How to get an agent

Okay, so I tricked you.
In reality, this post is why you don't need an agent.

However, actors are so caught up in finding and signing with an agent they often forget that agents, realistically, don't do much.

Yeah, I said it.

Don't expect to secure representation and magically receive an influx of high profile castings. 'Ain't gonna happen, folks.

Why your agent isn't your guardian angel

Think about it this way: a talent agency is in the investment business. They are investing in human capital (actors) in the hopes they will make a return on that investment.

If you're just starting out, you're a risky investment. The actors they do send to auditions/castings have proven track record of booking. They are a low-risk investment. So, if you just signed with an agent, and you aren't hearing from them, now you know why.

"But," you say, "this seems like a catch 22! How am I supposed to book a gig if I'm not getting sent out to castings?"

Welp, what would any entrepreneur do? You have to show your worth. Here's are a few suggestions to get started:

#1 Find your own auditions

If you are just starting out, you might be unaware of all the free casting sites floating around out there. Casting Networks, Actors Access, Project Casting, and others allow actors to take control of their career trajectory by submitting to castings independently.

Some sites, like Backstage and IMDb, also offer casting notices and breakdowns, but charge an annual fee. Now, if you have disposable income, paying for a site like Backstage might prove helpful, depending on your area.

I'll delve into navigating the casting website minefield in another post, but at least you have a few sites to check out and get started. I definitely recommend Backstage as a resource, regardless.

#2 Create your own content

I recently read an article about how ABC casting execs scout social media sites like Vine, Vimeo, and YouTube to find new talent.

This is excellent news for actors just starting out!

If you can't afford professional-grade film equipment, just brainstorm a few Vine or YouTube videos that can be shot with your phone.

If you aren't already watching YouTube and Vine, I highly suggest it for getting ideas and seeing what type of content viewers will like.

Again, I'll elaborate more on content creation in a later post, but this is a great way to start building collateral to present to an agent. Plus, work begets work. Don't believe me? Check out Melissa Hunter, aka Adult Wednesday Adams.

#3 Be prepared at all times

Okay, so I know this one is a bit vague, but here's an anecdote that might help.

A friend of mine once texted me: "Hey, they're shooting something at a park near my house. Get your butt over here!" Thankfully, I was in the area, and I happen to keep extra headshots and resumes in my car (I highly recommend doing this).

I immediately went to the location. I was just coming back from the gym, so not exactly ideal wardrobe conditions, but timing is everything. I quietly waited, headshot and resume in hand, until the crew took a break, then walked up and politely introduced myself.

Turns out. they were filming a commercial. I briefly explained my commercial experience and asked if they were in need of any additional talent. "Actually, yeah, we are looking for someone tomorrow. Are you free?" Bam.

They ultimately picked someone older for the part, BUT I made a valuable contact and proved to myself that it's important to be ready for anything. Never underestimate being at the right place at the right time.

#4 Develop your brand

Think of any A-list actor or celebrity. Now, what comes to mind?

Just for kicks, I'll play along, too. So, I pick Taylor Swift. She's an ideal case study for branding. Everything about her, from her look to her sound, from her quirkiness to her cat obsession, plays into her personal brand.

Maybe I've spent too much time in marketing, but branding is critical when presenting yourself to potential agents and casting directors. What makes you stand apart? What makes you memorable?

I would start by pulling and saving certain images that you feel illustrate what you're all about. What types of activities do you enjoy? Are you daring? Or are you shy? It doesn't much matter what choice you make, so long as it's clear to others around you.

"But," you might say, "I don't want to pigeonhole myself too early. Why should I focus on branding now?"

Look at any company's history, from Apple to Nike. Did they have strong sense of brand at the beginning? Yes. Did it evolve over time? Yes.

It's okay to evolve. What's not okay? Blending in. If you look around at a casting, and couldn't pick yourself out of a lineup of all the other candidates, you need to differentiate yourself somehow. Otherwise, they'll forget you. And that's deadly.

#5 Connect with the right people

I'm a big fan of remembering people's names. I'm terrible at names, so I see this as a sort of challenge, and I'm a sucker for a challenge.

If you struggle with names, find a way to fix it. If you can walk away from a set, and know everyone by name, from the P.A. to the gaffer, well done.

Nothing says you care more about a person than by being able to remember something as simple as their name. Plus, this will come in handy when interviewing with agents and they ask, "Who have you worked with recently?" Very important.

Don't overlook anyone. I like to befriend the post production folks, because, at the end of the day, they have the power over the final product. The directors get bombarded with attention, so instead of focusing entirely on the top dogs, try to cultivate connections with everyone else.

Of course, this is why set etiquette is CRUCIAL. But, that's another post for another day.

Above all, stay true to yourself and be kind to others. You never know who you might meet, and who will remember you.  

See what I did there?

So, remember how I said agents don't do much?

Well, I actually meant that agents help actors who help themselves. It's a give-and-take dynamic. If an agent doesn't see you as having any value, well...(insert shrug).

It's your job to show your worth. You are the one in control of your acting career, not some agent. Sure, representation can help, but it won't save you.

Got it? Good. Now, go get 'em tiger.