How can I get into commercials and acting?

Question

Please let me know.

Many people say to get an agent....so how do I and what should I have ready for an agent? What do you say to an agent at first?

Answer 1

As an actress myself, here's how you do it! Not sure where you live, but Los Angeles is where it starts. NY is okay, too...but that's mainly for theater. First, you NEED experience, which you say you have...so you need to write up an Acting resume, which is different from a regular work resume. You attach that resume to the BACK of your black and white 8x10 headshot, which needs to look natural, with minimal make-up, above the shoulders. It can't be model-y, because they need to see what you really look like. You send these out to SAG affiliated agents, who are legitimate. SAG stands for SCREEN ACTORS GUILD which is the actor's union and you must belong to the union before you can work as an actress. If an agent likes your headshot and the experience you have, they will ask for your demo reel. Which is a tape or dvd of all your performances. If you do not have one, try to make one or keep this in mind during your next performance. They will also ask you to come an audition for them. You will need an impressive monologue under 3-4 minutes. Even if you're the best actor right now, you NEED to get into acting classes so that agents can see that you are serious about your craft and will feel more assured that you are skilled enough and have been trained and pampered enough by a professional coach to get you ready to audition for producers and casting directors for film, tv, and commercials. TAKE EVERY JOB YOU CAN! Unless you get an agent right away, you will be doing a lot of no or low pay jobs. But, this will only be beneficial to you so you can build up your professional resume and you will have credit to your name and they will give you copies of your work in a tape or dvd. Try local commercials, student/indie films, any community theater. Craigs List, Backstage.com, SAG.com, Read acting books on how else to get an agent. NEVER pay anything. Agents ONLY get paid when YOU get paid. They get a 10% cut of what you make. DO NOT get a manager. Managers can NOT get you jobs or auditions. You only need a manager once you become famous or working regularly as a performer. Agents will reccomend which managers to use. They also take a cut, usually 15%. Wait as long as you can to get one, though. They don't do much for you, unless you are a celebrity. Your grade point average won't help you in this, though. Agents and producers don't care. Perfect your talent, keep learning as much about acting and your talent as you can. Videotape yourself doing scenes and see what you can improve on. Good Luck!

Answer 2

You won't get a real agent unless you're already making money.

You need to be in LA or Toronoto or New York City for the most oppournities.

Start with the Extra sevices like Central Casting in Burbank and then you have to beat the streets and see what's happening. You need lots of head shots, ZED cards and you have to keep an up to date bio.

You need good transportation, a fat bank account and a disposable day job (waitress).

It's not impossible to make $20K a year doing extra work after the first six months if they like yo and you regeister with as many Extra places as possible.

Becoming SAG/AFTRA eligable is a strong benefit.

That, plus 20K in extra income could attract a good agent.

Once you go SAG however, you can't do NON UNION extra work so your income can drop from 20K to almost nothing because of the Union.

Also it costs $1,500 in one single payment, Certified Check to get into SAG.

Answer 3

when you get an agent, have a resume, profolio, and just in case a monlogue ready. Also a head shot. Know what you want to do, be open, organized and optimistic (Huh. I should call that the Three "O's"). Be yourself. Don't act confused if you are confused, and put your phone on silent.
That is all I can really tell you.

Answer 4

i am an actress. i even have an agent and everything even though im only thirteen. i just auditiond for a show and i was cast as an extra. then i auditiond for a commercial and got a good part. later i started getting in movies. you just need to try out small and work your way up. try to get in acting workshops and plays. look on the internet for agents. (they dont come cheap!)
good luck!

Answer 5

You are going to have to start at ground -3. First start acting, singing and dancing classes in the area. You will will want to not right away jump in. you want to stun them when they first meet you them ask you teacher when she/he thinks you are ready. Start with community theater and open casting calls. Because you want to have something on your resume. you will also need to get a head shot. then post your self on the Internet under casting websites like actors access. How old are you? It gets harder in your teen/preteen years because there are so many and not many parts(i know because my sis is in her teen years and it is getting really getting hard for her even thought she has been acting sense she was 6 years old). make sure you research your coaches before you pick them! Good luck!!!!!!!!!!! email me if you need some support.

Answer 6

I think you have to get an agent first. Get the trade papers for actors. They sell them at Border's and start from there.

Answer 7

Hi there

Get yourself an angent. They will arrange pictures to be taken for your composite card. Your "comp" card will have the four best pictures taken on it in addition to your specs such as height, shoe and dress size and hair and eye colour. I arranged to have an agent some years ago and I got my forst paid job within 3 weeks to be on "Scobby Doo" It was very exciting having my costume designed especially for me. Good luck and do some acting classed to help you in your search to be a star!

Answer 8

What is the procedure in the city where you live. It's not the same in every city in the USA. Each city has their own procedures for accepting new clients, meeting new actors and auditioning prospective clients.

Talk with your actor friends and ask them the procedures for where you live.

Answer 9

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How can I get into commercials and acting?
Please let me know.

Answer 10

dont say nothing to the agent just get on your knees and get to work. if you bring a smile to his face he will get you some porn deals. otherwise its back to working the streets for you