Hi Louisa, doing workshops is a great way to meet agents face to face, so that you don't get lost in a sea of submissions. You can find workshops everywhere in LA, you should just research the agencies that you are signing up for, are they strong commercially or theatrically ? Search their client list on Imdb.com to see how many of your "type" they currently have, if it looks like they have space for someone like you, then meet them. Good luck!
There are multiple studios that charge a fee for "Agent Show Cases" and the Agents get paid to attend them. You are better off to submit and have a an agent call you in because they truly are interested in you because you submitted an amazing headshot and a really awesome cover letter and they have a hole in their client schedule that you can potentially fill. That option doesn't cost you anything but some time and you know when they call you they are actually interested.
There is a book, well more of a workbook style, called "THE RIGHT AGENT".( Bright yellow covers) It has choice listings of agents/agencies with a description of what they deal with, are looking for and contact info.. You can get it at S. French also. A new one comes out quarterly, I think(not sure on time interval). But if you go through it, then check on the the web, some will accept e mail submissions which takes the cost out of mailing to someone that will never respond..........Hope this helps........
Are you asking this question because you are wanting to get work as an actor or are you asking because you are getting work and want to get better deals on the work you are already getting?
Wanting to get more work as an actor. On average I get maybe one audition a month and obviously that's more than some get, but I would love to get the opportunity to be seen for bigger projects and just more in general.
May I suggest that you not spend too much time on finding an agent? When considering a new client, an agent will consider the amount of money you made as an actor last year and if 10% of that sum is worthwhile, he or she will represent you but that doesn't mean they are getting you work. On the other hand, if you view your career from marketing perspective, you might want to promote yourself directly to those who could actually hire you as an actor and find an agent only after you are acting too often to spend time promoting yourself. There is one question I ask an actor and the answer tells me whether or not they are working regularly: How many film directors are aware of and impressed by your work as an actor?
Stephen is right, agents see you as a 10% you actually have to hustle to get yourself the work until you get to a certain level and then the work comes looking for you (and you should always be on the hustle) and then the agents will be lining up.
When I asked the actors that I managed to compile lists of the directors with whom they would want to work and we began to promote to their list of directors rather than agents, they began to get work. Everyone will have an opinion about how to get a career but I have always been partial to whatever generates the desirable statistic--in this case, the number of acting jobs generated by a promotion.
I absolutely agree. I often hear actors talk about the fact that their agent is not getting them out and they feel powerless. This is SO untrue, there are so many opportunities out there to promote, submit to, and procure your own work. We have so much information available to us, and with social media we can connect with people that we couldn't before. I've been lucky enough to be working a lot this year on wonderful projects with such talented people...NONE of those jobs came through my agent. Sad but true. Yes, many of the jobs I've taken have been low or non-paying, but in 6 months I will have an incredible reel with a great variety of material, incredible working relationships with up and coming filmmakers, and an amazing artistic experience, which will give me leverage on getting a new agent. Actors and filmmakers do not have to sit around waiting, they can take action, they can crowd fund their own projects, they can rent out theaters and call CD's and agents and throw their own showcases/screenings, they can be proactive and CREATE their future. Louisa, check out CAZT.com , Hollywood Casting & Film, Actors access, & submit yourself, do some great work, get your tape, and then meet the agents you want with a long list if what you've been up to and how you've been kicking ass:)
The cheapest and most effective campaign I ever did for actors was creating a one page PR interview about the actor and sent it out with an 8X10 (but no resume) to well-known film directors. The stats on that were incredible and it cost almost nothing.
Wanted to put this on your radar: Acquire Reps that Rock Your Career! Get 65% OFF the LIVE Seminar "Acquire Reps that Rock: How to Get a Great Agent" w/Talent Manager, Mitch Clem in Burbank. http://industrydeal.com/deal/mitch-clem-management ● Need an EFFECTIVE AGENT? ● Missing Out on REAL AUDITIONS for TV/Film Projects? ● Are You FED UP and FRUSTRATED? ● Are You Ready to be a WORKING ACTOR? ► In this informative seminar, you'll learn: ✔ How to get interviews with great Agents ✔ How to choose the right Agent ✔ How to make yourself valuable to an Agent ✔ How to get Auditions during Pilot Season ✔ Agents vs. Managers ✔ How to get your SAG-AFTRA card ✔ How much you should spend on Headshots ✔ How to get Auditions on your own ✔ How to get in to see Casting Directors ★★★ Bring your Headshot, Resume and Reels! ★★★ I suggest visiting the link to see who his clients are...
When I was living with a girlfriend who was an agent at William Morris--which is as real-world Hollywood industry as you get--she would bring home her recordings of the Monday morning agency meetings. From listening to these tapes that documented the inner workings of a major Hollywood talent agency (and not one of those marginal ones scattered across the landscape), I learned two important lessons about agents and actors: The first job of a Hollywood agent is to steal successful clients away from other agencies; The second job of a Hollywood agent is to hold on to the successful clients that he or she has already signed. If one of the agents were to walk into the Monday morning meeting at William Morris saying, "I've signed this actor who recently arrived from Oklahoma and has done a couple of student films and is auditioning for a play but isn't earning money yet as an actor", that agent would be relieved of duty and sent back to the mail room for further training and the function of an agent. It is better to know how things really work than hope that it is otherwise.
Love it Stephen. That's why actors need to create projects, learn how to market, build a fan base, track their performing business and get out there so that the Industry comes to them. Sadly many don't understand this and think they are going to "get discovered". Rather the actor needs to discover themselves...create...hone...market....build relationships and after time things can happen.
Submit for agencies via mail, regular mail. Some will take electronic submissions. Showcases are probably the best way to get in front of them. The agencies that see actors at showcases SHOULD be completely honest. I had one agent tell the group I was in one time in Studio City in 2009 that if you don't have a regular role in a drama or comedic weekly, you really don't have any business being in LA. Of course, just what do you want to do might be different than what Hollywood will let you do. Stay focused, stay alert on your feet and stay off yer back. Unless, of course you are shooting porn in The Valley...have fun!
I own www.AMPSubs.com (Agents, Managers & Producers Submission service) We help actors get meetings with reps. Of course I highly recommend the service, AND you must do everything YOU can to find rep as well. The advice mentioned above is solid... Referrals are an excellent way to get in the door. Meeting someone (networking, at a class, etc) is also great, as is using a service like AMP Subs. You still need to be responsible to do YOUR part. Make sure you - have pictures that are professional and represent you; are well-trained; can network well; can have a professional meeting and don't come across green; know yourself and what you can offer them; etc. Please check out the website, then feel free to call me at the office and I'll be happy to chat with you about how we can help you. 213.359.9799
After years of promoting to agents and casting directors, has anyone here compiled a list of directors (these are the people who actually hire actors) with whom you would like to work? If you aren't keeping statistic on your promotions, you should as it can be very informative. For example, stats should be kept on how many paid gigs came from an agent, how many from a casting director and how many from a film director--assuming, of course, that you are promoting to film directors...
OK, I just checked out AMPsubs and I'm intrigued. $125 for 65 submissions to agents ($225 for 3 x 65), and that includes postage. Hmm, sounds good, but do agents really open a stack of headshots from AMP and then call any of those people in? Has anyone used this service with success or failure?
Louisa, there are many companies that can help you find an agent. Here are a few of my thoughts. First, you have to have an incredible head shot. You will actually do more harm by sending out information to agents if the head shot does not represent you well, and all the agents to see how they can submit you for projects. Then, I would make sure your resume reads well. Once those are in place, next is to find the right agent for you. I don't think it is a smart economic decision to just send out blasts. There are many agents who might not represent your type. You can find a few agents from L.Al on my site, www.HowToModel.com, or purchase The Call Sheet. It lists every major agent, casting director and manager in L.A. Ready about the agency, and visit their site. Learn how they want new talent to contact them. Then begin to send things out. I would also be networking like crazy. Talk with those in your acting class. See if there is a Woman in Film and Video event happening near you and attend. Do anything you can to put yourself in contact with others in the industry, and ask them for suggestions of agencies whom you should contact. In some ways finding an agent is like being a good detective. Solve your case. If you have any other specific questions, always feel free to write to me at aaron@howtomodel.com, or on my facebook page www.facebook.com/howtomodel. I also send out great free acting and modeling information weekly. You can sign up for this free service at www.HowToModel.com. Best wishes on your journey. Aaron
Ahhh the hunt for a good agent. Been there and done that. Have not yet taken the plunge to LA but i have quite a few friends there and finding the "right agent" is tough. Just make sure you do your research. I'm sure you are no rookie to this game, just make sure that the agent, is in fact, a real one who only gets paid when you do. I'll ask a few friends who they have and what they suggest. Best of luck!
As with everything, some agents will open AMP packages, some won't. Over the past couple of years we've developed relationships with several agents who love us - and I'm sure there are some out there who see it as just another envelope. That said, those types of agents would think the same of your envelope. For reviews of AMP Subs, check out our yelp page http://www.yelp.com/biz/amp-subs-los-angeles
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Hi Louisa, doing workshops is a great way to meet agents face to face, so that you don't get lost in a sea of submissions. You can find workshops everywhere in LA, you should just research the agencies that you are signing up for, are they strong commercially or theatrically ? Search their client list on Imdb.com to see how many of your "type" they currently have, if it looks like they have space for someone like you, then meet them. Good luck!
Great advice.
2 people like this
Check on the internet actors agencies such as CAA, etc.etc.
Thanks guys! Great advice!
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Also if you have IMDB pro the Agents have their contact information listed.
2 people like this
There are multiple studios that charge a fee for "Agent Show Cases" and the Agents get paid to attend them. You are better off to submit and have a an agent call you in because they truly are interested in you because you submitted an amazing headshot and a really awesome cover letter and they have a hole in their client schedule that you can potentially fill. That option doesn't cost you anything but some time and you know when they call you they are actually interested.
1 person likes this
I think the others gave you good advice! Best of luck!
1 person likes this
There is a book, well more of a workbook style, called "THE RIGHT AGENT".( Bright yellow covers) It has choice listings of agents/agencies with a description of what they deal with, are looking for and contact info.. You can get it at S. French also. A new one comes out quarterly, I think(not sure on time interval). But if you go through it, then check on the the web, some will accept e mail submissions which takes the cost out of mailing to someone that will never respond..........Hope this helps........
2 people like this
Are you asking this question because you are wanting to get work as an actor or are you asking because you are getting work and want to get better deals on the work you are already getting?
Wanting to get more work as an actor. On average I get maybe one audition a month and obviously that's more than some get, but I would love to get the opportunity to be seen for bigger projects and just more in general.
2 people like this
May I suggest that you not spend too much time on finding an agent? When considering a new client, an agent will consider the amount of money you made as an actor last year and if 10% of that sum is worthwhile, he or she will represent you but that doesn't mean they are getting you work. On the other hand, if you view your career from marketing perspective, you might want to promote yourself directly to those who could actually hire you as an actor and find an agent only after you are acting too often to spend time promoting yourself. There is one question I ask an actor and the answer tells me whether or not they are working regularly: How many film directors are aware of and impressed by your work as an actor?
2 people like this
Stephen is right, agents see you as a 10% you actually have to hustle to get yourself the work until you get to a certain level and then the work comes looking for you (and you should always be on the hustle) and then the agents will be lining up.
1 person likes this
When I asked the actors that I managed to compile lists of the directors with whom they would want to work and we began to promote to their list of directors rather than agents, they began to get work. Everyone will have an opinion about how to get a career but I have always been partial to whatever generates the desirable statistic--in this case, the number of acting jobs generated by a promotion.
2 people like this
I absolutely agree. I often hear actors talk about the fact that their agent is not getting them out and they feel powerless. This is SO untrue, there are so many opportunities out there to promote, submit to, and procure your own work. We have so much information available to us, and with social media we can connect with people that we couldn't before. I've been lucky enough to be working a lot this year on wonderful projects with such talented people...NONE of those jobs came through my agent. Sad but true. Yes, many of the jobs I've taken have been low or non-paying, but in 6 months I will have an incredible reel with a great variety of material, incredible working relationships with up and coming filmmakers, and an amazing artistic experience, which will give me leverage on getting a new agent. Actors and filmmakers do not have to sit around waiting, they can take action, they can crowd fund their own projects, they can rent out theaters and call CD's and agents and throw their own showcases/screenings, they can be proactive and CREATE their future. Louisa, check out CAZT.com , Hollywood Casting & Film, Actors access, & submit yourself, do some great work, get your tape, and then meet the agents you want with a long list if what you've been up to and how you've been kicking ass:)
1 person likes this
Oh, and of course check out the job postings here on Stage 32:)
1 person likes this
The cheapest and most effective campaign I ever did for actors was creating a one page PR interview about the actor and sent it out with an 8X10 (but no resume) to well-known film directors. The stats on that were incredible and it cost almost nothing.
1 person likes this
Thank you guys so much for all the advice!!!! It's all been fantastically helpful!
Wanted to put this on your radar: Acquire Reps that Rock Your Career! Get 65% OFF the LIVE Seminar "Acquire Reps that Rock: How to Get a Great Agent" w/Talent Manager, Mitch Clem in Burbank. http://industrydeal.com/deal/mitch-clem-management ● Need an EFFECTIVE AGENT? ● Missing Out on REAL AUDITIONS for TV/Film Projects? ● Are You FED UP and FRUSTRATED? ● Are You Ready to be a WORKING ACTOR? ► In this informative seminar, you'll learn: ✔ How to get interviews with great Agents ✔ How to choose the right Agent ✔ How to make yourself valuable to an Agent ✔ How to get Auditions during Pilot Season ✔ Agents vs. Managers ✔ How to get your SAG-AFTRA card ✔ How much you should spend on Headshots ✔ How to get Auditions on your own ✔ How to get in to see Casting Directors ★★★ Bring your Headshot, Resume and Reels! ★★★ I suggest visiting the link to see who his clients are...
2 people like this
When I was living with a girlfriend who was an agent at William Morris--which is as real-world Hollywood industry as you get--she would bring home her recordings of the Monday morning agency meetings. From listening to these tapes that documented the inner workings of a major Hollywood talent agency (and not one of those marginal ones scattered across the landscape), I learned two important lessons about agents and actors: The first job of a Hollywood agent is to steal successful clients away from other agencies; The second job of a Hollywood agent is to hold on to the successful clients that he or she has already signed. If one of the agents were to walk into the Monday morning meeting at William Morris saying, "I've signed this actor who recently arrived from Oklahoma and has done a couple of student films and is auditioning for a play but isn't earning money yet as an actor", that agent would be relieved of duty and sent back to the mail room for further training and the function of an agent. It is better to know how things really work than hope that it is otherwise.
5 people like this
Love it Stephen. That's why actors need to create projects, learn how to market, build a fan base, track their performing business and get out there so that the Industry comes to them. Sadly many don't understand this and think they are going to "get discovered". Rather the actor needs to discover themselves...create...hone...market....build relationships and after time things can happen.
I agree completely...
Submit for agencies via mail, regular mail. Some will take electronic submissions. Showcases are probably the best way to get in front of them. The agencies that see actors at showcases SHOULD be completely honest. I had one agent tell the group I was in one time in Studio City in 2009 that if you don't have a regular role in a drama or comedic weekly, you really don't have any business being in LA. Of course, just what do you want to do might be different than what Hollywood will let you do. Stay focused, stay alert on your feet and stay off yer back. Unless, of course you are shooting porn in The Valley...have fun!
1 person likes this
I own www.AMPSubs.com (Agents, Managers & Producers Submission service) We help actors get meetings with reps. Of course I highly recommend the service, AND you must do everything YOU can to find rep as well. The advice mentioned above is solid... Referrals are an excellent way to get in the door. Meeting someone (networking, at a class, etc) is also great, as is using a service like AMP Subs. You still need to be responsible to do YOUR part. Make sure you - have pictures that are professional and represent you; are well-trained; can network well; can have a professional meeting and don't come across green; know yourself and what you can offer them; etc. Please check out the website, then feel free to call me at the office and I'll be happy to chat with you about how we can help you. 213.359.9799
After years of promoting to agents and casting directors, has anyone here compiled a list of directors (these are the people who actually hire actors) with whom you would like to work? If you aren't keeping statistic on your promotions, you should as it can be very informative. For example, stats should be kept on how many paid gigs came from an agent, how many from a casting director and how many from a film director--assuming, of course, that you are promoting to film directors...
OK, I just checked out AMPsubs and I'm intrigued. $125 for 65 submissions to agents ($225 for 3 x 65), and that includes postage. Hmm, sounds good, but do agents really open a stack of headshots from AMP and then call any of those people in? Has anyone used this service with success or failure?
1 person likes this
@Stephen. Always! That's what PerformerTrack's Breakdown section is for :>) http://www.performertrack.com/tour-12.html
Louisa, there are many companies that can help you find an agent. Here are a few of my thoughts. First, you have to have an incredible head shot. You will actually do more harm by sending out information to agents if the head shot does not represent you well, and all the agents to see how they can submit you for projects. Then, I would make sure your resume reads well. Once those are in place, next is to find the right agent for you. I don't think it is a smart economic decision to just send out blasts. There are many agents who might not represent your type. You can find a few agents from L.Al on my site, www.HowToModel.com, or purchase The Call Sheet. It lists every major agent, casting director and manager in L.A. Ready about the agency, and visit their site. Learn how they want new talent to contact them. Then begin to send things out. I would also be networking like crazy. Talk with those in your acting class. See if there is a Woman in Film and Video event happening near you and attend. Do anything you can to put yourself in contact with others in the industry, and ask them for suggestions of agencies whom you should contact. In some ways finding an agent is like being a good detective. Solve your case. If you have any other specific questions, always feel free to write to me at aaron@howtomodel.com, or on my facebook page www.facebook.com/howtomodel. I also send out great free acting and modeling information weekly. You can sign up for this free service at www.HowToModel.com. Best wishes on your journey. Aaron
Ahhh the hunt for a good agent. Been there and done that. Have not yet taken the plunge to LA but i have quite a few friends there and finding the "right agent" is tough. Just make sure you do your research. I'm sure you are no rookie to this game, just make sure that the agent, is in fact, a real one who only gets paid when you do. I'll ask a few friends who they have and what they suggest. Best of luck!
1 person likes this
Stephen and Kristina: Thank you so much for that. It's very helpful to hear that kind of honesty.
As with everything, some agents will open AMP packages, some won't. Over the past couple of years we've developed relationships with several agents who love us - and I'm sure there are some out there who see it as just another envelope. That said, those types of agents would think the same of your envelope. For reviews of AMP Subs, check out our yelp page http://www.yelp.com/biz/amp-subs-los-angeles