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
How To Get An Agent
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."
” written by Tony Martinez.
J. Mitchell Management open call for kids and young adults seeking representation
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
Rare Quality Models & Talent Agency open call for Alabama, Florida, Georgia talent
Alabama's Rare Quality Models & Talent Agency is holding an open call for models and actors in the tri state areas of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia who are seeking representation. The agency is seeking men, women, and children ages six and over for special events, print, television and film. Both experienced and inexperienced talent are welcome to attend.
Rare Quality Models & Talent has been discovering, developing, and representing models and actors in the tri state area since June, 1990. They are a full service modeling and talent agency whose models have appeared in national magazines, as well as, catalogs, brochures, newspaper ads, and billboards. Their actors have appeared in motion pictures, television programs, and local, regional, and national commercials.
Rare Quality's Founder and CEO is Donna Hovey, who has worked in the entertainment industry as Executive Producer, Still Photographer, and Makeup Artist. Donna has become an expert at marketing talent to prospective clients nationwide through direct marketing, referrals and successful leveraging of online marketing tools. Rare Quality Models & Talent Agency has Better Business Bureau rating of A+.
Open Call Details
Where:
"The Boutique"
Perimeter North Shopping Center
3505 Montgomery Hwy.
Dothan, AL 36303
Click Here for directions.
When:
Tuesday August 23, 2011
4:00pm - 6:00pm
• Experienced models and actors bring headshots, comp cards, resumes, reels.
• Inexperienced models and actors bring a non-returnable recent color snapshot.
• Under 18 years of age must bring a parent or legal guardian.
• Please bring only the children auditioning. No extra children allowed.
If you are unable to attend the open casting call, you can submit your photo and contact information to the following:
Donna Hovey
Rare Quality Models & Talent Agency
285 North Foster Street
Dothan, AL 36303
No personal drop offs.
For more information call (334) 671-2200.
Agency Models and Talent in Minneapolis, MN accepting new child talent
Founded in 1996 and owned by Kari Larson and Maria Ojile, Agency specializes in models and actors for work in commercials, commercial print. We also book actors and models for home shopping, industrials, live industrials, conventions, voice-overs, runway, music videos, television, film, and editorial print. Agency has also worked on several large scale extras castings for movies and commercials.
Agency is a child friendly model and talent agency with a great need for adorable, quirky, outgoing, talented and fun kids. They are not a school. They specialize in booking your kids/teens into PAID print and commercial work around the Twin Cities. Agency has numerous projects coming up, and their clients are asking to see some new faces.
If your child and you are interested, please submit the following:
● Recent photo of child, does not have to be a professional headshot.
● Your contact information including phone number.
● Your child's date of birth.
You may send in a hardcopy submission to:
Agency Models and Talent
700 Washington Avenue North
Suite 210
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Agency Models and Talent has a Better Business Bureau reliability rating of "A".
Managing The Stresses of Finding a Talent Agent
By guest blogger Stanley Popovich
Many people deal with the anxieties of finding a good talent agent. As a result, here is a list of ways that a person can use to help manage the anxiety of finding a talent agent.
The first step is to determine your goals in finding a talent agent. Determine what you want to accomplish. It will save you a lot of time and money in the long run if you know what you are looking for. Sit down and think about the overall goal of what you are looking for and convey this to your agent.
Educate yourself on the steps of finding a good talent agent. Most importantly, you will be able to make smarter choices that will save you time and money.
Find a reputable talent agent that can help you accomplish your goals. Ask some of the people in the industry on who they recommend and get in touch with them. Referrals from people you know are a great way in finding a talent agent.
Get your finances organized. Make sure you have an idea on what you can afford. Have a sound business plan and a realistic budget. Determine what you can afford and develop a budget where you will be able to keep up with all of your expenses.
Get a friend in the industry who is more experienced to help you. You could ask them for their assistance and ask them questions. Having someone who can assist you along the way can really help reduce the anxiety of the process.
There will be times when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the current situation. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. Once you calm down, you will better able to make the right decisions.
Finding a talent agent does not have to be a bigger deal than it has to if you take the proper steps. There is help out there if you get stuck or confused. The most important thing is to do your homework. Determine your goals, educate yourself on the steps to reach your goals, ask questions, and take it one step at a time. If you follow this advice you will be better able to reduce the stresses of finding a talent agent.
BIOGRAPHY:
Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties.
For additional information go to: www.managingfear.com
The Jana VanDyke Agency seeking new talent in Atlanta, GA metro area
Mega Management, LLC D/B/A The Jana VanDyke Agency is expanding it's roster and is accepting photos and resumes from professional actors of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. No background actors. To be considered for representation, please follow the directions below carefully.
● Email 5 different headshots of yourself to: submissionsJVA@gmail.com
● Also email a copy to: ccollinscasting@gmail.com
● Put in the Email Subject Line "Submission – Appointment Requested"
You may also send your headshots and resume by mail via postal service to:
Jana S. VanDyke
Submission – Appointment Requested
c/o The Jana VanDyke Agency
3655 James Road Suite 114
Acworth, GA 30102
Absolutely no phone calls or personal drop offs.
If selected, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.
The Jana VanDyke Agency is SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Franchised and Licensed and Bonded in the State of GA.
The Jana VanDyke Agency represents talent in the following areas.
● Adult Male Actors
● Adult Female Actors
● Teens 12-17 Actors
● Children 2-11 Actors
● Voice Over Talent
● Models
● Artists
● Diverse Talent of all Ages and Ethnicities.
Mega Management was created in 2004 with the primary goal of representing various talents in the entertainment industry as a personal management firm. Due to industry changes in GA, the company felt their talents would be better served reconstructing the firm into a Talent Agency. In order for the company to become a SAG/AFTRA franchised agency, they must also operate as a d/b/a (Doing Business As) and so The Jana VanDyke Agency was formed.
Jana VanDyke has placed talent in movies, documentaries, TV series and commercials. Her talent has been seen in ER, Haunted Mansion, Ace Ventura Pet Detective, Daddy's Little Girls, Why Did I Get Married, Desperate Housewives, Eli Stone, Law and Order, Drop Dead Divas, Army Wives, Burn Notice and many many more.
VanDyke has also developed many models that have gone on to link with agencies such as Ford Modeling, Elite Model Management, Irene Marie in Miami, FL, and Silver Management Group in New York. Many of her models have been published in nationally distributed magazines, too many to mention.
How To Avoid Talent Agency Scams
Legitimate talent agencies typically work on a percentage basis when it comes to fees, and being aware of this simple fact can often save young talent from being victimized by less than honest people posing as agents. Honest agents very rarely demand large sums of money upfront, and while some may request small amounts in exchange for photo shoots, portfolio compilation or other tasks, they’ll be able to provide you with an itemized list of their costs if asked (and for the record, you should ask). In contrast, many scams demand money right away and say that it’s for training, advisement, or other similarly vague purposes which may or may not ever materialize but which are nearly always guaranteed to advance your career and ensure your meteoric success. Buyer beware: never is it more true than in show business that there are absolutely no guarantees in life.
While a legitimate, established talent agency will never pressure you or try to manipulate you into signing up with their representation service immediately, scam artists most certainly will. We’re always most vulnerable when we haven’t had time to sit and consider something before acting, and scam artists know that. Their goal is always to make a big first impression, promise you all kinds of success, and then get you to sign up and give them money before you have a chance to critically examine the situation. If you feel pressured or if your new agent seems to be rushing you into making a decision, chances are, you’ll be better off with another agent.
One fast and easy way to tell if your agent is an above board one is to ask if he or she is bonded by your state’s surety bond program. Most states require talent agencies to be bonded (though the California surety bond program, as you can imagine, boasts the majority of talent agency bonds) and the bonds protect consumers against fraud, misrepresentation, and unethical behavior on the part of the agent. If a bonded agent acts in an unlawful manner, the wronged party can file a complaint with the state’s licensing board and expect restitution or compensation for the damages. Moreover, the talent agency’s willingness to become bonded shows a commitment to work according to state, local, and federal laws and an eagerness to show their clients that they will represent them ethically and fairly.
Making sure that your talent agency of choice has a current surety bond will protect you and give you the added reassurance of knowing that your representation has your best interests at heart. Having confidence with your talent agent also means that you have the energy to focus on your career which is the most critical component of success, particularly in the entertainment industry.
Guest post by Kevin Kaiser of SuretyBonds.com, the nationwide leader in surety bonds, committed to informing consumers about fraud and how to avoid becoming a victim.