Dear Jackie:
I took your advice [Back Stage 1/26/06] about the manager who stood me up, and I called him back. It was the day after our appointment. I explained that I thought we had a meeting but offered that maybe I wrote the day down wrong. He paused for a long time and then hung up. I was so shocked that I laughed out loud. A minute later he called me back and said he was sorry, the line had "cut out." But I know my cell didn't cut out, and he was on a landline. He went on to say, "Uh, I thought we were supposed to meet today, and, uh, I was there, but you weren't." I apologized for the miscommunication and suggested we reschedule. He said it was a busy week and I should call him next week to set something up. That was it.
I now knew that this guy was not for real. Although the temptation was there to meet with him, I do not want someone as flaky and incompetent as this guy representing me.
Distressed No More, via the Internet
Dear Distressed:
Good for you. You got the clarity you needed--and a good laugh--simply by following up in a professional manner. We often think of "professional" in reference to what we should do--be on time, know our lines, etc.--but it also refers to how we should expect to be treated. We need to extend professional courtesy, but professionalism gives us the strength to calmly, politely ask for respect in return. It gives us the will to turn away when we-despite our best efforts--are slighted. I admire your choice to toss this manager's number in the garbage and aim higher.
Still, I was surprised that you didn't call the manager when you first noticed he was late for your appointment. Instead you waited for 45 minutes and then returned home, disappointed. I suppose it's because of the obvious power imbalance in our industry coupled with what feel like enormous stakes. I bet you would have had a very different reaction if you had been interviewing for a job at Starbucks and the shift supervisor didn't show. My point is that it's possible the only reason you assumed the worst is because you wanted to succeed so badly. Yes, this manager turned out to be a jerk, but mistakes happen. Don't let this experience sour your outlook.
My final advice, as you head out to land representation and launch your career, is that you should relax. Assume the best about people and about yourself. While some will disappoint, take comfort in the idea that things often work out as they should. This manager's flakiness helped you avoid a relationship that would clearly have been frustrating at best. What a gift!
Dear Jackie:
I will be relocating to L.A. soon and would like to find a non-SAG agent to represent me for print and other nonunion work.
I have a local agent who is very reliable and honest. She gets me good paying print ad jobs and takes 20 percent. She is not SAG, as most of the work in San José is non-SAG. Where can I find someone like her in the L.A. area who is reliable and specialized in print work for my type?
-Passion, San José, Calif.
Dear Passion:
Don't worry about finding a "non-SAG agent." Agents can submit their nonunion clients for union and nonunion jobs. There was a time when SAG required its members to work only with SAG-franchised agencies, but currently members are free to work with either franchised agents or members of the Association of Talent Agencies/ National Association of Talent Representatives, typically under a General Service Agreement. You are nonunion, but you should make it a point to sign only with an ATA/NATR or SAG-franchised agent who is licensed and bonded by the state. Check the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement's online database at www.dir.ca.gov/databases/dlselr/Talag.html or call (415) 703-4808. In New York talent agents are considered employment agencies and are licensed by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. Call 311, or (212) 639-9675 from outside the New York City area.
You can find a list of licensed and franchised or ATA/NATR agents on the SAG website (sag.org); look at the "Agency Information" under "Resources." You can also find licensed agents who are members of the ATA/NATR on its site (agentassociation.com). Go to the "Actors' Agent Search" for a "list of professional, licensed talent agencies."
As for finding reps who specialize in print ads and take nonunion clients of your type, you will have to do your own research. Once you arrive in L.A., you will find a bounty of information in your fellow actors. Ask classmates, cast mates, and friends for recommendations. Check out up-to-date publications such as the Acting World Books The Agencies. The ATA/NATR website also lists member agents' specialties.
For the record, print work is nonunion, and, in most markets, the percentage your agent takes is negotiable. In L.A. print commissions shouldn't exceed 20 percent. For union work, a licensed agent typically takes 10 percent. In New York licensed agents can't take more than 10 percent commission regardless of a project or client's union affiliation.
Dear Jackie:
Can I email my headshot and résumé to you to look over? I would love your input.
--Marty, via the Internet
Dear Marty:
I am happy to give you my opinion on your materials--on one condition. You need to send me a link to your headshot and résumé on a website. If you can't currently do this, make it a priority. Many casting directors and agents will not open attachments. Some have their in boxes set so that any emails with attachments are automatically deleted. This isn't a risk you can take. Get your materials on one or more of the reputable actor/casting websites such as BackStage.com, actorsaccess.com, nowcasting.com, or one of the Casting Networks sites: lacasting.com in L.A., nycasting.com in NYC, and sfcasting.com in San Francisco. Most of these sites offer free registration, including the uploading of your résumé and a couple of pictures, so you can easily get your materials on the web at no cost; the sites charge for additional materials and extras. If you are Internet savvy, you may want to launch a website and send out links to your own marketing tool.
If your submission is unsolicited and there is no time constraint, it's still not a bad idea to use snail mail, especially for first contact with a representative or casting person. Emails are too easy to delete.