A lot of you think agents don’t like actors, but that’s absolutely not true. It wouldn’t be possible for us to do our job effectively if we had no love for the product we’re trying to sell. Imagine a Tesla salesperson who hates electric cars. How would that even work?
“I respect anyone who has the courage to pursue a career in the arts. And I consider it a privilege to be part of those journeys.”
So, to be clear, agents don’t dislike actors. We just dislike some of the things they do. That was the seed for the creation of this column. But I want to shift direction this week, because Valentine’s Day is on my mind. Instead, I want to focus on the things I absolutely love about actors.
I’ve always been someone who wears his feelings on the inside. My dad served in the military, and that had a major effect on how I live my life. It takes a lot to make me cry or express any kind of painful emotion. But that’s so not true about actors. I love and respect their ability to live like raw nerves, dealing with every feeling as if they might need to remember it for a future role.
10 Surefire Ways to Make Your Agent Love Having Signed You About 10 years ago, I represented a young woman who was super talented and just starting out. Her résumé was as close to blank as you can get. Then, the day finally arrived when she booked her first role on a network show. It was just a few lines, but everyone has to start somewhere. When I called to give her the good news, I heard nothing, followed by a loud crash. A few seconds later, my client got back on the line and explained that she had just passed out. You could stick me in a morgue and force me to examine the insides of a dead body and I still wouldn’t pass out. But actors? They’re a different breed of cat!
I also appreciate the roles that clients get me to play. Every actor on my list brings out a different part of my personality. Some make me feel like the leader of an elite squad about to wage war on the entertainment industry. Others inspire me to share my business acumen as I take on the part of a business partner. And the young folks who are in desperate need of guidance help me tap into the paternal side I’ve kept hidden for so long.
Here’s a final reason I love actors, and it’s my favorite one. Actors are the living embodiment of the expression “Hope springs eternal.” That kind of outlook when the odds are stacked against you is inspiring. I feel like we can all use a little more of that in our lives. This is a tough business, and focusing on the bright side is much better than the alternative. According to neuroscience, the conscious brain can only hold one thought at a time, so it might as well be a positive one, right?
I may not always show it, but I have a great deal of affection for every actor I’ve represented, even the ones who seemed determined to annoy me. I respect anyone who has the courage to pursue a career in the arts. And I consider it a privilege to be part of those journeys.
Damn. A single tear just rolled down my cheek…
Oh, well. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!
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