Getting an agent isn’t as difficult as it may seem.
- Get clear
- Get ready
- Go calling
- Get what you want
Get Clear
Do you honestly know what the agents are looking for? Or are you working off assumptions or hearsay from friends? Research the agents. Discover the ones you most want to represent you. Make sure your values align. A list of agents can be found on the MEAA website. Have a look at the people they represent. Get clear on what it is that they have that you will possibly need.
Get Ready
Once you have determined what it is that the agents that you admire are searching for you need to work on ensuring you can demonstrate those skills or traits. And you need to think about how you are going to show them that you have what they are looking for. Will it be through your carefully developed media bank, a show real, an in-person interview or an invitation to a live performance, or are they interested in your ability to demonstrate commitment to the craft and to training? It, more than likely, will be a combination of all of these. So how will you prepare?
Get Calling
Once you have everything prepared: your research, your body of work, including head shots, showreel, media bank and CV, then get on the phones and start calling. Most agencies will probably ask that you email your information through so they can have a look first. So, make sure you do that promptly and make sure you set a time with them to follow up. Be interested. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. And listen to what they have to say. They are great at what they do so you can learn a lot from these phone calls.
Get What You Want
After researching and talking to the agents you will be even more clear as to who you would like to represent you, who you would like to work with. If it is a ‘no’ ask what they would like to see from you if you were to try again in the future and then follow that advice! The industry isn’t a hard industry; most people just aren’t willing to put their egos aside we do whatever it takes. Make sure you keep working to ensure you get what you want because at the end of the day what you want is worth it right?