Acting? Agents? Help?

Question

Well, I'm looking into being an actress. Do you have to have an agent to get into your first movie?
Also, how do you find out about auditions? [ without the agent of course]
The reason I'm asking is because I can't afford an agent right now.

Answer 1

Tony made some great points. I apologize that this is on your answer because it applies to so many more but all these young people need to realize that you can't just say you want something and it will happen for you. It takes hard work. Hard work. Hard work... So many want to jump right to getting an agent or right to getting their first job even thinking that oh a tv show is fine if they can't get a movie first... that's just not the way it works. I really wish that everyone who wants a career as an actor would d just a little bit of research before asking such a question.

Agents don't cost money. Training, headshots, resumes, reels, postage, gas, etc. All those things cost money. Agents get paid when you do, I don't know why so many people think that it costs them money to get an agent?

The thing is, none of you guys asking these questions are ready for a real audition. You need classes, workshops, something tl help educate you in the way things work in the business as well as acting technique. The talent may very well be there, but the knowledge and the tact are not yet. All that comes with being in and around people who know and that comes from being in class and working on projects, not big tv shows or films. By the time you get there you had better know your stuff or you can be replaced by the time everyone has taken a coffee break. I've seen it happen.

Look for your auditions on backstage.com (casting search) or actorsaccess.com If you don't live in an area that those have much to offer you (and remember that you are not looking for big tv show or movies right now) then do a search for your state name and the word film and see what sites come up. You should get a few film commissions or something like that with info specific to your area. Search them for resources. If you truly can't find any, email them and ask for more help since they are more local to you and in the business. You need classes and audition info.

good luck and I hope others read this as well,
Marianne

Answer 2

There are so many young people who make a statement and then, immediately after the statement they ask a question.

The statement is, "I want to be an actress."
The question that immediately follows is, "How can I start auditioning?" Or "How can I get an agent?"

Put first things first. Statistics say that you are probably not ready to audition yet and probably not to get an agent either.

Between the statement and the questions is a HUGE gap to fill. Many people don't bother to fill the gap with training and studying the industry, because they feel that they are special and because they have heard of other people who have made it without and who have been discovered. What they often choose to ignore is the fact that those cases are few and far between. That's one of the reason why most people who say they want to become actors, never become actors. Sure, they might get a few jobs as extras or in some smaller roles, but it doesn't last, because they don't take the time to build a base. They're in too much of a hurry.

Abe Lincoln once said, "If I have three hours to chop down a tree, I would use the first hour to sharpen the axe."

That's why I built a website for new and aspiring actors. On it you will find this page dedicated to teens and people who have questions just like yours: http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/teen_acting.html

Among the different page links you might want to check out, have a look at the page about how to get an agent. Go to the end of that page and see how much they cost. I think you'll be surprised. :-)

Also read the slogan on the header of my site.

Tony

Answer 3

Well its pretty hard and it cost's alot first you find an acting agency and you audition as in you get filmed for a fake commercial or anything like that and they contact you and say if you have what it takes i have auditioned before and its really hard to be what they want they said i could be on TV but i have to re audition i also produce my own movies and i had my own show for a couple months its only on the internet now so ya but if you want it bad enough you will get it but im not into so much anymore im focused on becoming a guitarist good luck with it though if you need any help with acting related questions Email me at [e-mail]

Answer 4

You don't necessarily need an agent, however it makes it easier to have one, as they will be the ones to find out about auditions. Why not join an acting agency, as there cheaper and they too can help with finding auditions. Good luck.

Answer 5

it's not just about buying an agent; I believe you still have to audition for the agency to see if you have what it takes to represent them. Chances are you're not going to jump into a movie right from the start. You'll probably do commercials or tv shows.

Answer 6

If you can't afford an agent you can't afford the $2,500 in one payment you need for the union card before you can work.