Our Repped series asks agents to get real about what they want from prospective clients, Hollywood, headshots, and more. For unknown actors, traversing the gigantic pool of thousands of agents can be daunting. Most intimidating of all are the biggest agencies, which include CAA, UTA, and WME and often represent predominantly A-list clients. But even smaller agencies, including some represented here, can prove equally tricky when it comes to getting a foot in the door. So we asked our leading players for some advice on getting a meeting and sealing the deal. Who knows, you might find your future agent right here.
MICHAEL GREENE
Greene & Associates (Theatrical, Owner)
Describe your talent roster.
Great artists who want to use their talent to give back to the world and use their voices for positive change as they get more well-known.
What should they have prepared for a meeting?
One 2-minute piece from a play with another actor. Sandy Meisner [famed pioneer of the Meisner technique] mentored me from the time I was a 17-year-old actor, so I want to see how they work off of the other person.
What’s the No. 1 mistake people make in meetings?
If they say they’re not into charity and giving back, or they don’t need to grow or study anymore, we are not the right representatives for them.
What do you like in a headshot and showreel?
A headshot that really shows who the person is, not [one that is] all pretty and perfect. And in a reel, show us the minute that says, “I’m great at what I do.”
How has the business changed since you started?
We’re a boutique company with 100 clients, and all the big agencies except CAA attempt to steal our clients now. Their top agents like Kevin Huvane and Michael Katcher are very respectful. They don’t go after our clients. But a famous actress-writer was doing a pilot that our client was in, and her agent at William Morris wrote our client a letter [that read,] “I rep the famous actress-writer of the show and I don’t know if you’re represented but I’d love to sit down with you.” I thought, Does this actress-writer know how ruthless and unethical that is?
Are industry-changing movements from #MeToo and Time’s Up to “Black Panther” and inclusion riders trickling down into your work?
I think it’s fantastic. Our client Tessa Thompson is very involved with Time’s Up and is using the inclusion rider.
Is the gender parity movement in terms of Hollywood paydays a good thing for you and your clients?
Sometimes, when negotiating, you have to say, “Are you paying her less because she’s a woman? Because the actor is African-American or Hispanic?” You make companies accountable for how they make their deals.
What’s a recent client performance you’re especially proud of?
Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther and in “Marshall”; Aisha Hinds as Harriet Tubman in “Underground”; Tessa Thompson in “Thor”; and Omid Abtahi in “American Gods.” Plus, Ajiona Alexus and Alisha Boe in “13 Reasons Why.”
Ready to find an agent? Browse Backstage’s Call Sheet talent agency listings!