Im 16 and I live in Miami. Please, don't think that I'm just anyone who thinks "yay I wanna be an actor I wanna be famous". I have my reasons to want to begin here, and I really would need to start now auditioning for something because if I dont see any progress now it wont even be a possibility in the future for reasons I cant say. Well, do you think I really need an agent? cant I just look for auditions somewhere to be things like an extra or someone in the background? I'd appreciate help on any tips, people tell me seriously I would make a tremendous actor, and even though the only experience I have is some school plays, I think I can do it.
thanks
2007-07-06 16:16:45 · 7 answers · asked by asds 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
OK, here's the deal. You can start without an agent doing student films, indies, etc. but the thing is you cannot have a serious career without an agent. You also risk getting taken advantage of since an agent is your advocate and negotiates contracts on your behalf. I doubt you or your parents know how to do that especially in the entertainment business. There are royalties, per diems, accomodations, work days & hours, what you will and won't do, and many many other things to take into consideration and your agent will know exactly what to do. Without an agent you may think that whatever you're offered is a great deal only to find out later that you were wrong and there could be slippery stipulations in your contracts that you didn't notice... know what I mean? You may think you didn't agree to something, but there it is in the contract!
You can use the links below to get started, but to ever be taken seriously and have a career, get an agent and eventually move to LA or NY. Starting out... get into real acting classes, on camera workshops, etc. Build your resume with whatever you can (theatre, film student projects, indies, etc.). Just keep working.
If you want to find a legitimate agent to represent you for commercials, TV & film go to Sag.org. Use the dropdown menu on the right labeled 'resources' and choose 'agent information'. On the next screen, on the left choose 'Find a SAG franchised agent' and follow the directions. You can look up agents all over the US, but there are higher concentrations where the work is (Los Angeles, NY, IL, FL, GA etc.)
Then you can send them your headshot, resume, and a cover letter stating that you are seeking representation and wait to see if they call you in for an interview.
Once you have an agent, they will get you the auditions, but until then you can check out actorsaccess.com. You can also see if your state has a film alliance. Sometimes they post audition information for projects filming locally. For theatre, you can go to backstage.com or http://www.actorsequity.org/castingcall/... If you find the audition on the Equity site, you still may be able to go, as long as their not taking appointments from equity actor's only :-) On backstage.com you have to pay to get all of the info, but the initial search is free and you may be able to see enough info to find out the rest on your own without paying.
One other note... personally I think it's best to do your mailing to agents once you have a resume of at least a few roles and you are currently in something that you can invite the agents to come see or you have a reel of your work to send. So get going on building that resume including your training section! If you take classes of note, by all means put who you trained with on your resume too!
Good luck!
2007-07-06 17:17:24 · answer #1 · answered by Marianne D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally,for some extra work(like crowd scenes)you don't need an agent.Look in the trade papers,ther's always some thing going on omewhere,especially f you live in or near a large city.Finding a reputable agent means having to audition though and remember,they get you the work,not the other way around and then and only then,do they get paid!
2007-07-06 16:35:29 · answer #2 · answered by TL 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want instant results throw some popcorn in the microwave. If you want an acting career you'll need years and years to build one. You said if you don't get results now you won't be able to do it in the future. So just forget it. It doesn't happen fast for anyone. I've seen people who put school plays and extra work on their resumes literally get laughed at. If you want to do this it takes a serious commitment. If you can't give the craft and profession of acting and the people who devoted their lives to it the respect they deserve you have no business trying to be in show business.
2007-07-06 23:17:54 · answer #3 · answered by Big R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your story sounds so familiar. I was once you, and was once as hopeful about the possibilities of making it in showbiz. The thing is, it's all about who you know in the business. You basically need an agent to get work and you need to have owrked to get an agent, so it's complicated. The best thing for you to do would be to mingle as much as you can with others in the business and get to know as many people as you can. It's really the only way to make it.
2007-07-06 16:25:39 · answer #4 · answered by Amanda K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to be an actor, actors need a Talent Agent. If you don't want to be an actor, you don't need a Talent Agent.
Without an agent, you can't audition.
You can do whatever works for you, it's your career.
2007-07-06 16:49:12 · answer #5 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start with a portfolio. It will help you. Go to GOOGLE.COM and type in acting it will show you some sites. The one i just found for you is called www.myactingagent.com. I hope this helps.
2007-07-06 17:03:57 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For Acting, I would recommend
http://www.hollywoodnorth.com
2007-07-07 04:51:19 · answer #7 · answered by Lance F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋