Getting an Agent

Today I want to talk a about getting an agent. It is perhaps the most important thing on the minds of artists. Yet, despite all the interest, it is perhaps the one area least understood.

In my lifetime, I have gone through a number of them. But the question should never be how do I get an agent; but more, "How Do I Get A GOOD agent?" Agents are a dime a dozen. Most are overwhelmed with clients. So if you happen to sign with one of those, you'll be another name in their client book. Even Spike Lee admitted that when he signed with William Morris they never called him for work.

So let's throw out the idea of getting one for the sake of just having one. Sometimes, believe it or not, a smaller agency that really believes in you can do more for you than a big-time agency. And as with any agent, it takes time to build up rapport and trust. As I said, because they have so many clients YOU need to stand out. Opening the channels of communication is the best place to start.

What bothers me is the fact that actors walk around with the notion that if they get an agent, all their problems will be solved. The agent will send them out on calls or get them studio work, etc. It doesn't work that way. Agents want actors and writers who are going places. If you are sitting back complaining, "If I only had an agent things would be different," then you need to get out of this industry. Why would an agent want anyone not willing to put the time and effort in, on their own, for the advancement of their career? Think about it.

Who wants to work with a lazy person? If you want a good agent, then you have to get their attention. If you are out there getting work on your own and making a name for yourself, then the agents will come to you. Trust me on that. After I did my first feature film, one of the biggest agencies in Hollywood, International Creative Management (ICM), called me! The best part about that is, if you have demonstrated that you are a hot commodity, then you may have more than one agency after you. So you'll have options and won't necessarily have to sign with just the first one that comes along. But on the other hand, if you are sitting at home eating potato chips and watching "Family Guy," then it is going to be really hard to get any agent's attention, good or bad.

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Very helpful.. Labelleza 2008-06-04 07:56:15 I found this extremley helpful as i'm a 17year old trying to get information and work towards getting an Agent so this has helped alot but i have a few questions if anyone can answer them? I'm looking at Acting and modelling so would i need to write screenplays; As i've never had any experience of this? Also, why do you need to send out a press release and how would i go about doing that? If someone could answer these questions for me it'd be very helpful. Thanks. Quote

Re: Very Helpful PAN 2008-06-04 09:28:00 Hi Labelleza, You definitely dont need to write screenplays, read lots of them (out loud) though to get your eye in. A press release is useful if you are in a show or film and you want to generate some buzz. Getting an agent can be part of your process, but not your goal... focus on your skills as an actor and the better you are the more desireable you will become to agents out there... Good luck! Quote

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