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Question: Talent Agent help!!? - qustions inside!?
Hello, Firstly I really want to get a talnt agent as I am a young aspiring actor who cannot find work any other way!.
I could not afford drama school, does this mean I cannot pursue a career in drama!?
I am prepare dto act under any cricumstances, even as an extra!. or one of the little children in a panto, ANYTHING!!
My parents will not allow me to get an agent as they beilieve I should not pursue a career in performing, how can I convince them!?
Where can I get a talent agent, the yellow pages etc!.!. is not working!?
what do i need to prepare for an agent, lik headshots etc!? (do you need to spend money on headshots or can you just take them at home!?)
how can I get minor/amateur exerince to put on a Cv to get an agent!?
any other help/dtails would be very much aprceiated - You have my career in your hands!
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Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Seeking a representataion can be a tricky thing!. It really depends on if you are in Los Angeles, or New York!. (Or areas out side of both East and West Coast)
In New York, it's not too difficult to find an agent to represent you - because a lot of agencies do free-lance with several agents!. A talent can have freelance with 5+ agencies!. An agency usually don't sign exclusive with a talent unless they are sure that the talent can "make money" for the agency!. There are medium, boutique, and corporate size agencies in New York (and LA) - You might want to do a little research on which agency has a good reputation, and sends their talent out on auditions on regular basis!. If you are in LA or NY, I would recommand you stop by a local bookstore (Barnes N' Nobel, etc) and get a copy of the latest "ROSS REPORT" - it lists all agencies and managements contact information, and descriptions on the types of talent they are looking for!.
In Los Angeles, it's another story!. A talent can only signed with a single Talent Agency!. (exclusive only) So, you have to choose wisely!.
In order to be represented by a talent agency (or management), you must have some sort of credits on your acting resume!. The credits should include works from:
1) Film
2) TV
3) Theatre
You must also list the trainings that you have had, plus additonal special skills that you do!. (Martial arts, juggling, foreign language/accent!.!.!.etc)
If you have only worked on 3 feature films - and nothing else, it's probably too early for you to sign with a talent agent!. I would suggest you to continue to work and get more credits on your resume before you start submitting to agencies!. (If you can put together a REEL that will definately help)
I would also recommand you set up an account on Actors Access!. It is the only legit service use by industray casting directors and agents!. It's free to sign up and create your online Resume!. If you are signed with an agent, that's how an agent can submit your profile to a casting call!.
You will have the options to submit to some casting notice on your own, but there's going to be a $2!.00 charge per submission!. (But that doesn't mean you have do it!. The most important thing here, is to have your profile and headshot available in the breakdown services)
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An Agency that does Background/Extra casting is the easiest agent to sign without extensive credits and training on your resume!. Since they are looking for talents of all looks and sizes!.
If you are in Southern California area, then go to Central Casting (http://www!.centralcasting!.org) and register with them!. (there's a $25 registeration fee)
If you are in New York area, then go to Grant Wilfley Casting (http://www!.gwcnyc!.com) and locate registration information!. (Free!)
To submit yourself to a legit talent agency for representation:
You'll need:
1) Headshot
2) Resume
3) Cover Letter
4) Reel (optional)
[Headshot] - I would just suggest you to find a friend, with a good camera and take a neutral photo of you from the shoulder up!. (Do not spend $500+ for professional photos, unless you're already in the Union and have done a bunch legit works) As a starting actor, a good quality headshot is enough!. (My first headshot is the one I took of myself in the bathroom - and I landed a national commercial) Once you are signed with a talent agent, he/she will recommand a reasonable priced photographer to you!. (But make sure you do a research on the agent and the photographer first!. check out http://www!.easybackgroundcheck!.com)
[Resume] - Get involved with local Theater works (at school or outside of school environment), Student Films, Low Budget Indie Films, Spec Commercials, Music Videos!.!.!. you name it!. Most of the works may not be Paid Jobs, but you get credits and copies of the product!. This will help you develope a good actor resume!.
I would strongly recommand you to take (more) acting classes either at your school (Theater classes, or Drama Club)!. Get involved!. If your school doesn't offer that, see if there are local Theatre Groups/Workshops that you can attend!. (You can either find them in newspapers or online)!.
It is at your classes or workshops, that you will learn more about the business in acting!. Develope your own network, or even, from your classmates, you'd get a referral to see their talent agents!. An agent is most likely to see a new talent through referrals!.
[Cover Letter] - Keep your cover letter brief, make it three paragraphs!. In the first paragraph, mention what is the latest project that you done, and list any other help information on making yourself credible!. (For example, guest star on TV show, a film that is shown at Festivals, any awards that you got, etc) In the second paragraph, briefly talk about your background & training!. Last, but not least - you should end the cover letter with your interest and why you are seeking representation!. Include the URL of your website (with your REEWww@QuestionHome@Com
Talent agents do not train you to be an actor, they get you jobs after you become an actor!. They make money when you make money; if you have no skills, you're not going to book, so why would they want to represent you!?
You don't need to go to a drama school, but you do need to study and train for the craft!. Look for local organizations that offer short-term classes!. Www@QuestionHome@Com
Well first of all, it's a great dream to be an actress, everyone wants to, but you really need classes!.!. classes don't normally cost that much also do plays at school and drama club!.!. that great experience and look up some after school theaters to be in!. You want to build up a resume before you get an agent!. Try to take singing lessons and dancing lessons, they'll really help or be in chorus at school!. You just need to be in many plays!. I've been acting for about 6 years and still don't have an agent because i feel im not ready and i haven't don't enough work yet!. So just keep being in plays and musicals, do things at school and keep your options open to different things in your community!. Next you need your parents support without them you can't do much without them, sit down and have a serious talk with them about this!.!. maybe they'll change there mind!. Head shots can be very expensive they can range from $200-$800 so save up!. Many children even adults start in commercials and being extras or just guest staring in shows!.!. to get an agent you should google talent agencies in your area, read about them and see if they seem legit they should not coast anything-- agents are free, they get there money by getting you jobs!. it takes time but remember you have to start small to end big!. good luck(:Www@QuestionHome@Com