstage are a good source of job opportunities the real work comes through an agent.

    They usually keep a circle of clients to whom they channel out the work to first. If you are apart of that circle then it makes life a little easier for you. Through the years I’ve seen young actors trying to achieve their goals make simple little errors which could have been avoided. Most don’t have a mentor to help them through the difficulties and thus have to feel around in the dark. Here are some basic tips to help you out.

    Firstly, treat your career like your own personal business. Understand that you are in a highly competitive industry that requires a lot of personal investment on your part.

    As such, the numbers game of sending out a ton of your headshots and resumes to talent agencies in hopes of landing one isn’t enough. Agents get hundreds of photos a day and your headshot is just one in a pile many. One of the things that a working actor must have in his or her arsenal is a good demo reel.
    You should have a number of copies that can be dispensed at will. A professional reel could cost anywhere from $50 to $250 to produce depending upon what you want. The duplication rate is somewhat modest. Next, you should be in some type of show or production. This gives you exposure and a chance to hone your skills.

    Now with these things firmly in place begin the process of sending your photos and resumes out to talent agents. You can find a listing of them in The Ross Report or by going to www.rkacinemasociety.com. Make sure you understand the different unions and exactly which agent deals with a particular union. If you are not part of SAG and send your material to a SAG agent then you may have just wasted your money. As stated before since agents get a lot of headshots on a daily basis you’ll need to make follow-ups. Set aside some time each week specifically for this purpose. Some agents don’t like to receive phone calls but there are some that do. The key is to build a rapport with the agent. Most times you won’t get to speak with them directly only with their secretaries. Now listen up because this is important. Do not treat the secretary like a secretary! In fact make a conscious effort to get to know him or her while treating them with the utmost respect and courtesy. The reason for this is because that secretary is your immediate connection to the agent – a sort of gate keeper. Rest assured that if they do not like you, or consider you annoying, you may never get pass them. In soliciting representation you should invite the agent via phone call or by postcard to your show. If they are unwilling or unable to come send them a video copy of the performance highlighting your work. If possible, hand deliver it. Then make another follow-up call. Remember, the idea here is to make a lasting impression. Some actors have gone as far as to send an agent a headshot a week keeping them appraised of their progress. If you can afford this then by all means go for it.

    Another important thing here is to be professional. Always seem enthusiastic and positive in the presence of an agent no matter if they are rude to you. If they are somewhat unpleasant don’t take it personal. There are more fish in the sea so there is no need to dwell on a bad meeting. Agents are not only looking for someone talented to work with but someone who has a great personality and is hungry. If you are lackluster in your approach to your craft then why should an agent take a chance with you. However, if you are highly motivated and good to work with then someone might take a chance. I’ve seen so many actors blow it because of an ego trip or lack of commitment. Agents can smell this a mile away. Unfortunately actors are notorious for being flaky and emotionally unstable. If this is you then, YOU DON’T NEED TO BE IN THIS INDUSTRY!

    Keep in mind that not all agents deal with your particular type. Some deal strictly with young children, others specialize in ethnic actors and so forth. There are also agents who deal with commercials and/or feature films. Pay particular attention to this fact when sending out your material. And don’t feel bad if you are told you’re not the right type. Many of these agencies work with major studios that call for a particular look. Low and behold you may not have that look of the moment. This doesn’t mean that you should go out and get plastic surgery but rather find another agent who is handling your look. Trust me there are many that do.

    Whatever happens don’t give up. Since agents are people too you must also understand that there are good and bad ones. I’ve personally come across a couple who are horrible and you’d be better off going it alone. On the other hand there are many who can get you in the door if you manage to get their attention. Industry networking events and parties are a great way to come in contact with them. If you have a talent for networking then I would suggest booking your schedule with as many of these functions as possible. The Internet has really been a boom for actors and you should find a wealth of networking events in your local area on line. If you apply just these few tips and don’t become discouraged I’m sure you’ll meet with much success!

    For the latest industry information visit us at http://www.rkacinemasociety.com

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • How to Prepare for an Audition

    How to Prepare for an Audition A Comprehensive Guide on How to Prepare for an Audition (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Monstera | Pexels) Auditions are the pivotal moments in an actor’s life. They…

    How Tom Cruise Got into Acting

    How Tom Cruise Got into Acting A look at his journey into showbusiness (By Carmichael Phillips) Tom Cruise, one of Hollywood’s most iconic and enduring actors, began his remarkable journey into acting with…

    What are the Risks of Becoming an Actor?

    What are the Risks of Becoming an Actor? Navigating the Challenges in the Spotlight (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Karolina Grabowska | Pexels) Becoming an actor is a dream for many, but it’s a…

    How to Become a Series Regular on a Television Show

    How to Become a Series Regular on a Television Show There are steps you can take to increase your chances (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Becoming a series regular on a…

    What is Method Acting?

    What is Method Acting? Exploring the World of Method Acting: Techniques and Principles (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Genarlo Servin/Pexels) Method acting is a renowned and influential approach to acting that has produced some…

  • Ad

  • What is the Opposite of Method Acting?

    What is the Opposite of Method Acting? The Antithesis of Method Acting: Exploring Different Approaches to Acting (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Anna Shvets | Pexels) While method acting is celebrated for its depth…

    What Does an Extra Do in Filmmaking?

    What Does an Extra Do in Filmmaking? Extras play a pivotal role in the world of filmmaking (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Pixabay | Pexels) In the world of filmmaking, there are many roles…

    5 Things Every Actor Should Know Early in Their Career

    5 Things Every Actor Should Know Early in Their Career There are several essential insights that can help you navigate the early stages (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Hannah Nelson | Pexels) Embarking on…

  • Ad

  • What is Craft Service?

    What is Craft Service? Exploring the Role of Craft Services in the Entertainment Industry (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Craig Adderley | Pexels) In the fast-paced world of filmmaking and entertainment production, ensuring that…

    10 Must-See Movies from 2023

    10 Must-See Movies from 2023 A Cinematic Journey (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Pixabay | Pexels) The year 2023 has been a promising one for cinema, offering a diverse range of films that have…

    Which State Is Best for Pursuing an Acting Career?

    Which State is Best for Pursuing an Acting Career? It all depends on a number of different factors (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Paul Deetman | Pexels) The pursuit of an acting career often…

    What is a Stand-In?

    What is a Stand-In? The Role of a Stand-In in Filmmaking (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Ron Lach | Pexels) A stand-in is a person hired on a film or television production to substitute…

    What Should Actors Do Every Day?

    What Should Actors Do Every Day? Daily Habits for Aspiring Actors (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Sigmund/Unsplash) Becoming a successful actor requires dedication, discipline, and consistent effort. To hone your craft, build your skills,…

  • Ad

  • Do Actors Really Drink While Filming?

    Do Actors Really Drink While Filming? The Use of Real Alcohol in Filmmaking (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Dylann Hendricks | Pexels) Watching characters enjoy a glass of wine, raise a toast with champagne,…

    What Happens If an Actor Can’t Remember Their Lines?

    What Happens If an Actor Can’t Remember Their Lines? Even the most seasoned actors occasionally forget their lines (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Chris Ainsworth | Unsplash) The world of acting is both thrilling…

    What NOT to Say to an Actor

    What NOT to Say to an Actor 10 Things you should avoid saying to a thespian (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) Interacting with actors can be an exciting experience, but…

  • Ad

  • What Makes Acting So Tough?

    What Makes Acting So Tough? Actors face numerous challenges that go beyond glitz and glamour (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Mike Greer | Pexels) Acting is often romanticized for its glamour and the allure…

    Do Actors Really Kiss While Filming?

    Do Actors Really Kiss While Filming? Lights, Camera, Kiss! The Art of On-Screen Romance (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Katie Salerno | Pexels) Romantic scenes, including passionate kisses, are a staple in film and…

    What Actors Do When They’re Not Acting

    What Actors Do When They’re Not Acting The life of an actor is not always about acting (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Christian Buehner | Unsplash) Actors, with their glamorous on-screen personas and compelling…

    Do Actors Need to Be Attractive?

    Do Actors Need to Be Attractive? There has been a growing shift towards valuing diversity and inclusivity in the entertainment industry (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Sumit Kapoor | Pexels) The world of acting…

    How Long Does It Take for an Actor to Memorize a Scene?

    How Long Does It Take for an Actor to Memorize a Scene? The process of memorizing lines is a fundamental aspect of an actor’s craft (By Jim Webb) The process of memorizing lines…

  • Ad