A couple months ago I got an audition for a co-star on a television drama through my agent. Once I got there I realized that the casting assistant running the session is someone I've interned for at other offices on a number of occasions. Now, I don't know this for sure, but I am pretty positive that the reason I got this audition was because of my relationship to the casting assistant. While I was there I made sure to offer my intern services to the casting assistant again.
I am terrible at networking parties or those sorts of things. Mainly because I am too busy eating whatever free food is available. Trust me, if there is a cheese plate in a room I will probably not be more than two feet away from it the entire night. Besides I never know what to say to anyone and generally just glue myself to the one person in the room that I already know.
Since traditional networking doesn't work for me, I've had to come up with other ways to build and form relationships.
Let's go back to this casting assistant that called me in. My first introduction to her was when she was extras casting looking for volunteers on a ultra low budget film. It was a project working with some cool people so I volunteered. Months later she was casting a music video and remembered me. It was another working for food sort of day but I was happy to come out for it. After the music video shoot I thanked her because it was a lot of fun and asked if she ever needed interns. She was an assistant on a show at the time and took me up on my offer.
I have auditioned for her twice since then for two separate shows and I know if there is ever any thing I'm right for she'll call me in.
But, I didn't start my relationship with her with some kind of agenda or end goal in mind. I simply offered to help when I could.
Remember you are building relationships, it can't be only about what you can get out of it. I always help out on my friends' short films, intern when I can, and just try to be helpful in general. People will notice and even if it doesn't pay off immediately, it will eventually.
Showing posts with label relationships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label relationships. Show all posts
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
How to Help your Agent Help You
I always say how important it is to not sit on your tush waiting for your agent to call. But, agents are an important part of the business. There are doors they can open that you can't by yourself.
This is why having a good working relationship with your agent is so important. I hear so many actors complain about how their agents aren't working for them or how their agents never get them auditions. But, how many of these actors actually talk to their agents about these problems?
I intern at my agent's office once a week. It keeps my face in their mind and I get to see what's going on out there. I know what's casting and if it really is just slow. But, interning isn't the only way to have a better relationship with your agent.
When was the last time you went to agent's office just to say hi and see how they are doing? One visit goes a long way, it makes them think of you and want to pitch you. Bringing baked goods never hurts either. Plus, you can take this as an opportunity to talk with them about what you need to do to get out more.
Don't hold back from talking to your agent because you're worried about bothering them. If there is a project casting that you really want to be in, or you know you are right for something, or you know the casting director, you absolutely should email or call your agent and let them know. If you don't feel comfortable enough to call and email your agent then ask yourself why you're in a relationship with them.
Your agent is your partner, but remember they only make 10% so you should be doing 90% of the work. Make your own movies, help out at casting offices, research what's currently casting on websites like castingabout.com, go to classes, network, and all that other good stuff proactive actors do. Make sure your agent has all the tools they'll need to be able to work effectively for you.
This is why having a good working relationship with your agent is so important. I hear so many actors complain about how their agents aren't working for them or how their agents never get them auditions. But, how many of these actors actually talk to their agents about these problems?
I intern at my agent's office once a week. It keeps my face in their mind and I get to see what's going on out there. I know what's casting and if it really is just slow. But, interning isn't the only way to have a better relationship with your agent.
When was the last time you went to agent's office just to say hi and see how they are doing? One visit goes a long way, it makes them think of you and want to pitch you. Bringing baked goods never hurts either. Plus, you can take this as an opportunity to talk with them about what you need to do to get out more.
Don't hold back from talking to your agent because you're worried about bothering them. If there is a project casting that you really want to be in, or you know you are right for something, or you know the casting director, you absolutely should email or call your agent and let them know. If you don't feel comfortable enough to call and email your agent then ask yourself why you're in a relationship with them.
Your agent is your partner, but remember they only make 10% so you should be doing 90% of the work. Make your own movies, help out at casting offices, research what's currently casting on websites like castingabout.com, go to classes, network, and all that other good stuff proactive actors do. Make sure your agent has all the tools they'll need to be able to work effectively for you.
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