As the holiday season arrives, I find myself studying the two lists that are currently on my desk at home. The first shows every production that has experienced a recent shutdown because of positive COVID-19 tests. It’s too long for comfort, which is why I keep a glass of spiked eggnog right next to it. The second is a reminder of everyone in my professional life who needs some Christmas cheer.
This year has been a fiscal car wreck, so my gift list is shorter than usual. I’ve got coworkers on it, with a handful of casting directors who always make my job easier. I love surprising people with the perfect present, so I’m going to do my best to make their 2020 season as festive as a Hallmark Christmas movie.
What about you? I always advise actors to give a little something to the industry professionals in their lives. Naturally, your reps should be at the top of that list, because they’re the battering rams that knock down doors for you. It’s not about spending a lot of money, it’s about the gesture and recognition.
COVID-19 Resources for Actors, Performers, and Creators Unfortunately, dropping by your agent’s office in a Santa hat with a bottle of wine is not a viable option right now. Everyone at my company is working from home. We have an assistant who picks up the mail every other day, because forwarding takes too long and client payments need to be processed quickly. Other than that, our office is a ghost town.
Some companies are working differently. I know an agency where the reps are taking turns going into the office—just like the way you play Russian Roulette. That seems to work for them, but I’m not on board. Not yet, anyway. So, check with your reps to see if there’s a way to safely drop off a gift.
Buying a present online and having it mailed to their office is fine. Asking your agent for their home address is not. So far, I’ve had seven clients ask. Pandemic or no pandemic, I don’t share that info with anyone because I’m a private and paranoid dude.
That said, here are a few cool options from clients who have surprised me this year:
- In the old days (2019), actors would come by in person with gifts, because that would get them some face time with their agents. Now, there’s a way to do it virtually. I just had a client set up a time to chat on Zoom, and while we were talking, he asked me to check my email. Surprise! A message popped up from him with a gift certificate for my favorite wine store. And since he was right there on the screen, I got to thank him in person.
- I’ve received several notices from clients who have made contributions in my name to one of the many worthwhile pandemic-related charities that are in dire need of money. The organizations have ranged from Feeding America to the Actors’ Equity Curtain Up Fund.
- I had a client with musical theater experience call me on Zoom so he could sing “Silent Night” for me and my wife. It was the perfect gift.
Do the best you can with the resources you have. The idea is to connect. Sometimes, the best gift is to be remembered.
Happy holidays!
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