I will be doing a mass mailing to agencies in Chicago, NY and LA with my headshot, resume and coverletter, however now I'm wondering if I should send out a demo reel as well? I've gotten mixed opinions regarding it from actors and agents. Some say yay while some say nay. Any ideas or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!
2007-06-23 17:30:12 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
I work at an agency and there's nothing they hate more then mass mailings. Most agents are friends with other agents so they compare the submissions they've gotten and if 5 agents see they've gotten the same exact packet from the same person it's like "oh so now I'm on their mailing list?"It's like junk mail to them. Pick a few agents that you really like and mail to those people. It's also a huge waste of $$$.
2007-06-24 06:34:00 · answer #1 · answered by fixing_uh_hole 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
REMEMBER: Every Talent Agency has different methods for following up and meeting with actors. Never call an agency unless requested to do so. No, never mail anything, unless specifically requested. New York Agents want to see a headshot/résumé.
By sending a demo reel, you assume the agent will have something by which he can view the reel. Why are you making that assumption? I've never known agents to view reels. Never send something unless you are requested to do so.
As a former Agent, I wanted to see (1) the actor perform in a play, with a lead role, (2) a résumé with a good headshot.
NEVER mail anything to an agent unless he or she specifically, expresses interest and asks you do do so. Otherwise, you're wasting postage!
You're getting mixed opinions because PEOPLE ARE DIFFERENT and basing comments on where they worked and how things may have been done where they were employed. You can't base something on what one person tells you. If an agent wants an actor to follow-up, the agent will tell the actor what specifically is requested, otherwise, NEVER take it upon yourself to mail spmething NOT requested, to the office of an agent. Do not write or call, unless specifically told to do so. A headshot/resume does not require a coverletter. The agent is not going to read a boring letter which includeds you rambling about plays in which you appeared. Unless you had the lead roles in the last ten productions at Regional Theaters, don't say anything, as it will not interest most agents. Remember, agents and their assistants, are individuals.
Not everyone wants the same thing. When I was starting as an agent I specifically requested that the actor only send "me" information when he/she was performing. Otherwise, I didn't care about anything else. The best thing to do, at the close of a meeting, with an agent, is to ASK, How should I follow-up, if so, what is your perferred methhod for follow-up? That way,you know exactly how to proceed.
NEVER, NEVER, take it upon yourself to assume someone has the facility to view a demo reel. If I received a reel,
I would put it in the trash, as it would have no value to me.
If you want to follow-up with an agency mail your
photo-postcard with what you're doing. Think, before you do!
2007-06-24 01:47:55 · answer #2 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that would cost money, but if you have it then do a mass mailing of demo reels lol. Wait a minute, that would be on a cd right? Then that's cheap, you could also have a miniwebsite and have a link to it inside the cd for more material!
Also check these people http://www.kqzyfj.com/1s122biroiq57DCE97B576AADC9B?sid=nthea
just stick your name down and find more similar ones, so long as they are free, the more you are a member of, the better! Good luck.
2007-06-23 18:04:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Which one of these cities do you LIVE in? Do you expect to be repped in several states? You have to live somewhere in order to work there. Save your money and submit to agencies where you live. And the agents I know don't look at unsolicited demo reels. It's an overated promotional tool. I've NEVER been asked for one.
2007-06-24 09:40:15 · answer #4 · answered by Big R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just adding my $0.02, same as everyone else. If you have the money to duplicate it and mail it then absolutely! They receive tons of headshot submissions everyday, and many of them get trashed. At least a reel gives them a reason to look. I say make them look!
Good luck!
2007-06-23 19:39:52 · answer #5 · answered by Marianne D 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you can afford it do it. If people get your reel and decide not to view it then no harm done, if they take the time to look and like it, it could mean work for you.
Good luck.
2007-06-23 17:36:55 · answer #6 · answered by spacebunny3000 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
in case you get some appearing training, your questions would be replied for you. any business enterprise you discover on SAG'S checklist thats close to you would be ok. as quickly as you have their call you could seem on their cyber web internet site and notice in the event that they're searching for brand spanking new customers. touch documents. would be published in the event that they're. or you could call and ask in the event that they're taking new customers, they don't might desire to be attentive to your call, merely ask in the event that they're accepting submissions, in the event that they're they provide help to be attentive to what to deliver and the place and who to deliver it to.
2016-09-28 09:11:39 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Easy answer - yes.
2007-06-23 17:38:58 · answer #8 · answered by Jeff the drummer 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋