The Casting Couch

"The Casting Couch" has extensive listings of castings for Film, TV, Reality TV, Voice work, Theatre, etc. from MANY different sources. Check me out... & get WORKING!!

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

AIDA in NYC

AIDAAustralian Institute of Dramatic ArtsChicago - Los Angeles - New York - San Francisco
FREE ACTING CLASS
New York – Monday May 1st, 2006

AIDA is back with a free acting class ……..This time with three internationally acclaimed teachers: Paul J Parker, Paul Peers & Peter McLean

“G’day, we do promise you a great workout and it’ll be for free”. Paul Parker, Artistic Director, AIDA

“Paul Parker is an extraordinary teacher and a very kind person, as well. I have studied with Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler and Paul is the best teacher I have ever had”. Rebecca Brooks - New York actor living in Los Angeles.

AIDA - Australian Institute of Dramatic Arts acting school is in Hollywood in Los Angeles, Manhattan in New York and opened in Chicago in May 2005. San Francisco will be next. AIDA began teaching in June of 2002. Bookings have occurred on both coasts from the Mark Taper Forum in theatre, to leads in feature films shooting in America and abroad, to guest stars and series regulars on television to national and regional commercials. AIDA does FREE classes where you participate and don't audit. Why not try learning Australian acting techniques? For details on our next free class visit us at www.aidaacting.com but first, please read this information below….

Feel free to check out our "Success Stories" page on our website to read about student bookings!!!!!


DETAILS FOR THE FREE CLASS: (PLEASE READ ALL THE DETAILS IN THIS EMAIL CAREFULLY)WHEN: Monday May 1st, 2006 with classes starting at both 5:00pm and 7:30pm. Classes will go for 2.5 hours.
WHERE: All Classes are held at Champion Studios, located at 257 West 39th Street 14th Floor. N.Y. N.Y. 10018 (Between 8th & 9th) Mapquest, or check a Thomas guide for directions.)
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURE: If you're planning on coming to the FREE CLASS please do the following:1. Go to www.aidaacting.com. Click on the New York link.2. Only reply via email if you are "definitely" planning on coming. 3. PLEASE mark the message "Free Acting Class - NYC".4. Please give us the following information: 1. your telephone number, 2. your email address and 3. your full name in your email. (Because there is a limit to the number of people who can come into the space).5. Please let us know which class you would like to attend – The class at 5.00pm OR 7.30pm?6. Please write the FREE CLASS date and address details from this email into your diary to remind you of the class.NOTE: NO OTHER TEACHERS ARE ALLOWED TO ATTEND.*****You will be sent a confirmation email when you make the list*****.

Headshot Deal

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To be removed from our mailing list reply to this email with "REMOVE" in the subject line.

Are you Gorgeous

Acting Career FAQ - Are You Gorgeous?
by
Bob Fraser
I get this sort of letter many times a week.
Dear Bob,
I love acting. I have been doing it since I was 13. Since I moved to New York, people tell me that I'm not good looking enough to be an actor.
I'm not sure because I don't like the way I look either. I'm sending you my pictures to look at.
Well? What do you think?
Signed, Jack (or Jill)
Here's the answer I send out.
Dear Jack (or Jill),
Why does the hero (or heroine) have to be gorgeous?
The answer to this question is the key to achieving one of the most basic 'mind-sets'
of the professional actor.
Once you understand the answer, you will improve your performance in auditions, interviews, onstage, on camera, in public and you will be able to enjoy an over-all peace of mind about your chances of success.
Here's the answer: The hero is usually
conventionally attractive for two reasons;
First, the audience is meant to identify with the hero and it's so much easier for most people to identify with someone nice looking.
(Suspension of disbelief, a crucial part of story telling, requires the constant removal of impediments to the audience's understanding
- i.e., an ugly, short, green hero will mean taking time for a really good explanation.)
Secondly, the reason we watch stories, on stage or screen, is because we like to watch.
It is important that the audience be in a 'rooting' mood as they watch the hero.
Those are just the basic facts of telling stories - as we do - in 'pictures.'
What if you aren't the next Brad Pitt? Or Sandra Bullock? Does that mean you have a lesser chance of succeeding?
Truthfully? If your goal is too play the hero - it's going to be tougher. Not that it can't happen. Let's face it, the number of less than beautiful movie stars (heroes) is fairly substantial. From Humphrey Bogart to Whoopi Goldberg. From Steve Buscemi to Kathy Bates - and there are many more. But 9 times out of 10 the hero should be attractive.
'Twas ever thus.
What does that mean to those of us who aren't hero types?
It means RELAX.
In most stories there is only one hero and one heroine. ALL THE OTHER PARTS are just people - characters who can look like almost anything at all.
Can you look like you? Duh.
What you look like is part of the whole 'you'
package. If you are not happy with the way you look - join the BILLIONS of us who feel the same way.
That feeling comes with being human. It's so ingrained in the human psyche, that when we meet someone who likes the way she looks, we're a bit put off. Liking your own looks is a very unattractive quality.
We make fun of those kind of people.
Okay, that brings us to the important part...
If you look like the hero you'll probably have a shot at playing the hero. If you look like the bad guy - guess what? If you look like Uncle Ferd, The Nurse, or Lawyer McNulty - well, you have a good chance of landing those parts. You will probably be competitive. It will usually be between you and someone else who looks like Uncle Ferd. You've got a fifty percent shot.
I'm being a little facetious to make a point:
Good storytellers (writers, directors & actors) do not give a rat's hiney what you look like.
Period. They just don't care. If you are what they think Lawyer McNulty should look like - and you can walk and chew gum... you've got a real chance at the part.
This all simply means that you must dispense with any concerns, worries, hesitations, or thoughts of giving up... just because of the way you look.
You look like you. It has nothing to do with whether you will fulfill your dreams.
All snowflakes are composed of the same thing.
And they all possess the same features - they are all cold, for instance. But all snowflakes are different.
Leaves, rocks, blades of grass, bugs, animals - well, you get the idea - all different. Whether or not it is divine providence or some German chaos theory that makes all things in nature, different, we can argue about over coffee sometime. But no matter what makes it that way
- it is just a fact: No two natural things are exactly alike.
Bottom Line? You are a unique human being. When we watch a story, one of the best parts is watching the people - because every one we see is different.
We try to bend nature to our will, "Doesn't that guy look like my cousin, Edward?" "She reminds me of Katherine Hepburn." - but the fact remains...
Each of us is different. Like snowflakes.
The only place where snowflakes look alike is in 2nd grade, when we all cut them out from the same pattern. Remember? Teacher put them all up on the bulletin board.
Did it ever look like snow to you?
Don't worry about the way you look. You are a snowflake and without you and your fellows - we'd have no snow. And you know what they say...

Monday, April 10, 2006

DPS Presents

Dramatists Play Service is pleased to announce the publication of:
CROWNS by Regina Taylor"Taylor pulls off a Hat Trick: She scores thrice, turning CROWNS into an artful amalgamation of oral history, fashion show, and musical theater…Hats off to Regina Taylor for a considerable achievement." —TheatreMania.com "…wholly theatrical…Ms. Taylor has created a show that seems to arise out of spontaneous combustion, as if a bevy of department-store customers simultaneously decided to stage a revival meeting in the changing room." —The New York Times "Warm, wise and wonderful." —The Star Ledger
SIN (A CARDINAL DEPOSED) by Michael MurphyWinner of a 2005 Obie Award. “SIN looks at the scandalous child sex-abuse crimes that sent shockwaves through the Catholic Church. In his stark treatment, Michael Murphy studiously avoids graphic accounts of creepy priests diddling altar boys. His stunning revelations are presented by contrasting depositions given by Cardinal Law with statements of young victims and their families.” —Variety “Murphy’s quietly disturbing play…reveals with devastating clarity the dubious role that Cardinal Law played in a tragedy that irreparably damaged hundred of families and destroyed more than a few lives.” —The New York Times
TOUCH by Toni Press-Coffman“…a gripping, heart-wrenching, tender drama whose scenes shift seamlessly, character to character, past to present.” —The New York Times “So often these days, theater aspires to nothing more than sheer escapism. But now and then, a deeply touching play comes along. TOUCH is one of those.” —The Miami Herald “Toni Press-Coffman’s play celebrates the beauty of survival with eloquence and grace.” —The Portland Oregonian
BROOKLYN BOY by Donald Margulies“Margulies’ remarkable gift of building characterization through realistic dialogue is undiminished. Full of aching ruefulness that underlies the comedy, BROOKLYN BOY’s scenes are written with precision and humor. The play isn’t about Brooklyn, nor is it about a boy—it’s about a man without a home.” —LA Times. “BROOKLYN BOY is the funniest and one of Margulies’ most moving plays. This comedy delivers the kind of humane pleasures that brought audiences from all over New York City to Broadway during the post–World War II era. For those who have watched Margulies develop…BROOKLYN BOY offers the subtler pleasure of watching a master deftly weave so many lifelong themes into this comedy-drama’s colorful fabric.” —San Diego Union-Tribune.
EVE-OLUTION by Hilary Illick and Jennifer Krier“…the authors are right to insist there is pathos in the plight of women who go to college not for an MRS. but for an M.A. or Ph.D., but discover after a child or two that the first credential cancels the others…many women will be moved by the gumption and humanity of these everyday stories and by the aspirations that a hardboiled achiever like Alison swallows when she quits her faculty job, saying in bewilderment, ‘I love my kids so much more than I planned.’” —NY Times. “These side-by-side monologues have many vivid and nakedly honest stories to tell; there are certainly two skillful writers at work, and it seems that it is the strength of their collaboration that brought these stories out of each other.” —nytheatre.com.
FRANKLIN'S APPRENTICE by Laurie Brooks“Engrossing and entertaining…skillfully wraps scientific inquiry, romance, family conflict and Frankliniana…” —Philadelphia Inquirer. “…a top drawer piece of theatre. It held the audience completely rapt, cheering every scene and wanting more.” —Tennessean.
GRILLER by Eric Bogosian“Bogosian is a born storyteller with perfect pitch.” —NY Times. “…the master of urban anger has moved to the suburbs…GRILLER is a searing, skewering comedy.” —centerstage.net. “Bogosian reveals a keen ear for psychobabble…and a wry perspec-tive on the hollowness of the American Dream.” —CurtainUp.
HUMPTY DUMPTY by Eric Bogosian“[HUMPTY DUMPTY] combines elements of Stephen King with a dollop of Lord of the Flies…Mr. Bogosian has a fine eye for damning detail, and he’s particularly good at making fun of the self-absorbed.” —NY Times.
THE MAGIC FIRE by Lillian Groag“Lillian Groag set about writing THE MAGIC FIRE a few years ago with an interesting image in mind. She wanted to create a big novel for the stage, with the rich texture, large cast of vivid characters and universal issues often found in a fine work of fiction. She succeeded. THE MAGIC FIRE effortlessly flows from short scene to short scene, and we come to have real affection for these people as we get to know them.” —Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee). “This is a full-bodied drama, not minimalist or spare. The characters are flamboyant, the scenes are old fashioned and fully realized…It is three hours of delicious theatre…” —CurtainUp.
THE OLDEST PROFESSION by Paula Vogel“Captures Ms. Vogel’s most essential gift as a playwright: an ability to find transfixing warmth and vitality in subjects often employed to titillate or repel…this venturesome dramatist provides a transforming theatrical wit, compassion and tolerance that keeps…theatregoers hooked.” —NY Times.
RED ANGEL by Eric Bogosian“…Bogosian displays all the rambunctious energy and rebel spirit of his more youthful works. His wit is as venomous as ever, his material even more devastating and polished than before.” —NY Daily News.
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE by Eric Bogosian“In WAKE UP, Bogosian is in top form, saying once again that in order to be truly alive you must see everything, especially the stuff most people work hard to avoid seeing.” —LA Times. “No, Bogosian isn’t angry: He’s furious. And perplexed. And neurotic. And as brilliant as ever. [WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE is] a glorious cacophony of voices that mimics the confusing complexity of life in the Information Age.” —Boston Globe. “Bogosian hasn’t simply crossed the line of good taste, he has snorted it.” —Daily Texan.

To read about these titles and purchase acting editions, click on the links above.
To view all our recently published plays, click on Now Published.
Dramatists Play Service, Inc.440 Park Avenue SouthNew York, NY 10016Tel. 212-683-8960Fax 212-213-1539www.dramatists.compostmaster@dramatists.com

Cover Letters

COVER LETTERS Some people say to send one, some people say don’t send one. And if you send one, what should you REALLY say in it? What, oh, what is one to do in today’s complicated, confusing world? Fear not – we have the answers. First of all, we have found that the majority of the industry you send your headshots to, DO appreciate or expect a cover letter. In fact, some agents will not consider a headshot that is sent without a cover letter. And a minority say they don’t read them. Do you know which is which? Didn’t think so. Therefore, we recommend you send a cover letter to EVERYONE you send a headshot to. And for those who don’t read a cover letter they can just toss it away and be sufficiently impressed with your headshot. Let’s get to the details: The actual size of the cover letter is important. Make it Monarch size, which is ½ the size of a regular piece of paper: 5 ½ x 8 ½. This size sits very nicely on top of your headshot, which is much better than the regular size, which gets dog-eared in the mail and doesn’t make the best impression. You can make Monarch size by trimming regular paper or going to a place like Kinko’s and they’ll slice it for you for a modest price. Our students have use of our guillotine to make them at no cost. Printers will also print up a supply with your name on it at relatively little cost. Now, what to put on it: Those in the industry say put in your accomplishments, not your dreams. Be concise, to the point. Respect the reader’s time and patience. Do not threaten! Yes, we get ‘em. And they wonder why they can get a job, representation, a life, etc. Here is an example of what not to write: Dear Johnny, [this is the Agent’s name] My friend told me you did Commercials, and I need an agent. It’s been my dream for the past 17 years to be famous, and I definitely have the looks and talent to do it! I’m a natural. Trust me – you won’t be disappointed. Please call me to set up an appointment. I expect to hear from you shortly. Tony Fakename Wow. Now, want to read a better cover letter? For contacting print agents, here is a recommended form letter that is extracted from Mr. Powers’ book, “Here’s Looking at You, the Actor’s Guide to Commercial Print.” It is strongly recommended that you modify the letter a bit to avoid agents being deluged with the exact same “original” letter! Dear (first name, last name): [don’t use just first name - that’s presumptuous!] I am enclosing my headshots for your consideration. I have an excellent look at the (insert your types here) in the (insert your age range here) age range. I am a fresh face on the market and have the skills and expertise to effectively compete for bookings. I would like to telephone you shortly to set up an appointment convenient for you to discuss opportunities through your agency. Thank you. Sincerely, (your name) Short and to the point and “they” will appreciate your consideration and professionalism. Should you write it or print it? If you have neat handwriting, go for it. For you others, your printer will come in handy. A great cover letter is but one part of your “package,” of course. Be sure you have a “glow in the dark” headshot to put in on! But that’s the subject for another Weekly Tip!

Castings

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Project : Feature Script Reading
4 African American actors needed for April 28th feature horror script reading in Manhattan
One female (age 20-35), One male (age 20-35), One male (age 40-60), One reader
No pay and there will be no audience. Only the producers who are trying get a feel of how the script is written will be present.
Reading should only last about 1 1/2 hours
If interested please contact Kevin
kdj16@juno.com
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Subject: TV Show Development Assistant / Paid internship in NYCWell known producer & best selling author is creating a new female African-American comedy series for Cable TV. He is looking for interns to work on the show's development. Duties include talent scouting, assistance on location, script research, writing and generating funny ideas, and general office duties.REQUIREMENTS:Candidates must be in tune with female sensibilities and humor. This is a fun, but fast paced project. Applicants must be organized, highly motivated self-starters and be located in the NYC area.They must be hard working and cool under pressure. Should be computer proficient. In the first stage of the project, development, a small stipend will be paid. The pilot and series phases can lead to fully paid positions. Apply ASAP. Only two slots available at present.This commitment initially requires only two days per week until the pilot is produced.CONTACT Please send resumes and info detailing your experience to: creativedir4@yahoo.com
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Subject: short film in AllentownGreat opportunity. Short film being shot in theAllentown PA area. Female actor needed and smallcrew. sound and lighting important. dramatic piece. This project is legitimate. Compensation for all. Contact for more info:
nonfilteredprod@hotmail.com
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Subject: CREW CALL FOR BROOKLYN, NY MUSIC VIDEO SHOOT!CREW CALL!!!!We are currently seeking to fill the following positions for a short music video:Sound man or woman to record sound for a music video on Saturday, April 8 and Sunday April 9th.Script SupervisorProduction AssistantVideographer to shoot background footage of shoot while in progress.ABOUT THE FILMHipHop/Electronica Artist and playwright Hanifah Walidah makes herdirectorial debut in her upcoming music video planned to debut on theLOGO channel this summer. You can find out more about Hanifah Walidahat www.suckaforlife.comOur short film, disguised as a music video intends to give homage tothe lengendary house parties thrown by women of color throughout thedecades. The video will be shot as a short film with dialogue andother non-speaking acting roles that will illustrate the life andlegacy of these women from the 1930's til present day. This video is afirst, being that it will stand as a more complete and well intendedreflection of queer women of color seen in popular media.We are planning to shoot the weekend of April 8th and 9th. This is a low/no budget venture. But national exposure is guaranteed.We offer: Food, an organized, well run and fun set and crew.PLEASE SEND ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO saemkap@yahoo.com or nefrem@nefremneter.com.Subject: PRODUCTION DESIGNER neededPRODUCTION DESIGNER needed for low budget independent film shooting in Los Angeles. Please send your resume to: TorchLight Media PO BOX 741086 Los Angeles, CA 90004 No online resumes will be accepted.
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Subject: Seeking An FCP Editor/CollaboratorGreetings all:I'm looking for an experienced, talented and capable FCP editor; someone proficient enough to take the rough parts of my film to fine cut status. It's a short film with lots of potential (seriously), about 25 minutes long. I've assembled a basic edit, but I need a savvy editor to piece-in some extras, smooth over the rough patches and perform some general tightening and tweaking (and to make the film look awesome when complete). Ideally, though not strictly, I'm looking for someone willing to work for a credit and copy, but some payment CAN BE arranged for the right situation. Serious inquiries only, folks. I need to get this done ASAP. Thanks for reading, please
assist!--LCScreenpeace101@yahoo.com
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Subject: CREW NEEDED FOR INDIE FILMTalented and dedicated crew needed for independent film shooting in Los Angeles. The following crew members are needed:LINE PRODUCERFIRST ASSISTANT DIRECTORSCRIPT SUPERVISORSTORYBOARD ARTISTLOCATION MANAGERCATERERPlease send your resume to:TorchLight MediaPO BOX 741086Los Angeles, CA 90004No online resumes will be accepted.

ANF Short Film Collective

ANF Short Film Collective; Thursday April 13th at 6:45p.m. at NY Perks 193 Smith Street, in the Cobble Hill Section of Brooklyn (between Warren & Baltic St.) (Take the F train to Bergen Street), Featuring:“Alone” By Clayton Broomes Jr(An instant connection between two lonely strangers leads to a journey of discovery revolving around the puzzling issue of suicide)“Oxtail” from the writers of the Bernie Mac show, Antonia March and Jacqueline McKinley(A comedy for an one who believes in love) “Pandemonium” By James Gillard (Just a few more lines)( Success isn’t as easy as you may think)The mission of ANF showcase, and many to follow is to give filmmakers a public venue for their work so they can receive feedback on and support for their projects. So come, mingle, network, laugh, cry; support the work of emerging filmmakers. ActNow Foundation, (212-414-5144) http://www.actnowproduction,org , is a Not-For-Profit 501c3 Arts Organization.

Show Biz Resume

How to Write and Post a Show Biz Resume Online.
or
Details of a Show Biz Recruiter's Living Hell and her Dreams of a Better Future.
By Deborah Paulino
Managing edtor of an entertainment employment resource and resume library.
I've been reading and moderating show biz resumes online for 7 years, for all mediums and genres. Every year I write and broadcast an article about this subject. Not because I have nothing industry else to write about, but because people post the most stupid things in show biz resume libraries and it drives show biz employers and me crazy. And it is not getting any better, dammit!
I'm not joking. Some budding bright sparks just write "I am the best" or "Make me a star" or "I am looking or a job" or "I have experience"; not even enough words for a half decent classified ad. One person sent me a death threat after I asked them to repost a professional resume with more detail.
They wrote "how dare you suggest I am un professional, I have been in the business 12 years... If you insinuate I am unprofessional again I will..." I replied to them that I read show biz resumes for a living and that by the look of their first notice I could only assume. Then there are other sorts of self sabotage...
About 20% of showbiz resume posters, if not prompted, don't include any contact at all, or if they do, the emails or links to web sites or web sites themselves often don't work. (actually this also happens with employers posting jobs, to a lesser degree) Then there are the photos.
Photos can give you a 70% better chance at a response, a professional photo that is. Yet performers keep posting amateur fuzzy happy snaps, and crew post school photos or driver's license photos. For goodness sake people, in show biz presentation IS everything. An employer is going to look at that photo and make their first impression about YOU from it.
For some reason when it comes to promoting one's self and show biz resumes, "some people" seem to think they don't have to make an effort.
Like show biz business is make believe or something and show biz employers come looking for you and are very easily impressed; NOT.
Show biz employers skip over these "some people" posts as not serious or tourists. Plus there is the other end of the extreme, the "over achievers".
The "over achiever" writes a one size fits all boiler plate with their acting, belly dance, film editing, public relations, dj, author, office assistant, waitress, dog walker, mountain bike racer, ambient artist, cartoonist, lighting designer, house painter, interior decorator, baby sitter etc. skills and experiences all in one resume. Sorry but absolutely not! Employers will think you are unfocused, possibly delusional, 5 to 1 flaky, and therefore unemployable.
So what do show biz employers want to see?
Show biz employers are just the same as nine to five employers, they want to see a professional resume custom written for their opportunity job/role/position/exposure/funding they are offering and which you are applying for. They want to see you have thought about their opportunity and industry and that you've take time to write skill set keywords, credits, work experience, summary description relating to that opportunity. It always pays to advertise, never be shy about self promotion but always keep it business like, to the point, and truthful.
Industry, trade, B2B means real business, show biz is real business, and you as a person looking to receive money from any industry makes you, yourself, a business. The first rule of thumb for any kind of business, and especially show business is...
Read More...
http://www.gigdirectory.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=553&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

Personal Managers

Acting Career FAQ - Personal Managers
by
Bob Fraser


I get a lot of questions about personal managers.
"How do I know whether a manager is legitimate or
not?" "What's the difference between managers and
agents?" "Do I need one?" "Can you recommend a
good manager?"


So here's my 'take' on personal managers:


In my opinion, a good manager is a "partner" in
your career.


In many stories of show business success, a crucial
point is the finding a manager who believes in the
talent. There are literally legendary stories of
managers who have been critical to an actor's huge
success.


But ... the fact is that anyone can CALL themselves
a "manager."


I advise all actors to check the credentials of any
potential show biz "partner" - by doing their own
due diligence. This includes finding out what trade
organizations your potential manager belongs to (the
pros almost always belong to manager's association),
his or her reputation in the 'community,' and the
sense you get when you meet with your potential
personal manager.


In the world of show business, every relationship
is fraught with "possibilities" - and each actor
must make her (his) own way.


This is one of the most difficult parts of handling
the rough waters of Hollywood (or Broadway) ... but
handle it you must - or start looking into the
thrilling possibilities of government work.


MANAGERS AND AGENTS


Personal Managers are people who help move your career
upwards by continually working on the forward progress
of your business. As the name implies, they manage
things. They vet your contracts, keep your schedule on
track, advise you on projects, and manage the everyday
business of 'you.'


They will guide you toward the good agencies, keep your
name in front of producers, and interact with your agent,
publicist, and business manager.


In most cases a manager does not solicit work for you.
In fact, in some states - like California - it's not
even legal. That's the agent's job.


Your agent is a SALES PROFESSIONAL. They solicit work
for you. A good agent is out there, every day, drumming
up business. Most of the time your agent is on the phone
with potential employers (producers) trying to convince
them to use you in their latest project.


They are also your principal negotiator once a producer
is interested enough to make you an offer. (Many agents
are lawyers, by the way.)


In most cases, you will almost always be required
to win the role in question, yourself. In other words,
YOU will have to "close the deal" in a meeting or
audition. Therefore, it's a good idea to think of your
agent as the salesman who does the 'cold calling' in
an effort to secure an appointment for you.


Once you've started up the ladder in show business,
you ARE going to need an agent to continue climbing.


DO YOU NEED A MANAGER?


That really depends on what kind of actor you are.


If you're the ambitious, type-A, upwardly mobile, sky's
the limit sort of pro, who is always looking for the
main-chance - YES.


There are many actors who continue to hustle like a
magazine salesman even after they've 'made it.' (Check
out William Shatner's list of current projects.)


An actor aiming for the stars almost surely needs a
manager. There are just too many details on the road
to stardom, for an actor to handle on her own.


On the other hand, you may be the type of work-a-day
craftsman who feels comfortable in the so-called
'rut' of working on a regular basis, doing the same
sort of character every time out - in order to collect
a semi-regular paycheck and medical coverage.


Stardom is just not something you want - or would be
comfortable trying to accomplish.


If that describes you, then you probably don't really
need a manager.


Once you achieve that place where you're comfortable -
you are precisely where you plan to stay for your
working life. Managing that kind of career is not
really so complicated ... or demanding.


Of course, you may still want a manager - because a
good manager can keep you in that comfortable niche
for a long time.


RECOMMENDING A MANAGER


Here's my recommendations:


Look for someone who's professional, organized,
dedicated, honest and businesslike.


Check their credentials.


Also, make sure that you will be able to get along
with them. Don't sign with anyone who makes you
uncomfortable. This could be a long relationship -
so tread carefully.


Make sure that your manager is thoroughly convinced
that you will be making a lot of money. Because if
they don't believe that, then there is no basis for
a good business relationship. And believe me, the
top people won't even consider you - unless they
think you're going to 'bring home the bacon.'


By the way, if you're just getting started - don't
waste any time trying to get a top agent or manager
interested in you. Start by doing the sales and
management yourself.


Until you're making money.


That's when you should start looking for 'representation.'


Because when you're making money - agents and managers
start getting truly interested in you. And THAT'S when
you have the best chance of forming a lasting, valuable,
business relationship.


And that's what you really want.

The Networking Bible for Actors

The Underground Actors Guide to Success aka The Networking Bible for Actors.
Step by Step and chapter by chapter instructions on the real business side of the business.
You've met agents before.- Learn how to get them to stay in touch with YOU- Instead of you submitting and calling them again and again.
After reading this book, you will no longer be able to say 'if only I knew the right people'..
With chapters on how to get into SAG on your own terms and how to find the teacher or mentor that will help you with your career.
How to start getting good roles in Indie films with real budgets- that pay!
How to network effectively, where the people you want to know are, and how to get them to want to be in touch with you.
Go to ActorsNY.com and click the book link to read more and to order.
It will answer so many of your questions about why person A is booking work and moving forward, with or without an agent or manager, while person B is moving slowly or almost not moving forward at all- and give you the option to be that person A, if you choose.
If you follow what The Underground Actors Guide tells you, you will skyrocket past the others that don't have this information. And I'm betting that even If others have the info, 89 % won't stay focused and committed enough to apply it.
This book is practical knowledge that you can use.
Go To ActorsNY.com and click the RED book link.
It will be some of the best information you've gotten in the business.