A talent agency in my city is having an open call. They have just instructed me to bring pictures of myself on a CD. I am pretty new to this business. I am so nervous. I really do not want to blow off my opportunity. What are talent agencies looking for? I know I have to be myself, but I also want to be able sell my personal attributes. How should I talk to them? I mean should I be perky, laid back, etc?
I really do not have money right now to get any professional HS made. So I have to resort to using a digital camera. Do any of you haveany advice on that? How can I make them professional? and what types should I take?
Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this.
2007-01-12 02:55:16 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
IF THEY BEGIN ASKING FOR MONEY, take a hike. My daughter hooked up with a modeling/talent studio. Everything was OK until the company wanted big $$ for the picture portfolio they put together for her.
Check with the Better Business Bureau on this one, also.
2007-01-12 03:13:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Be yourself, don't be too perky and don't be so laid back that you are boring. They will be able to tell if you are not being yourself, so just be yourself and don't think too hard about it. Be natural. You can take your own headshots for now or if you have a friend who is good with digital photography, they may be able to help you. If you can, get your photos printed at a professional photo lab. From what I undersand, nowadays most people are doing color headshots...so if you choose to do color, make sure your photo is bright and clear i.e. use the best camera available to you. Wear clothes with solid colors, no busy patterns or logos. You may have to take 100, but pick 3 good ones, with three different looks. I dont know if you are male or female, but makeup is important if you have many blemishes. You DONT have to look perfect, remember that, but makeup will just help a little with skin problems. You still want to look like YOU, because photoshop and editing techniques will never follow you into the audition room! So as long as you look like you and the picture has a clean finish, you should be fine. Make sure your teeth are clean, lips arent dry, sleep well the night before you take them so you look well rested and energized. I hope a friend can help you with all of this. Best of luck and I hope you get scouted!
2007-01-12 03:28:07 · answer #2 · answered by ultra _ girl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'll tell you THIS much: I don't envy you the experience.
Over the years, I've heard more NIGHTMARE stories of actors' encounters with agents than I could possibly ever share.
I'm very cynical about agents in general. I'm sure there must be some ethical agents out there, but they seem to be the exception, and not the rule.
My advice? Do NOT allow this person to have power over you. One of their favorite tactics is to try to persuade you that THEY, and they alone, know what it is that you need to DO in order to be successful. They'll criticize your appearance, your photographs, the credits on your resume, etc., all in an attempt to make you subservient to THEIR ideas.
Don't stand for it. You know who you are, and what you're capable of. Never forget that an agent only earns money if YOU'RE a successful, working actor. In a very real sense, YOU'RE auditioning THEM.
Come to the meeting armed with your own questions; for example: Who else do you represent, and how successful have they been? What sorts of things do you expect to submit me for (theatre, commercial, TV/film, etc.)?
Good luck.
2007-01-12 10:08:39 · answer #3 · answered by shkspr 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're young, digital pics may be acceptable, as kids grow fast.
My girlfriend, a professional photographer in LA, suggests that you try to look natural and not too made-up in your headshots. She always shoots in outdoor settings with natural light.
When you speak to an agent, just be yourself. Seriously. They're just people, and they need to know who you really are. Keep in mind that a rejection by an agency isn't a rejection of you --- they may have a number of people who simply fit your type already.
2007-01-14 04:20:49 · answer #4 · answered by Nice Guy Hyphenate 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the below listed website. If the Talent Agency is NOT listed on the site, they are NOT a legitimate Talent Agency, no matter what they tell you.
http://www.agentassociation.com/
2007-01-19 16:52:37 · answer #5 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be yourself and remember, do not pay anything for getting a role to model/act.
2007-01-16 14:43:46 · answer #6 · answered by moksha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋