This question is for people who work in the entertainment industry.?

Question

I am a teen at the age of 15 that works with the acting business. I started a year ago by going to an acting school. I have an agent for acting in commercials/film with Commercials Unlimited. My modeling agent is KSA. Since I recently started I've never been in a commercial but I've been to two auditions. I wanted to know some tips that I need to completely catch the director's interest in me. I also wanted my agent to call me more for more auditions because he barely calls me. What should I do? Should I call him and remind him that I am available? I also want to know how many auditions on average would I have to go to before I book one? I have been taking this very seriously but I can't get anywhere when my agent is not even calling much. I am an asian, I don't know if there are less auditions for them but please answer. Thanks much.

Answer 1

Hi,

you've waited a long time, but you are here now posing the question as to what to do, so that's good.

One thing I brought to my acting career is something that has been invaluable and that is analytical skills. I believe that all actors must be able to objectively, frequently and consistently analyze what is happening.

I keep track of all my auditions and analyze them to see what's working and what's not, then I make adjustments.

There was a time when I wasn't getting called for many auditions off of the submissions and so I knew that something had to change.
I thought what the problem could be and why when my agent (or I) submitted me for auditions, that there were only very few takers. So what could it have been? I started narrowing it down: my experience on my resume, my training, my head shot, the agent really wasn't submitting me like she said? I started to look at all those things. I figured it out and made adjustments and I was back in business getting called more. In that particular case more than a year ago, I changed my headshots and immediately started getting more auditions. It was amazing.

So here's my suggestion.
Ask your agent to give you a breakdown of ALL the jobs she has submitted you for over the last six months. Be polite though and don't be demanding. Tell her why and that you would like to figure out why you haven't been getting many auditions.
Ask her what she thinks about why you're not getting called and ask for suggestions of what to do to remedy the situation.
Ask how many other actors like you there are in her stable.
Ask specific questions about what's on your resume and what it is that casting directors like or don't like, are attracted to or are not.
Ask her what the best way is to keep in touch with her and how often, so that you don't have to wait another year to have this discussion.
Ask her how many jobs it is likely that you could be submitted for in a week's time. (you should be able to see that from the submission list she gives you.)

In the meantime, get into a good training program if you are not already.
If you are well trained and ARE CONTINUING to train as you should be, then keep it up!

Another thing you might do to is to start doing some targeted mailings to casting directors.

The fact is my friend that your agent probably gets 10% of the take when you get a job. So just think about that. My philosphy is, I don't put all my career in the hands of another person. You have to be active yourself. You need a strategy. I realize you are young, but I will plant that seed now for you. Think about what your strategy could be to get noticed, to get yourself seen in the industry.

Lastly, there are also a whole slew of casting websites where you can submit yourself for jobs. Sites like www.actorsaccess.com or www.nycastings.com . Check them out.

To do mailings to the casting directors, have a look at the following page: http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/how_to_get_an_agent.html . Although that page has to do with how to get an agent, the process is similar when doing mailings to casting directors. Find out who casts the projects you are interested in and do what I suggest on that page. Your return rate might be even lower than what I suggest, because they are casting directors you are contacting.

Boy, there's so much information that I could give you, but I'll stop now. Last thing: Go to the following page link and download a free 28-page ebooklet that I prepared called: Whtat It Takes To Become An Actor. Just sign in and it's yours to download. That might help you a little as well.

AND take the Actor Quiz: http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/actor_quiz.html

See ya!

Tony
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com

Answer 2

2 auditions in a year??? I'd get a new agent and new pictures as soon as possible. Look at your contract and see when you're available to sign with someone else if you want to. Can your modeling agent at KSA get you a meeting there with a theatrical agent to cover you for TV and film? Maybe also a commercial agent? Anything to get started with someone else, even on a probationary period just to see how you both like it for a few months. Just make sure you do not violate your contract with the other agent. Be up front about everything, but in a nice business-like way. Make an appointment with your current agent to talk to them and see what's going on. Tell them you're concerned that you haven't gone out very much and you want to see what can be done. If you didn't sign a contract with them and/or you don't like that way the conversation goes while you're in there then perhaps it is just time to move on. Shake hands, thank them for the last year, be very nice and cordial, and part friends.

Since you are 15, take a parent with you. Discuss with them first what you plan to do but do your own talking. Make sure they're 100% behind your decision.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 3

Commercials Unlimited is a huge agency. They probably have 10 guys just like you in their stable. Believe me, they are submitting you every day. The CD's decide who they want to see. Your agent wants you to work just as much as you want to. DON'T call and bother your agent! You can try to get signed to a smaller agency. If you haven't worked a SAG job in three months you can break your contract. Since you have an agent you know how to get one. Start trying to get another one. And there is no "norm." You just go out as much as you can. It never ends. I'm glad to see someone your age with a good head on his shoulders. Just keep at it and keep studying and auditioning. Remember you will probably need a regular job for the rest of your life. This is a way of life. Luck to you.

Answer 4

Best advice I got from my acting teachers is that the audition *is* the job. You'll probably go on many auditions before you get a booking. Be patient.

It's good to keep in contact with your agent, but don't bug him. Checking in monthly would be good to keep you on his radar. If you're in any productions, or are doing any showcases at your school, drop him a note. He may (or may not) come to see you.

I suggest you read Michael Shurtleff's "Audition" for good advice.
http://www.amazon.com/Audition-Everything-Actor-Needs-Know/dp/0802772404

Answer 5

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