“Where do you get your clients?”
Boy, I hear that question all the time. The people who ask it are usually not in the industry, so the process is a mystery to them. But I think a lot of actors have the same curiosity, so this week, I’d like to share how I met the last three additions to my roster. Naturally, the names and a few specifics have been changed, but the details are pretty much spot-on.
Now please allow me to introduce Alyssa, Marina, and Brad.
ALYSSA
You know her. Alyssa was on a famous TV show, but she’s been absent from view for almost two years because she decided to have a baby. All good there, but sadly, the industry tends to forget performers who take time off. This doesn’t bother me because actors have a way of coming back when you least expect it. That’s why I agreed to meet Alyssa when her manager, a guy I share several clients with, called. During the meeting, I explained that the key to getting her back in the game would be to contact all her fans and people who have hired her in the past so they know she’s back. And then, after she books a few gigs, we can broaden our scope and make new introductions. The pitch worked and Alyssa is now a client. This is an actor who was referred to me.
How to Get an Acting Agent MARINA
This industry loves foreigners. There’s a perception that actors from England and Australia are better trained than our homegrown thespians. Is this true? I guess it’s a matter of opinion, but as an agent, it’s my job to address the needs of the marketplace, so I’ve gone out of my way to create relationships with my counterparts in London and Sydney. That’s how I ended up signing Marina. This girl is both stunning and talented, with the ability to turn off her British accent at will. I met her through an agent friend in the U.K. and my company signed her as she was in the process of obtaining her O-1 visa. So far, Marina has been sending self-tapes from across the pond and the response here has been promising. She’s coming to L.A. for pilot season and I’m very excited about her prospects. This is also an actor who was referred to me.
BRAD
I love attending workshops where the other industry guests are casting directors or their associates. It gives me a chance to get to know them better. As a result, I’ve made a lot of casting friends over the years who constantly send me potential clients. And that’s how I met Brad. He was introduced to me by a casting director’s assistant who saw him perform at a workshop. I trust her taste and she claimed he was the cat’s meow, so we took a meeting and, the next thing you know, Brad’s a client. Another actor who was referred to me.
Did you notice what all three actors have in common? They came with a reference. Understanding this one simple fact can help you appreciate how the business works and how important it is for you to create your own set of industry contacts who will refer you to the right agent.
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