Acting : Ask Me Anything (AMA) 6/13 to 6/14- What to know about Talent Management and the Talent/Rep Relationship. by Spencer Robinson

Thanks for having this AMA, Spencer Robinson. What's the #1 tip you'd give an actor who's looking for a talent manager?

I'd say to get your materials in amazing shape before you start asking people for those referrals to managers.

Hi Spencer Robinson! Thank you so much for sharing your time with us today! What advice would you give to actors that are just starting out and looking to connect with representation, but want to go about it in a respectful and professional manner? Should they be working towards referrals from their coaches and friends? Do cold calls and submissions still have a place in the industry? Should they be looking into showcases to be noticed by the right people, if so, which ones would you suggest?

Great tip, Spencer Robinson. Thanks.

Hi Spencer, I attended you webinar 'How to write descriptions to maximum effect'. Just wanted to say thanks. Found it very useful.

If applicable, how has the relationship between talent/ rep changed after Covid?

Hi Spencer, thanks for doing this! How do you like your talent to communicate with you and keep you updated on the work they are doing for their career on their end?

Ashley Renee Smith I think showcases are great, and also referrals. I would always advise against cold calls and unsolicited submissions.

Sydney - It hasn't changed a ton, although with Zoom, we definitely get to "see" our clients a lot more. We used to have them come into the office maybe once a year, but now we can Zoom often.

Hi Spencer Robinson Thanks so much for doing this AMA. What are some of the things that newly signed actors can do to make your job easier? Thanks.

Hi Spencer! Pleasure to meet you and extremely excited to have your expertise here in the acting lounge!

My question comes in regards to having representation for both acting and writing. With more and more artists taking on multi-hyphenates, and more and more actors transcending into writing, what would a good path be for an actor who has made that transition go about getting literary representation? Would you advise an actor to find the same manager to rep them for both, or would you recommend they found separate managers for each field?

@DavidFoyBauer I think it's always best if you have the same manager for both, BUT not all managers do both. You might have to find different reps for each if you cannot find the right company to handle both.

Hi Spencer, thanks for taking the time to do this AMA. My question may seem quite broad, but what would you say is the best way to get your foot in the door of working on film/television sets and gaining on set experience?

Hi Spencer, what did you think about (the acting in) the film "Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon (2021)?"

Leonardo Ramirez - I think you should always be networking, always be watching tv and movies, reading deadline, etc. THEN, once you get auditions, be 100% the best at those you can be. That means being off-book every time, getting the tapes done on time, doing your research on the project so you nail the tone, etc.

Ryan L Jones - If you just want to get on set, there are lots of ways. Work as an extra, work as a PA, etc. Help other filmmakers with their shoots so you understand all the different on set jobs.

Thanks so much Spencer Robinson . And thanks again for taking the time for this AMA.

Hi Spencer Robinson! Thanks for doing this! When you said earlier in this thread that actors should have their materials ready before reaching out to referrals -- what all materials should an actor have ready to go?

Emily J - Headshot and reel. If you haven't booked a lot to make a good reel, I think it's important to find ways to beef it up. Short films, sketches, etc.

Hey Spencer! Thanks for joining us! What advice do you have for actors who have taken a break from the industry for a few years and are now jumping back in? Do you have to explain the gap in work, or just jump in and tackle the industry again?

Gigi - just jump back in. There really is nobody to "explain" the gap to.

Any advice for aspiring screenwriters to find good representation?

Jason: the best way to find representation is through referrals. I also think pitchfests are a nice way to get read, but referrals are always best.

Thesy- When you’re asking your network for referrals, ask specifically for companies that handle both. It might take you a little longer to find the right person, but when you do, it’ll be worth it

Hi Spencer, thank you for the helpful advice. Are you currently accepting new talent submissions?

Hey, Spencer! I have a Talent Manager friend who has lots of acting clients that are now writing as well. Any advice for Talent Managers who are looking to also become Lit Managers? Any pitfalls they should look out for when managing a client who is both talent and writer?

Any tips for things to have in your portfolio when seeking representation?

Spencer,Are you looking for anyone from an underrepresented (Disabled) class of ScREEN WRITERS?