Break into Showbiz
by Angela Morris
First thing is first, to break into show business, whether you wish to model
or act, you need to get some experience in front of a crowd. Local theatre and school
theatre is a good place to start. Take classes on public speaking or get involved
with Toastmasters. This is an organization geared to help people learn to
speak in front of large groups - an essential skill.
Then, if you are serious about finding an agent, get a good set of headshots.
Two different looks for Acting. Headshots not 8" x 10" are regarded as unprofessional.
Please remember to staple your headshot to the back of the headshot, text opposite from the
back of the picture.
For Modeling (that's if you want to dabble in to commercial print modeling)
you're going to want a composite card, this can be a mix of B&W and color.
A headshot usually goes on the front and 3 to 4 pictures on back along with your
measurements. You can find places that print comp cards online. An agent can
usually do comps without getting in trouble with the unions as they are not
making a profit on them. My logo does not go on a comp card unless I am the person
sending it out to the printer.
You aren't going to want your photo's to look like they came from JC Penny's.
They do portraits and it's an entirely different ballpark here. So
no portraits. Again NO "Glamour Shots." Dynasty has been off the air for
years. Comps can have a glamour look to it on one of the shots, but your headshots have
to be something else. And don't just submit a snap shot. Trust me, I do not have
time to sort through snapshots, neither do other agents.
Don't work with ANY agent that makes you use their photographer, in order to be represented.
Don't work with anyone that pressures you into utilizing any of the services they may offer
in order to be represented. If an agent wants a fee to represent you, turn around and walk
out of their office. They will never get you anything that makes it worth your while for
what they charge.
In my opinion, once you do get your headshots done, the best route to go is with a
UNION FRANCHISED Agent. A union franchised talent agent can work with both union and non-union
talent. AFTRA is the union that works with TV - Commercials and TV Shows - basically shows
in a videotaped format.
To find AFTRA and SAG franchised talent agents, visit Actingland.com.
Actingland provides contact information for thousands of AFTRA agents and every SAG agent.
Beware of agents that don't have real offices. The unions will not franchise
anyone who works from home. An agency needs a professional office in order to
interview clients. I'd be concerned if my niece/sister-in-law/daughter went to
interview with someone calling themselves an agent who works out of their home.
Be sure the person you are dealing with as your potential agent is ethical.
The BBB is a good place to start but here's an even better route. Call
the state Attorney General's office if it's someone you've never heard of
before. (I started out as an actress myself and learned the hard way.) You'd
be surprised how a company can appear clean from the BBB and have a rather
large (and active) file in the Attorney General's office. Still do not
neglect calling the BBB.
Try the local Consumer Affairs office too - it never hurts! Many states
regulate agencies through the department of Consumer Affairs or Protection.
CT regulates through the Dept of workplace Standards.
Standard agency percentages are 10% MAXIMUM on any union work and between
15-20% on non union work if it is outside of union governance. (I have seen
model managers take up to 25%, OUCH!)
What is outside of Union Governance? Print, Runway and Promotional Modeling.
Don't let any one take more than 10% for your acting work. Be prepared
to spend $$ on GOOD Photos and Printing costs for your headshots. These
are your expenses, make sure the photographer you pick is a good one.
Ultimately, please remember, that no matter how difficult it is to get an
agent, they work for you, not the other way around. Best of luck in all your
careers, and remember to send agents your headshots with the contact info
attached. You'd be surprised at the amount of people who send in photos to
my agency with no contact info on it at all.
Angela W. Morris is a talent agent and the owner of the 2AM Agency.
She has been in the entertainment industry since childhood and tries to keep in mind how rough it was when she was starting out.
Copyright © Angela Morris. All rights reserved. Used with permission of the author. Not to be reproduced or distributed.
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"Romeo & Juliet," the American musical version of the classic. It will tour for one year then go to Broadway. Looking for up and coming and established talent. Tour begins October 2008. There is pay.
The second project is for "Hollywood's Best New Talent." This is a showcase style project for people wanting to present their talents to LA-based agents and managers. We are doing the regional casting for the project. If selected, you will be invited to perform at the Kodak Theatre in August.
You will be responsible for travel and accomodations, but the benefit is you will be seen by legitimate name agencies and managers.
We are seeing talent on July 21st at the offices of Hollywood East Casting in Wilmington. Please be prepared with a monologue, or song/dance routine as we are seeing people for both projects.
Please bring headshots or at least a recent snapshot.
Please call 910.399.7412 with questions.