Would you like to know why so many actors have both an agent and a manager? It’s because they think a good manager will give them more personal attention, while their agent will only care about making a quick buck. Is that actually true? Of course not. But hey, welcome to Hollywood.
I’ve always believed in doing what’s best for the actors I work with. If they do well, I do well. It’s that simple. Here are three habits I’ve developed over the years that serve my clients and maximize their ability to book.
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1. Getting submissions right
When submitting a breakdown, I have a specific way of deciding who gets placed where. I never ask: What role can my client play? That’s typecasting. The smarter question is: Can my client play this role? Yes, that’s a fine line; but stay with me.
Most agents save time by deciding in advance what kinds of parts their clients can play. That makes the submission process quick, but it places limits on the performer. It’s wrong to assume that a funny guy can only play funny characters, or that a Shakespearean actor can only do Shakespeare. That kind of restrictive thinking prevents performers from getting considered for roles that aren’t an obvious fit.
That’s why I do things the other way around. Asking if my clients can play a specific part forces me to consider each opportunity on a case-by-case basis. This leads to surprising submissions, which casting directors love because they get bored by obvious choices.
How to Get an Acting Agent With No Experience 2. The art of lying
I don’t lie to my clients, but I do lie for my clients. Let’s say one of my actors is running late for an in-person callback because they got the time mixed up. Putting aside the stupidity of that excuse, I won’t tell the casting director the truth; I’ll just say that it was my fault. I’ll explain that I told my client the wrong time, but they’re racing over right now and should be there any minute. This little deception keeps the actor’s future with that casting office intact.
3. Reviewing self-tapes
These days, most auditions require actors to put themselves on video. Those self-tapes get sent to me, then I pass them along to casting. After that, all fingers and toes are crossed. When I talked to agents at other companies, I was shocked to learn that most of them don’t review tapes before they pass them on. This is nuts.
I watch every single audition that comes in. And sometimes, just like an overcooked steak, I send them back to the actor with a few notes. When I watch a self-tape, I’m checking for three things: Are there any technical issues? Has my client followed the casting director’s instructions? Is the acting all it can be?
Agents should remember that we make more money when our clients do well. So why not go the extra mile? It’s in everyone’s best interest.
This story originally appeared in the Aug. 8 issue of Backstage Magazine.
