I need some help with my current acting situtation.?

Question

here is the deal. Ive worked professionally with a theatre and decided to get an agent. I got an agent, signed the contract and paid a small fee to be listed on their website and book. I was told they would call me at least 2 times a week to go out on auditions, it has been a month and i have not received a call or anything from them. Ive called them they said just to go and do some extra work, and now I want to do more.
1. If I send in my headshot and resume do I list my alleged agencies contact info on it, or my own? the way I see it is that if they don't get me the the audition they don't get the credit so it shouldn't involve them.
2. i just need general help on where to send my headshot and resume..casting directors ? other agencies?


please help if you can.

thanks

Answer 1

Sounds like you've been scammed. Legit agents do not charge anything up front. They also can not guarentee that you will go out twice a week because they have no idea what auditions will be coming up. Read your contract and see if it's exclusive. See what kind of out clause you may have. I also can't believe they encouraged you to do extra work. Most agents would prefer their actors get legit work in theatre or do something they can use on a reel like student or indie films. My own personal opinion is that your agent doesn't know what they're doing, or they're so disinterested in you that they really don't care what you do.

As for submitting yourself for auditions, you need to read that contract. They may be entitled to a percentage regardless of how you got the job. You do not send headshots to casting directors without reason. If they're casting a project you are right for, then go ahead but label your envelop properly and follow industry protocol. You can also set up an actorsaccess.com account. That part is free, it's submitting electronically that will cost you unless you subscribe to Showfax. Check it out, it's all legit. You should also check out backstage.com and do a casting search. Again, not totally free, but you can do an initial search and see if it's worth it to subscribe. If they have a lot of auditions in your area you may want to consider it. They also have a combo subscription with Ross Reports which will give you a lot of up to date info on agents and casting directors depending in what area you're in.

If you're in LA, check this out: http://workingactors.com/cgi-bin/page.cgi Awesome resource.

For legit agents, http://www.sag.org/sagWebApp/application?origin=page1.jsp&event=bea.portal.framework.internal.refresh&pageid=AgentInformation
or Ross Reports, or http://www.agentassociation.com/

Legit agents only take 10% after they help you get a SAG contract. They do not take fees up frontm they do not send you to specific classes or photographers either. If you're under 18, please have your parents check out all this infor for you, especially your contract. The SAG website has a lot of info on agency contracts.

good luck!
Marianne

Answer 2

You should list your representation. You have to work right along side your agent. A lot of people hire agencies with the misconception that they are going to get more work and just have to sit back and do nothing. It really doesn't work that way. Yes, an agent helps to get work, but they are specifying the work they give you. They aren't aware of everything out there. You also have to promote yourself.

Depending on what type of work you want is where you should send it. Send them out. If you signed a contract with this agency you cannot send or contact other agencies. You might want to take a close look at your contract.

Send them out to casting directors, local theatres or traveling theatre groups.

Again an agency is only a tool to help you promote yourself. You also have to push papers and get your name out there. They don't just have you as a client. Use them as your representation since you already paid a fee, and maybe do a little investigative work on the actual agency you signed with. Who are the other actors or models they represent? What type of work are they getting?

Good Luck and Hang in there.

Answer 3

You dont need long answers. You have been scammed. Get out of that contract. Buy a copy of Brian O'Neil's Acting as a Business and follow his suggestions on agents and seeking work. Read my profile and write me for more help with your career at my aol address.

Answer 4

A lot of so called agents are leeches that rely on your hard work to get the jobs as well as to do the job. I hope you checked their references closely before signing with them.

Answer 5

You have been scammed sorry!

-Laila