The agent-client relationship is a sacred bond that dates back to the beginning of recorded time. Take G-d and Moses, for example. You think Moses could just waltz into Pharaoh’s palace and start making demands? Heck no. His agent G-d had to make some calls and pull a few strings.
Across the Board Talent is dedicated to providing the best possible agency experience. We flourish on creating strong relationships that can help sustain a successful career in entertainment. The agency game is a two-way street that requires collaboration from both parties, and if one isn’t at the top of his or her game, everybody loses.
Here are three helpful tips from your friends at ATB Talent on how to navigate through the world of talent agents and managers, and succeed in the entertainment industry.
1. Always Keep Your Résumé & IMDb Updated
The most important weapon in any actor’s arsenal is his or her résumé and IMDb page. The entertainment industry is a harsh and often impersonal business, and the first thing agents, managers, and casting directors look at is an actor’s résumé and IMDb page, which is why it’s important to always keep them as up-to-date as possible. Just landed a role in the new Christopher Nolan movie? Put that up ASAP! Substantial credits are practically free passes into casting offices.
Another piece of ammunition at your disposal is your acting reel, which is a short edited video showcasing various pieces of footage from your full body of work. This adds some nice panache to your résumé and IMDb page, and lets casting directors see a bit more of you. Like everything else, reels always need to be updated. Replacing that old VHS-quality footage with new Blu-Ray material will make a world of difference.
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| Screenshot from Marvel's The Avengers. |
It’s also important to not overload your résumé with extra work. Every agent, manager and casting director knows that being “featured” in a film doesn’t mean squat. Do everybody a favor and don’t include it…nobody’s impressed that you were part of that 200-person mob in The Avengers. New talent can squeeze in one or two featured credits, but try filling up those blank spots with student films, short films, or even theater work…any sort of principle credit that showcases your ability as an actor is a plus.
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| Always ask permission! |
2. Proactivity is Key
The actor’s job doesn’t stop upon acquiring an agent—it only starts. An actor must always work alongside his or her agent, keeping all eyes open and looking for potential projects to be involved in. Always be proactive and involved. The agent-client relationship is just that: a relationship. Both sides need to have a hand in things.
Having said that, you must get permission from your representation before asking them to pitch you for specific projects. Clients will often go directly to their agents and ask to be submitted for specific projects. Unless they give you permission, do not do that! Most agencies have a very strict policy against client involvement, so be careful. ATB Talent, on the other hand, encourages their clients to become involved in the process.
3. Communication, Communication, Communication!
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| Always respond ASAP! |
This is the single most essential aspect of the agent-client relationship. The world of casting directors moves at light speed; everything needs to happen now, now, now! When an audition comes in, a confirmation is needed ASAP. To save time an agent will usually send an audition notice to the client using one of the casting websites (Actor’s Access, Casting Networks), as well as follow up with a text or call, so be sure to always be prepared to answer. If a message is left, please respond promptly. Remember: it’s not just the agent awaiting your response. The casting director is, too. Why would you want to upset the person booking you for a job?
Responding to a text message (or email) is probably one of the simplest tasks possible, especially in the era of iEverything. It doesn’t take too much effort to respond, and all that’s needed is a message letting your agent know your confirmation status. If you can’t access a computer, no worries: that’s what your agent is for. Just let him or her know that they can go ahead and confirm you for the audition.
The entertainment industry is all about relationships, and it’s important to treat them with care. Every road runs both ways. Agents and managers are here to help you, the client. Take advantage of that, and do whatever it takes to succeed.
Lights, camera, action.
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By Alex Tafet
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