When You Don’t Have an Agent, Your Agent is You! 

By Webmaster

  • When You Don’t Have an Agent, Your Agent is You! 

    You’ve got a very demanding client. So, get going!

    (By Jim Webb)

    (Photo: Fauxels | Pexels)

    Set up your office space. Clean off your desk. Purchase some office supplies. Roll up your sleeves and prepare to work.

  • You’ve got a very demanding client. That person is needy. That person is moody. That person is demanding and sometimes difficult to work with. That person expects better results than you can sometimes deliver. And when you don’t deliver, that person is quick to jump ship or throw a fit.

    That person, by the way, is you! You are your client! And when you don’t have a talent agent, you are also your client’s agent.

    Finding a rep, especially on the theatrical side of the business, takes time. It can be frustratingly slow. And when you don’t have an agent, it’s tempting to sit idly by and wait.


    RELATED: Create Your Own Opportunities


    But successful actors never wait for opportunity. They never wait for the red-carpet rollout! When you don’t have an agent, your agent is you! It’s time to pound the pavement.

    And there are lots of ways that you, acting as your own agent, can find opportunities for you, as a client.

  • Submit yourself
    Hop onto the various casting sites and start submitting yourself. Do it religiously, just as a real agent would. Track down opportunities like a hunter tracks down a deer in the woods.

    Do it throughout the day, so that you are always first in line when breakdowns are released. But at the very least, pick a time in the afternoon or evening to submit yourself.

    Do it nightly and never miss a day. No excuses. No days off! Your client expects results and you must deliver.

  • Contact Your Contacts
    Your actor friends know of opportunities that you might overlook. Maybe they can throw you a bone. Perhaps they can pass along some information that might lead you to your big break.

    The same goes for acting teachers you’ve studied with in the past. Or film directors whom you’ve worked with. Or former classmates.

    Touch base with your contacts. Ask them what projects they’re currently working on and how they found those opportunities. Then, use that information to find opportunities for yourself.

  • Reach Out to Casting Directors
    Make a list of the casting directors who tend to cast the types of films and shows you’d like to be on. Then, reach out to them as often as is reasonably possible.

    If they don’t mind you contacting them directly, then shoot your shot. If they prefer you build a more casual relationship with them via social media, then do it that way.

    Stay in their faces until they become familiar with you and your work. Keep it up until you get your chance.

  • Book Yourself
    Finally, book yourself! There’s no need to wait for someone else to give you the opportunity you could give yourself.

    Write a script! Get with your friends and film something. And if it’s good, send it to film festivals. Put it on YouTube. Build a channel full of funny viral videos.


    There’s no need to wait for someone else to give you the opportunity you could give yourself.


    By the way, did you know that you could monetize those videos? That’s right! You can make money for your client, i.e., you, simply by posting popular videos on your YouTube channel.

    Your client – YOU – has bills to pay and ambitions to satisfy. He needs a hard-working agent working hard to find him work. So, get going!


  • You Might Also Like:
    What is Taft-Hartley?


     

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • How Do Actors Network With Each Other?

    Question: How Do Actors Network With Each Other? (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Fauxels | Pexels) For actors, building strong connections can help them land roles, collaborate with talented professionals, and open doors to…

    How Do I Pitch Myself to an Acting Agency?

    How Do I Pitch Myself to an Acting Agency? Remember that patience and perseverance are key (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Pixabay | Pexels) A well-crafted pitch can help you secure representation, which in…

    Should You Wear Black in a Self-Tape?

    Question: Should You Wear Black in a Self-Tape? (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Rocketmann Team | Pexels) When it comes to self-taping for auditions, every detail counts—from lighting and background to how you present…

    Where Can I Record a Self-Tape?

    Where Can I Record a Self-Tape? Here’s a guide to finding the best locations (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Antoni Shkraba Production | Pexels) Where should you record your self-tape to ensure it meets…

    Should self-tapes be filmed vertically or horizontally?

    Question: Should self-tapes be filmed vertically or horizontally? (By Jim Webb) (Photo: George Milton | Pexels) The set-up of your self-tape can significantly impact its professionalism and effectiveness. Here’s a quick breakdown for…

  • Ad

  • Where Do You Look When Self-Taping?

    Question: Where Do You Look When Self-Taping? (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Karolina Grabowski | Pexels) One of the most common questions actors have is: “Where do I look when self-taping?” The answer depends…

    Can an Actor Refuse a Role?

    Question: Can an Actor Refuse a Role? (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Cottonbro Studio | Pexels) Landing a role can be a significant milestone for an actor. However, there are instances when actors may…

    How Do Actors Lose Weight Fast for Roles?

    Question: How Do Actors Lose Weight Fast for Roles? (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Ketut Subiyanto | Pexels) Actors often face the challenge of transforming their bodies to fit specific roles, sometimes requiring rapid…

  • Ad

  • How Can I Become an Actor with No experience

    How Can I Become an Actor with No experience Here are some steps you can take to kickstart your acting journey (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Le Minh | Pexels) Starting out as an…

    How Do New Actors Get Agents

    How Do New Actors Get Agents Here’s a guide to the process (By Jim Webb) For aspiring actors, securing representation from a talent agent is often a crucial step towards launching a successful…

    How to Prepare for Your First Audition?

    How to Prepare for Your First Audition? A step-by-step guide (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Moose Photos | Pexels) Embarking on your first audition can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Whether you’re trying out…

    How to Become an Actor

    How to Become an Actor A Step-by-Step Guide (By Jim Webb) Becoming an actor is a dream pursued by many, but breaking into the industry can be daunting without guidance. While there’s no…

    How Do You Get an Audition?

    How Do You Get an Audition? A step-by-step guide (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Ron Lach | Pexels) What is an audition? An audition is a process in which performers, such as actors, singers,…

  • Ad

  • Is 25 Too Late for Acting?

    Is 25 Too Late for Acting? Breaking into Acting at 25 (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Edmond Dantes | Pexels) The question of whether 25 is too late to embark on an acting career…

    Nailing Your Audition: 10 Essential Tips for Actors

    Nailing Your Audition 10 Essential Tips for Actors (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Auditions are the gateway to an actor’s dream role, and the pressure to shine in those crucial moments…

    The subtle secrets to booking an acting job

    The Subtle Secrets to Booking an Acting Job Unveiling the Subtle Secrets to Booking an Acting Job (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) Beyond honing your craft, there are subtle secrets…

  • Ad

  • A Guide on Becoming a Movie Actor

    A Guide on Becoming a Movie Actor Stay dedicated to your craft (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Ron Lach | Pexels) Are you passionate about the world of cinema and dream of gracing the…

    10 Effective Ways for Actors to Calm Audition Nerves

    10 Effective Ways for Actors to Calm Audition Nerves Every audition is an opportunity to learn and grow (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Monstera Productions | Pexels) Auditioning is a pivotal part of an…

    10 Tips for Making the Perfect Self-tape

    10 Tips for Making the Perfect Self-tape Produce a flawless self-tape (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Karolina Grabowski | Pexels) Creating a perfect self-tape is essential for actors looking to make a strong impression…

    What to Do at an Audition

    What to Do at an Audition Navigating the Audition Process (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Cottonbro Studio | Pexels) Auditions are a pivotal part of an actor’s journey, providing an opportunity to showcase your…

    10 Mistakes Actors Should Steer Clear Of

    10 Mistakes Actors Should Steer Clear Of Actors should be mindful of common mistakes that can hinder their progress (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Polina Tankilevitch | Pexels) Embarking on a career in acting…

  • Ad