if you wanna go into acting, how do you get an agent?

Question

details please.

Answer 1

Pick up trade papers like Backstage and the Ross Reports. People are divided over this but getting an agent means when you have become somewhat established, meaning you've done some acting school or background work, and did a bit of networking with fellow actors. There is no magic formula, sometimes people have lucked out after doing one part in a movie -- they were background, noticed by the casting agent or the director, and gets to say a line or two in a movie...it's happened. But it doesn't happen to everyone. I would say, don't get an agent right away, because of the establishing yourself issue. If you don't know how to market yourself and have zero or very little experience, an agent is not going to be interested in you unless you are drop dead gorgeous and can act circles around DeNiro and have the charisma just emanating in waves out of you that everyone's jaw drops in awe when you walk into any room. In other words, that certain magic that only casting agents see.

Using the two sources I've mentioned, I've managed to get myself paid background work for "real" movies that were backed by real huge movie companies like Paramount and the like so I chose not to go the agent route right away. I noticed that other actors sitting there had been sent by agents to the casting call and had to cough up a percentage of their earnings to the agent whereas I did not have to.

While agents are valuable after you get some work on your own to continue generating work for you, agents are only as good as if what you have to offer is what the casting directors are actually looking for. And that's hit and miss. You also have to be brutally honest with yourself about what your "look" and talent can be used in (t.v., theater, film, lead, character, etc.) and expect to take "constructive criticism" from your agent and director and figuring out how to come across a happy balance for your work in order to grow.

Good luck in whatever you plan to pursue -- and don't give up the day job just yet. Just keep plugging away and keep looking for opportunities on your own. In a town like New York City or Los Angeles, there are opptys you just have to go to the parties, be seen, and take on work that's lowpaying or just "offers experience" if you can afford it in order to keep your acting skills and networking skills sharp.

Answer 2

look up talent or modeling agencies in your area either in the phone book, or on the internet. you must bring a parent to meet w/ ANYONE if you are under 18. also- check w/ the Better Business Bureau to see if the co. is reputable. A legitimate co. will never ask you for $, they may ask you to get professional modeling or head shots, or a professional demo. of your singing voice (remember, a lot of famous actors started in other things),and thay may require you to attend acting classes. Also- whan you go on auditons realize that this is a business, and the people in it are not sensitive about peoples feelings or egos. Don't be offended or discouraged if you're not what some of them are looking for. Stay positive, smile a lot, and do only what they ask of you. Best of luck...

Answer 3

You must audition for an agent. Do some research to find a talent agency that you would like to work for. Schedule an audition. Be prepared to be turned down!!!

Answer 4

you need to go to an acting agent...he will get you on the go...look in your local directory(yelow pages) for agents...you will read a couple of lines to see where you stand...other than that acting classes are the best way....

Answer 5

Practice laying on your back screaming "Oh baby, you're the best!"