4. Yes, you will need an agent to work in T.V. or film, or
most paying theater gigs. 99% of all legitimate paying
roles in the industry are cast through casting directors
who are contacting credible agents for submissions. Your
photo will not be seen by a casting director, regardless of
the color, size or shape of the envelope in which it is
sent. Save your money for food and rent. Getting an agent
is not simple and they are no more likely to open your
photo and resume. If you're planning to "market" into the
wind, I would suggest postcards are better than 8x10 photos
and mailing to managers is a more receptive audience.
Also, having a showcase or play to invite them to see is a
good thing to do. Don't expend, again, a lot of capital to
produce a showcase or play and mailings. These folks are
busy and inundated with invitations. Again, the smart
money is on working a job from inside the industry, getting
to know the players and over the long haul, giving them the
chance to know you. They ain't kiddin' when they say,
"It's not what you know, it's who you know" that makes the
difference in the end.
There are published lists of agents and managers that can
be purchased through the Hollywood Creative Directory at
www.hcdonline.com and clicking on the "Hollywood
Representation Directory icon. This directory is not cheap
but includes talent agencies, management companies, TV and
film casting directors and publicity companies nationwide.
They also have a subscription service that is updated twice
a year and have a mailing list label service as well.
You will find a plethora of websites designed to show you
exactly how to be a working actor, find auditions without
an agent, help to get you discovered, ad infinitum, ad
nauseum. My feeling is that anyone who asks you for money
up front for any of the above is not worth the money. You
can find publications that will have ads for actors and
models for their upcoming film/project, but these will not
be career making opportunities and, worse yet, may be
exploitative or even dangerous. Legitimate agents will
never ask for anything besides 10% of whatever you make
(this is the law). Managers are not bound by the same law
that regulates agents that are "bonded by the State."
Managers can take whatever you give them and typically will
ask for 20%.
On the topic of managers; I had one for the 17 years that I
worked in the industry and he remains my friend to this
day. He helped me get my first agent and was always a close
advocate for me and someone with whom I could talk on a
daily basis. I cannot recommend whole-heartedly the
acquisition of a manager - that is a personal decision. I
can only say that in my mind, especially in the beginning,
the extra 20% was not a risk because I wasn't making
anything yet and the manager increased my chances working.
Again, with 10-20 clients rather than 100-200, the personal
manager is a lot more attentive to your needs and has a
greater vested interest in your success.
5. Photos Great photos are KEY to you getting in the door -
any door. There are many very talented photographers in
every city in the country. Finding the one with whom you
feel comfortable is very important. Do your research, make
the phone calls and actually meet these people. Take the
time to look at their books and see what kind of work they
do. Don't necessarily go for the biggest and most expensive
photographer around, there are plenty of talented newcomers
that may even be willing to work with you for free, or a
great discount, in order to expand their portfolio. The
conventional wisdom used to be that black and white was the
way to go, but color really is the best indicator of what
you really look like.
Dress simply for the shoot and simplify your look (make-up)
for the purpose of giving the "audience" a good, clear
picture of who you truly are. That brings me back to the
point of being comfortable with the photographer. The
person, the environment, even the music playing in the
background are all going to impact how you feel and
therefore how you come across on film. One shot where you
are looking directly into our eyes and communicating the
essence of who you are is all you need. Models need "zed
cards" with multiple poses and wardrobes, they are selling
their bodies as well as their faces. Actors are
communicating through their souls, and as the eyes are
their windows, look very carefully at your eyes in the
photo you ultimately choose. Those eyes will be speaking
volumes to the person gazing into them, looking for their
next potential star.
Finally, remember that, as an actor, what you have to offer
is - YOU. Love, nurture, develop and protect YOU. Find what
works for you, find people to align yourself with who
believe in you and are dedicated to protecting that essence.
I truly love the craft of acting and have incredible
respect for those who are willing to put themselves out
there in pursuit of their dream. I wish you all the best
and will publish further article in future if I come up
with more tips that I feel will be valuable. Feel free to
respond with comments and/or questions.
"Break a leg!"
Scott Thompson Baker
----------------------------------------------------
A full list of the author's credits can be found on
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0048913/
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