How to approach a talent agent?

Question:I want to start my acting career, I'm currently taking acting courses and I'm really ready to start approaching agents/agencies. I work as a professional model so I have tons of print experience and one commercial under my belt. I want to know what do you need to approach an agent (resume,headshot,etc) and just any information on finding an agent would help. Oh, and I'm 20 years old living in LA if that helps

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I want to start my acting career, I'm currently taking acting courses and I'm really ready to start approaching agents/agencies. I work as a professional model so I have tons of print experience and one commercial under my belt. I want to know what do you need to approach an agent (resume,headshot,etc) and just any information on finding an agent would help. Oh, and I'm 20 years old living in LA if that helps

You have the right idea. Resume, which in your case is impressive (include a few xerox tear sheets), head shot, full body shot.

Did the commercial go national? Are you SAG eligiable, that's a plus and can get you a better agent and better auditions if you have the $2,500 to buy your SAG card on demand.

You should pick an agent that deals with print and commercials. You can generally have several agents for different types of work if they don't mind.

If you are SAG eligible you should get the SAG list and look for a mid or upper low level agent that is Franchised.

dont spend alot of money on taking pictures because if they like you and want to represent you, they will want you to get certain headshots. never give them ANY money too. if you have to pay them for them to even consider you, it is a rip off. the only money they make is a percentage of the money you make.

A reputable agent will seek you out. You might get an agent who has no real pull in the business
by dropping off a resume, video, etc. When they say luck, in order to be lucky you have to be seen and known. You have to study with someone who knows someone, cast you in a play, invites the big time agent to see you and he does as a favor to his friend. That's how my ex got in, got on and made it big time. she also
had no scruples which can be another way.
She also got best actor awards at UCLA and LA City College. In short, she was a great actress. She got movies and a long running series. I still have the photographs she used when she first started. I had just taken up photography as a hobby.
consider the odds. do it for love and you never know. Just be careful, there are some real users to go with the really nice people I got to know. Good luck.