Is Your Agent Cheating on You?
Yes, your agent has other clients. Deal with it. Your agent would go hungry if she only had you as a client. She has to have “everything on the grocery store shelf” to have the best shot at making a living.
One of the fun parts of searching for and finding new talent is creating that awesome stable of actors with unique talents and skills that cover all of the possible casting needs in this crazy industry. We need one or two in every category. Age, ethnicity, male/female, union and/or non-union, height/weight, languages, special skills, and every possible saleable commodity is needed so we can provide our shoppers, ahem, casting directors, with what they need. So when your phone call/email/text (pick ONE please!) isn’t returned right away, know that there are at least 20 other actors who are also demanding attention.
Again, I share with you that my love of actors and people in general was also the thing that had me leave the agency. I was inundated with communication at all hours of the day and night because I didn’t set the proper boundaries I needed to have my own life work. This was a very valuable lesson learned for me and let it be one for you as well. Please realize that while your focus is on ONE career, yours, your rep’s focus is widespread, on MANY others…it has to be. Give them the space and time to respond. Here’s a great communication guideline to use:
- URGENT – Immediate (or within the next couple of hours) – CALL them
Examples:
- Car broke down/running late to audition
- Last minute accident or injury
- Having you sign something weird on set/at an audition
- IMPORTANT – Something today – TEXT them
Examples:
- Audition follow up – how it went/info
- You sent an email that you want to call attention to
- Checking in from set/audition and need something
- INFORMATIONAL – Something this week – EMAIL them
Examples:
- Recommendations for classes, photographers, etc.
- Review of new headshots or other marketing materials
- Invitations to performances
In my next post I’ll talk about not just the when, but the HOW to communicate clearly with your rep. Stay tuned.
What are your thoughts on being “part of many”? Do you feel you’re on the inside; part of a team; listened to? Comment and share!
This is great info Lisa, thank you!
Very helpful
Wow thanks Lisa for the valuable info.
Thanks Carol, soooo wonderful to have you here!
WOW..thanks Lisa for the valuable information