Aaaannnnnd Scene. Why I left working at the talent agency.
I quickly came to realize that I liked, and was great at, HALF of the job.
The part of the gig I loved was what I’d already been doing as a coach and marketing consultant, however the other half was being at the effect of outside influences that truly sapped my physical time and emotional energy. These days, being an agent means being constantly tethered to a cell phone, computer screen and clients, casting directors, and crowds of other people (actors seeking representation, production folks with details for bookings, contract info, the union and the list goes on…) in a 24/7 business that never stops demanding attention.
First and foremost, I teach people that if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing and pursing your passion, move on…and fast! Life is meant to be a joyful endeavor and we spend a majority of it at work, so you have to love your job. Being an agent is hard work and though I’m one of the hardest workers I know, I soon knew I’d dug myself a hole that I had to get out of because I didn’t enjoy this kind of hard work.
Now don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of people and plenty of agents who thrive on this constant activity and do LOVE the fast pace of technology, but there are just as many others who are getting out of their line of work because they started out when the industry was quite different.
As a coach and consultant, I have always had a huge respect for agents and have taught you that, in most cases, they work much harder in service of your career than you think. And in many cases more than you do. Yep, I just said that. Working at the agency, I unhappily found that last statement to be true.
When I realized that I worked all day, every day, in service of actor’s careers and that most of my clients did not treat their own career like they were actually in a business, I knew I could serve a LOT more actors by giving them yet another perspective on getting and keeping a rep.
My thoughts about what the job would entail and what it actually was were very different and I’m going to share in my next several posts everything I learned so that you’ll have all of the vital and important information you need when seeking a rep or working with the one you have now. Stay tuned.
To Your Success, Lisa
Lisa! Lisa! Lisa! You are full of surprises, but that is what life is about trying different thing’s.
You always bounce back. All the best as you find which direction the next detour will take.
Just call me bouncy!
Lisa, love your truth and lessons in your sharing.
Hope you had fun the Emmys.
Mary
Thanks Mary, the Emmys were a highlight. I have tons of photos with the cast of General Hospital as I sat in that section and was a guest at the after party. Sooooo much fun!
Oh wow, no I had no idea. Part of this Sat was to reconnect and reintroduce myself now that I’m in LA full time with a new look and well ready to take a new approach with my carer. One step at a time of coutse…and Sat is also my bday so figured it would be great start there with you, & others networking, talking about the dream, this industry, the career get some tips, spread some love, you know the reason I moved here in the first place and so I’ve invited others …. then continue the night with games and bowling, and fun!!! 🙂
I do thank you for you’re transparency and keeping us posted on your endeavors, success, fails, learned lessons and comebacks. .. it helps give us hope to keep moving fwd as well.
I look forward to and hope to discuss with you in person what’s next with you and your career as I also figure out mine. I hope to be able to do that Sat. But if LIFE happens and we don’t get the chance, then I look fwd to reading it in your newsletters.
Wishing you continued success, growth, and blessings in all that you do,
Thank you.
Leigha
Well we DID connect didn’t we? And on your birthday no less, with you winning that bottle of tequila on Seis de Mayo. Couldn’t happen to a nicer and more authentic gal. Trust me, I can do you a lot more good via THIS vehicle than at the agency. And I’m not going anywhere…I’m here to stay and do more events like the one last week! See you at the next one.
Okay Lisa, now I’m intrigued. And yes, it’s been awhile!!
Following your head & heart is generally good advice, but not always doable. I’m happy that you could and have continued to keep me appraised.
Bill I agree and disagree. Following your heart is always DOABLE. It’s following your head that makes following your heart so damned difficult.
Dear Lisa: I’m glad to hear that you had a learning experience but are ready to move on. For the EXACT same reasons I left representation. Exactly. It was not as hectic then, but it was hectic enough. All good wishes ! Brian
Brian, I’m honored you read my emails and posts. Yes, I always had that inkling that it wasn’t a fit, but ignored it. Great experience though. So many that were agents like you before the use of the internet as a submission tool, are leaving in droves. It’s too fast, very time consuming (not time saving) and never ending. At a “certain” age, we’d like things to go a little smoother and slower, yes? Glad to hear that’s not JUST me! And great we both love actors enough to stay in this crazy business, serving where we can! xoxo
been without “real” representation for ever…I like what you had to say in this post and look forward to reading more. I don’t think i ever took a class with you but am interested in what you have learned and what you are sharing…thanks, Jane
ps..looking for what is next using all the skills i have used and learned by using in this life time….actress……..coach…and social work supervisor….worked with the mentally ill…addictions….the homeless and a variety of issues we probably all share at one time or another and standup comic worked all across the country…based in New York city and write my own material…
Jane the timing couldn’t be better. The trend these days is real people with real skills and real life experience. Now it’s time to market all that you do, yet put it in a cohesive order and marketing materials. When presented correctly, the reps will flock to you!
Thank you very much, you are an awesome resource and an incredible spirit. Ironically I am experiencing a similar situation with an agency that I am freelancing with here in the city…well, sort of similar, but anyway just to read your insight experience, perspectives and response has been extremely helpful, hope to see you soon!
Daniel
So happy Daniel if anything I’ve written or said is a source of relief of resistance or pain. Once you can see clearly, you can make better choices. I did and I know you will too.
Wow..thank you.Ms. Honest and Awesome…So looking forward to your seminars and coaching. thanks to you good things are happening for me. Will share in email..???
Soooo happy for you Carol and it was great to see your beautiful and smiling face at the Seis de Mayo event last week. I’m happy Alan is getting you out there at the agency. You deserve to shine and make great money while you do it!
Was hoping you’d relocate to NYC.
Awwww shucks Daryl. Glad you miss me! Right now my heart lies in the sun…and there’s just not enough of it in NY. But I’ll be visiting soon and be sure to let the entire community know when that is.
Lisa..
Sort’ve sad you left the agency but HAPPY you’re doing what YOU need to do..for YOU! I hope you had a great experience/ride while doing it! All the best,
John
Thanks John and it was wonderful to see you at our Seis de Mayo event after a few years of being MIA…me, not you! The experience I gained while at the agency was perfect. This way I can pass on all of the inside info I only heard about, but now have walked in those shoes. Stay tuned…
Different strokes for different folks! Can’t knock you for trying something different. ☺
Giiiiiirrrrrl, that’s the JUICE in this life. Trying NEW things is all I ever want to do…and when it feels good, I do more of it. Expansion is our natural state of being. Sometimes we expand into something that propels us even farther forward and sometimes it doesn’t. Quickly identifying which path you’re on is key.
Well welcome back Miss Gold. Good hearing from you. Keep US informed . GOD BLESS .
My spirit soars when I’m following my passion so I AM BLESSED. Many thanks Antoine!
I will make every effort to get your knowledge and expertise to get my career going.
Hey Lisa- you are so greatly missed, bit I feeeeeel your relief and joy of going back to what you love! So so happy for you!! Cheers to ALL our success and to the family and friends we meet in between! Sending you love and hugs!!!!
Hey Vanessa, we were connected here first, then at the agency, and now full circle. You’re in great hands with great people. That was the hardest part of leaving, but yes, I’m so very happy to be back where I belong!
Perfect timing for this post. I look forward to the continuation of this topic. Thanks for all you do Debra Kurtz
Thanks Debra, this topic is one that will be the highest on my list…and my “brand” if you will. It seems a mystery, but it’s not. That’s what I will be sharing so stay tuned…
Thank you for sharing! I look forward to hearing what you learned during this experience!
Welcome back,
You are an artist so your place is in inspiration, talent, communication, motivation, new ideas, human identities and fun.
Nice to have you back !
Takes one to know one! Thanks so much Bill.
Thank you, Lisa!
You are most definitely missed… But bravo to you, for following your heart and passion. Looking forward to future endeavors together.
Thanks Kirk, and you’re definitely in great hands with Alan! You’re easy to work with and I know you’ll be a booking magnet in short order!
Hi Lisa;
Thank you so much for your honesty, insight and sharing your experiences with us (actors). I look forward to reading and learning from your post.
Thanks,
Andy
You bet Andy and more is coming!
Thanks, Lisa. Looking forward to your posts
Thank you Lisa for sharing your truth and personal experience on the subject matter. Please keep motivating and inspiring us as actors and those pursuing ours goals in this life!
I will George, it’s my mission and passion! Great to have you in the community!
Congratulations Lisa!
Best wishes on your new adventure.
Ruth Flaherty
Thanks Lisa. I look forward to getting your insight as usual!
Love me some Gary D! Stay tuned…