ACTOR'S TOOL-KIT #7
WHAT AGENTS THINK
by Bob Fraser
Agents are salespeople working in an employment agency. That's what they do.
They call people who have jobs to fill and they try to sell the business people
they represent (actors). They are just like salespeople at a temp agency. Just
because they sell actors doesn't change the job.
The most important thing to understand about them is that they do it for money.
Like many people in many professions - no, like all people in all professions -agents
like to make money for their efforts. Unlike lawyers, however, agents rarely do
pro-bono work.
I've only had two agents during my acting career, but I know a lot of agents -
including some of the biggest in the business. I've gone to parties with them,
played poker with them, and softball - seen 'em at picnics, awards ceremonies,
golf tournaments ... you name it.
Bottom line: I know these folks.
THINGS AGENTS NEVER SAY
Read the following very carefully:
I've never heard an agent say, "Yeah, I just took on a client who's
thinking about being an actor. She hasn't done much on her own but I think I can
teach
her to work. I've got plenty of time to show her how to be a pro. And even
though she's got the wrong attitude, it probably won't take too long to explain
why her attitude is problematic. I know she hasn't managed to get going on her
own but I'll just send her out for every part in her age range until she gets
work. I know it's risky, but she's got a feeling she's going to be a star, so
I'm going to give it a shot."
I've never heard anything like that.
WHAT AGENTS REALLY WANT
This is the kind of thing I hear agents say when I'm playing cards or lining up
a putt, "Yeah, I just took on a real comer. This guy can do it all. He's a
good actor - wait'll you see this little student film he did. He's smart. He's
been making pretty good money - all non-union, but he's ready. Hustle? The guy's
been in like a hundred plays, he teaches a class to kids. He's doing a one-man
show over at this Equity waiver theatre in West Hollywood
- go go go. I tell you, Bob, I'm going to make a fortune off this kid."
Do you see the difference? Of course you do.
In your heart of hearts you know that this is reality. You know it. So, how does
this help you to get an agent?
In this crucial way: Now, you KNOW what agents are really looking for.
INTEREST = MIND-SET + RESULTS
1. Actors who are acting for money. Because 10% of that amount is what the agent
lives on. It is his income. If the actor cannot book work - nada.
2. Actors who are getting cast. They've been in plays, student films, non-union
work, it really doesn't matter what level of work is, as long as the actor has a
history of getting cast. It's a good indication for most agents.
3. Actors who work hard at getting good enough to compete for jobs - actors with
the right attitude.
(They know they have to commit and work hard.)
4. Actors who hustle.
NO INTEREST = LACK OF COMMITMENT & HARD WORK
You now also know what they are NOT looking for.
1. Actors who haven't made the commitment to act for money. (This kind of
self-induced commitment is probably
harder than you think it is.)
2. Actors who haven't bothered to do much without anyone else's help.
3. Actors who believe that an agent can "make it happen." (Rule of
Hollywood: Agents don't make actors - actors make agents.)
4. Actors who take an attitude because of that belief. ("They just don't
care about talent," is a hollow complaint - and changes nothing.)
5. Actors who think agents don't know what they are doing. (Maybe the agent
knows what she's doing and the actor doesn't know what he's doing. It's a
possibility.)
Now, these 'observable realities' can lead us to only one conclusion with
regards to your "getting an agent" problem.
IT CAN BE DONE
IF ... you are the type of actor they are looking for.
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