acting agencies& acting agents ?

Question

hey guys . i wanna become a actor.. but where do i get an agent? and how much does he/she take from my paycheck? and what are some awesome acting schools in Los Angeles ? becuz i dont want any scams . well thanks !

Answer 1

Talent agents for actors come in two main types theatrical (Television and Film) and commercial ( for commercials). There are also dance, print, and voice-over agents who specialize in these fields, and signing with one of these agents can be a great way for actors with these other skills to cross over into one of the other areas. Being with the same agency for everything is called being "signed across the board," but many actors prefer to have separate agents for different types of work, become some agencies might be strong commercially, but not as strong theatrically, or vice versa. Agents get information about auditions for roles, either directly from casting directors and producers calling them asking for client submissions, or from a fax/email service called "the breakdowns," a daily list of roles being cast, sent only to agents and managers, although there is a black market for this information within the acting community and many actors without representation self-submit for available roles, which some casting people don't mind, others hate, and the owner of Breakdown Services abhors. Remember actors--your agents work for you, but they only get 10% of what you make, so that means you need to do 90% of the work--especially when you are getting started. That means always be professional, know your craft, don't shy away from networking and letting CD, producers and directors know about your accomplishments & upcoming appearances by sending out postcards, know your type and how you fit into the current market, and above all, make sure you and your agent are on the same page about what kinds of parts you will be submitted for. And NEVER pay an agent or manager up front to represent you. They only make money when they make you money.

The Plan of Attack

Most agents refuse any off-the-street drop-ins. In other words, they'll see new talent by appointment only. Don't bother phoning in for one (just yet), because without a face, you're just another voice: and unless that voice is absolutely incredible (and the agent handles a lot of voice-over work), it simply won't get you in.

Instead, mail off your photo and resume, along with a very special cover letter. What makes that letter so special? Simple... prove that you understand how valuable their time is:

So many people try cramming in their whole "hopes and dreams autobiography" into the cover letter, it resembles a chapter from a novel. The agent hasn't the time, nor the interest, to be a publisher. Any submission that takes more than 15 seconds to scan through and read will likely be filed in the trash.

Here's a sample of how to keep it short:

______________________________________

WANNABE TALENT
1234 Hopeful Avenue
Dreamland, BC

Attn: Ms. A. Gent


Please accept my photos and resume for possible consideration of future representation. I will contact your offices next week to verify your receipt of this package.

Thank you very much for your time,


Johnny Smartguy

_____________________________________

That's it... nothing else... just plain and simple. The agent even has 10 seconds left to take a quick glance at your photo(s) and stats now.

The big trick comes the following week (give it a full week before calling in, and try to make the call on a Tuesday or Wednesday when they may be less frantic in the office). Just call up and say:

"Hi, my name's [Johnny Smartguy] and I'm just calling to confirm you received my photo and resume."

Chances are you'll get a response of "the agents will be looking at it", or "there are no openings right now, try back in a few months", or even the infamous "the agents will call you back if they're interested." Whatever the response, simply answer:

"No problem, I don't want to take up your time. I just promised I would make sure the package got there okay. I don't want to keep you. Thank you very much for your time [pause]"...

They'll either be impressed (and relieved) at the short conversation, or they'll be caught so off-guard that they'll try to explain further. If they haven't said goodbye, then just repeat a variation of your previous words [always offering them the opportunity to end the conversation and reinforcing that you know their time is valuable]. They're so used to the "can I come in" pleading that you've really thrown them for a loop by not asking them for something.

Call the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been made against the agency.

Tips & Warnings

* Agents making their living by earning a percentage of each job they book for a model. Do not pay any up-front fees to an agent.

* If you're not happy with the number of auditions or bookings you are getting, set up an appointment with your agent and discuss what you can do to generate more jobs.

* If the agent lies to you, makes outrageous promises or asks for up-front money (to cover phone calls or mailing expenses on your behalf), keep looking. Legitimate agents do not ask for expense money.

Go to the website link below. It is the Screen Actors Guild Agent list for both SAG franchised and non-franchised agencies in all states:

http://www.sag.org/sagWebApp/application?origin=page1.jsp&event=bea.portal.framework.internal.refresh&pageid=AgentInformation

You can also check the wesite below to see which type of agency it is (Adults,Youth,Commercial,Etc.)

http://www.agentassociation.com/frontdoor/membership_directory.cfm

___________________________________________________

Answer 2

I think that's cool if you wanna be an actor...so do I...but the thing about agents is they cost a lot im sure you already know that. different agents cost different prices everyone says to me that it's just best to get an agent when your already an actor so it may be more work then you want but it will all pay off:)


I dont know much about schools in la sorry-_-

Answer 3

Looking for Acting agencies and Acting agents, I would recommend

http://www.hollywoodnorth.com

Answer 4

what makes you think you are ready for an agent? if you were, you'd know how to get one. Agents do not take everyone who comes a callin'. They only want the best looking, most talented. If you do not qualify, .......

Answer 5

ask your actor friend to introduce you to their agent. Buy a copy of the Ross Reports (if you are in L.A/NYC). It lists the names/addresses of Agents in NY/LA.

Answer 6

Yes! finally found someone intrested
heres a video of all the info of this acting agency
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=1pVKAVIrXWo