AGENT help!?

Question

i know to become an actress you have to have an an agent. and it should be SAG.
but, i want to know what ican do to get one because you need experience, or a good resume. what do i do? im 15 & asian

Answer 1

Please stay away from Craig's list. There are enough legit places to look without going to questionable ones like that.

If you have your parents support there is not reason you can't start building a resume now. Get into classes asap. Then start auditioning for everything you can. Theatre is best to start with, but you can work your way into student & indie films. You don't say where you're located but backstage.com and actorsaccess.com are the more legit places to find auditions online. They are not completely free but you can look for free before you decide to spend anything. For theatre you can see enough info to get by without paying, just check it out.

Those are industry standard sites and the only ones I trust. Craig's list may have some legit casting calls, but it's just too shady for me and I do know of people who have had some strange encounters going on calls through those ads, I just don't think it's worth the risk.

Once you've had a good deal of training and you build a decent resume, you send your headshot, resume and cover letter to legit agents. http://www.sag.org/sagWebApp/application?origin=page1.jsp&event=bea.portal.framework.internal.refresh&pageid=AgentInformation

They do not have to be SAG franchised but that's a good place to start because it means they signed an agreement to put the talent first (you).

The only reason your race is a consideration is if the agent already has someone your type. Otherwise, it doesn't matter. Also, it's true that there aren't as many calls for asians or the call may be too general and you may go to something and find lots of 'ethnic' types meaning they really don't know what they're looking for, you just have to nail it and stand out.

Above all, you need your parent's to support you doing this or you can forget it until you're on your own.

good luck,
Marianne

Answer 2

Yeah, but the problem is that you don't start with an agent, you wind up with an agent when you have something they can sell to casting directors. !5 is a problem, Asian is not. Not many roles for teens. But race is not a consideration in most roles. If you have what they need for the part in looks and talent, bingo! Well, you can't do much other than school plays unless your parents are behind your idea of becoming an actor, then they should work hard for you finding experience and trainging opportunities and an agent for you. Because you cannot do anything on your own until you are 18.

Answer 3

I don't know where you are, but if you're near a reputable film school, chances are you can gain experience in student films. You won't get paid (although they provide free meals--hey, it's something), but many low-budget student films are very well done and will give you some clips to show to agents and casting directors. Check out film school websites, Craig's List and other online forums; you may find a young director who needs your help as much as you need his/hers.

It will also help your resume if you take acting classes, although your talent will be more important to agents and directors than your education.

Answer 4

You go for free experience...

Student films, Independant films, shorts Ect.

They post auditions on Craigslist and other FREE casting websites, and you are rarely if ever paid to work, but usually fed.

You need a headshot to send them, and they will give you a sample of your work, you can use it to assemble your demo reel.

Answer 5

get a good resume