Talent Agency open call in Winston-Salem, NC for actors in North Carolina and the Triad area

MAD Talent Agency is seeking SAG-AFTRA and Non-Union talent for film, commercial, television and print in North Carolina and the Triad area. They are specifically reaching out to talent in North Carolina and the Triad area, and are looking for a variety of talent for roles. Bring headshot and resume to the open call anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. this Saturday.

Where:

Winston Tower
24th Floor
301 North Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Click here for directions.

When:

Saturday December 7, 2013
10:00am – 2:00pm

You can pre-register via email by submitting a headshot/resume and the following information to madtalentagency@aol.com

First Name:
Last Name:
Email:
D.O.B:
If under 18 years (Parent or Guardian name):
Location:
Phone:
Ethnic Appearance:
Height:
Weight:
Hair Color:
Eye Color:

About MAD Talent Agency

MAD Talent Agency LLC is a licensed and bonded talent agency in NC and there are no up-front signup fees for representation. They are a full service agency representing actors, artists, models, dancers, musicians, authors, voiceover artists and extreme athletes worldwide. They have locations in Winston-Salem and Lake Norman, NC.

MAD Talent Agency represents the most unique artists across the world. Their vision is to take all of their creative artists of today and give them the most opportunities in this exciting and ever changing business. They want to seek out those that have the passion and motivation to work in the entertainment industry.

MAD talent agency represents talent for feature films, commercials, radio, voiceover, stunts, television, print, promotions, events, music videos, as well as other entertainment enterprises.

All talent must be legally eligible to work in the state of North Carolina and in the United States.

The North Carolina Actors Resource Guide eBook includes the following information and documents for adults, minors, and foreign talent who would like to work as an actor or extra on film and television productions in North Carolina and the United States:

• USA Child Actor Work Permit Requirements
• North Carolina Child Performer Labor Law Information
• North Carolina Youth Employment Certificate Instructions
• North Carolina Youth Approval To Work Late Hours Form
• North Carolina Minor Intention To Employ Form
• North Carolina Dept. of Labor Rules and Regulations Relative to Employment of Children under 16 Years of Age.
• Immigration Work Permit Information
• Non-Immigrant Visa Application
• Links for Child Labor Information

In addition to the following North Carolina Actors Resources:

• Audition Tips
• How To Make an Audition Video
• North Carolina Casting Directors List
• North Carolina Extras Casting Directors List
• North Carolina Talent Agents List
• North Carolina Acting Coaches, Classes, and Schools List
• North Carolina Headshot Photographers List
• Headshot Mass Printing Photo Labs
• Miscellaneous North Carolina Resources
• Actors Unions
• Sample Actors Resume
• Sample Beginning Actors Resume
• Sample Cover Letters
• General Talent Agent Information
• Entertainment Industry Terminology
• PDF Users Guide

The 2013 Actors Resource Guide eBooks are available here.

A Few Notes About Talent Agents

If you have a lot of experience, are well trained, and are a "type" that they are interested in at the time, they will call. In the large markets such as Los Angeles and New York, it can be extremely difficult for even experienced and well trained actors to land an agent, so keep your expectations realistic when submitting, and be patient. Try again in a few months if they do not call. If you are doing a play or showcase, send a postcard to invite an agent to come see you perform.

Also, don't expect to be able to pick and choose an agent unless you are a very well known and respected actor. I see so many people asking, "What is the best agent in LA (or NY or wherever)?" If you have to ask that question, you certainly are not an actor who can "pick and choose" an agent. 99% of actors should consider themselves lucky to sign with a SAG-AFTRA franchised or ATA/NATR Agency. You can send a photo and resume to every legit talent agent in LA or NY and would be lucky to get one single call.

And one last thing..... just because an Agency is a "licensed Talent Agent" in your state does NOT mean that they are a good or even legit agent. The rules to become a licensed Talent Agent in every state are MUCH more lenient than the rules to become a SAG franchised agent or ATA/NATR agent. I would only recommend signing with an agent that is franchised with the Screen Actors Guild, or a member of the Association of Talent Agents (ATA) or National Association of Talent Representatives (NATR).

How To Get An Agent

There are two types of talent agents, theatrical (television and film) and commercial (for television commercials). Being with the same agency for both is called being "signed across the board," but many actors prefer to have separate agents for different types of work, become some agencies can be better commercially, but not as good theatrically, or vice versa.

Agents get information about auditions for roles, either directly from casting directors and producers calling them asking for client submissions, or from a service called "the breakdowns," a daily list of roles being cast, sent only to agents and managers.

Agents work for you, but they only get 10% of what you make, so that means you need to do 90% of the work - especially when you are getting started. That means always be professional, be skilled in acting, network and let casting directors, producers and directors know about your work & upcoming performances by sending out postcards & invitations, know your "type", and make sure you and your agent have an understanding about what kinds of parts you will be submitted for.

The Strategy:

Do not randomly stop by agents offices unannounced, they do not accept personal drop-offs. Avoid calling the office for now. Simply send in your 8" X 10" color photo and resume, along with a brief cover letter. Show the agents that you understand how valuable their time is by keeping the cover letter short and sweet. Far too many actors end up writing a long cover letter, and the agents end up just trowing it in the "circular file" aka trash can.

This is a sample of a good cover letter:
________________________________________________


Savannah Starlet
4321 Superstar Street
Beverly Hills CA 90210
savvystar@email.com
555-986-6754

Attn: Mr. Agent


Enclosed you will find my photo and resume for your consideration. I am currently seeking theatrical (and/or commercial) representation. Please feel free to contact me at the above phone number or email address.

Sincerely,

Savannah Starlet

_________________________________________________

Now the agent even has a few moments to actually look at the photo and resume!

Then after about a week, give them a quick call and just say your name, tell them that you sent in a photo and resume, and that you are calling back as a follow up. They will usually write your name down, and say that they will give you a call if interested, or we are reviewing it, etc. Again, just keep it short and show them that you value their time. They will be pleasantly surprised.

Say something like.....

"No problem, I don't want to take up your time, but wanted to make a quick call to see if you are interested".

They'll either be impressed (and relieved) at the brief conversation, or will be so caught off guard that they'll try to explain further. If they haven't said goodbye, then just repeat a variation of your previous words (always offering them a chance to end the conversation and reinforcing that you know their time is valuable). Agents get tired off so many actors calling and somewhat begging, "can I come in for an interview", or "I am very talented and would be a great addition to your roster". If you follow these steps, keep your letter and conversation brief, the agent will most likely appreciate it.

Many agents these days do not track submissions and will merely inform you of this when you call. Also, several of the top agencies do not accept unsolicited photo and resume submissions, they only accept new clients through industry referral.

Tips & Warnings

* Agents making their living by earning a percentage of each job they book for a model. Do not pay any up-front fees to an agent.

* If you're not happy with the number of auditions or bookings you are getting, set up an appointment with your agent and discuss what you can do to generate more jobs.

* If the agent lies to you, makes outrageous promises or asks for up-front money (to cover phone calls or mailing expenses on your behalf), keep looking. Legitimate agents do not ask for expense money.

Notes:

I highly recommend that your 8x10 color headshot and resume along with the cover letter be sent in a 9 x 12 Clear Full Face Window Envelope with the photo visible in the window.

Click Here to purchase 9 x 12 Clear Full Face Window Envelopes.

The casting directors address should be written in all capital letters on the solid side of the envelope, with the name of the project you are submitting for written directly above the casting directors name. If the role that you are submitting for is available, it should also be written above the casting directors name.

Example:

"Project Name"
"Role of _______"
CASTING DIRECTOR NAME
CASTING DIRECTOR ADDRESS
CASTING DIRECTOR CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

What To Expect When Interviewing With Talent Agencies

This is what a top-level Talent Agent had to say about this question:

"The process is simple. First, I always meet one on one with potential clients. This gives me a chance to really get to know the person. If that goes well, I ask the actor to come back and meet the other agents. It's essential that everyone be in agreement. One agent should never try to convince the others to sign someone.

And that's basically it. The only problem is actors tend to be their own worst enemy. Believe it or not, actors seeking representation are always convincing me NOT to sign them. Pretty depressing, right?

I'm always amazed by how much effort actors put into getting a meeting with me but none of you ever know how to behave once you're actually in my office.

Before we tackle this subject, let's make something clear. I want to like you. It's my job to sign actors and if you're sitting in my office, that means you did something right. Maybe I noticed your submission. Maybe someone referred you. Or maybe I saw your work in a showcase. Whatever it was, something positive happened to get your butt into that chair. So don't turn a positive into a negative. You've got 15 minutes to make an impression. That's 900 seconds. You have to use that time wisely.

So how should you behave in my office? Well, think of it this way. Meeting with an agent is like a first date. You've got two people in a room. They're sizing each other up. And they're both wondering if it's going to go any further.

Now ask yourself this: what's the worst thing you can do on a first date? Talk about yourself!

There's nothing worse than being stuck on a date with someone who spends the whole night going on and on about themselves. It's the same thing in a meeting. I tend to tune out actors who waste their time by doing a non-stop monologue about who they are and what they want.

So don't play into the stereotype of the narcissistic, self-involved actor. It's dull. It's boring. And worst of all, it doesn't give me a chance to really get to know you.

Instead, walk into that office and create an atmosphere where you can both get to know each other as people. I have to forget that you're an actor seeking representation. That's boring. Instead, I need to see you as an individual. I have to get a sense of who you really are outside the world of show business.

How do you do this? Easy. Try to have a normal conversation. Maybe there's something in my office that catches your eye. Or maybe you just saw a great movie. Whatever. The idea is to get into a give and take situation where you're talking about anything but acting. This will give me a chance to get to know the real you.

I once met with a young lady who had "tarot card reader" listed on her resume under Special Skills. It just so happens that I love anything having to do with the occult. So we started talking about it and the next thing you know, we're both sitting on the floor and she's giving me a reading. As a result, we really got to know each other and I ended up representing her for many years. Now that's what I call a good meeting.

Remember - it's easy for an agent to pass on an actor seeking representation. We do it every day. But saying no becomes just a little bit harder when we've spent 15 minutes getting to know you as a human being. And that might just be enough to get you signed as a client."

-An excerpt from “An Agent Tells All” written by Tony Martinez.

J. Mitchell Management open call for kids and young adults seeking representation

Alexandra Chando is a former client of JMM and is now with the companies' adult division.

Creative Commons

The highly respected New York City talent management firm J. Mitchell Management (JMM Talent) is holding an open call for children and young adults who wish to be considered for representation. JMM Talent is a management company representing children, teens and young adults. With clients appearing in national television series, feature films, Broadway shows and hundreds of TV commercials, JMM Talent is one of the largest management firms in New York City representing some of the top performers in the industry.

Some of JMM’s past and present clients include Golden Globe Award winner James Gandolfini, Academy Award nominee Abagail Breslin, Primetime Emmy Award nominee Molly Shannon, Daytime Emmy Award nominee Alexandra Chando (The Lying Game), Screen Actors Guild Awards winner Robert Iler (AJ on The Sopranos), Teen Choice Awards nominee Tristan Wilds (90210), Emma Kenney (Shameless), Keidrich Sellati (The Americans), Brendan Dooling (The Carrie Diaries) and countless other recognizable TV and Film actors.

As with any legitimate talent representation company, there are no registration, photo, training, or fees of any kind involved in working with JMM Talent. They simply earn the standard management commission when their clients get work.

Open Call Date

Tuesday May 21, 2013
Early evening. Upon appointment.

Children and young adults ages 4 to 25 who are located within the Tri-State Area are invited to schedule an interview to meet with JMM Talent for representation.

Click Here to make an appointment.

Actors ages 26 and older must submit a picture/resume (or snapshot) by mail and JMM Talent will call if they are interested in setting up a meeting. Please be sure to include your email address on your resume.

Send to the following:

JMM Talent
70 West 36th Street
New York, NY, 10018

JMM Talent represents talent in the TRI-STATE AREA ONLY. The Tri-State Area consists of the New York metropolitan area; the New Jersey cities Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Trenton, and Edison and surrounding areas; and the Connecticut cities of Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, Norwalk, and Danbury as well as their vicinities.

Questions? Please call:
Caitlin @ 212-679-3550