Actor Growth

I recently just read that there was supposed to be an event happening here soon where there is like a panel of industry professionals who then discuss about their thoughts about the current film and TV industry. As well, it looks like they accept questions from the audience.

It looks like the panel would consist of people such as casting directors, agents and even actors. I was debating if I should go or not as I never attended anything like this before where it was specifically geared about the film industry here in BC.

Wasn’t sure if there was going to be a class today since it is Thanksgiving holiday week here and many people have left for a long weekend vacation. But, it did happen as enough people were around still. It was fairly the same routine today where we got a script ahead of time and then auditioned it.

For some reason today I don’t think I really learned too much compared to the other days as it felt more like a staying on top of your game day. Basically, it’s like exercising where you are just doing the same thing to build certain strengths. I guess that is good and bad depending on how you look at it.

There was one discussion that came up where one actor asked if it was appropriate to ask your agent about your career growth and what projects they have submitted you for. The coach said that many times when you ask agents this they will respond in an apprehensive way where they interpret it as you are questioning them if they are doing their job or not.

Another person mentions that his agent gives him like a submission breakdown every two weeks and it is great. He then came up with a point where if the agent is submitting you and all then there is no reason for them to be apprehensive over this. That is what I learned personally in school before too and so did this guy. Interestingly enough, the coach said that is not the norm though which kind of surprised me.

If anything I guess it was more about learning some different perspectives of the business side of the industry today. I’m still kind of surprised at that response to that question.

While on set for the shooting of season 2 of Fringe yesterday I was talking to another local actor that was currently in the midst of seeking for new principal representation. His reasons are pretty straight forward as he knows that there are a lot of auditions that he could be suited for but is not getting called for them.

He then dove a bit about the issue on how if a certain agent has a bad relationship with a specific casting director then most likely you won’t ever get called for potential roles that they may be casting for. I’ve been told many times that it is definitely small network of people that

The interesting thing is I personally can’t think of a non intrusive way to verify if say an agent and casting director hate each other for whatever reason as for the most part you are only going by rumors and hearsay from other people. In reality, if you are semi established with a unique skill then chances are things like this can be just a hurdle. But for up and coming talent this is more crucial as virtually no one knows you and things like this don’t exactly help the situation.

It seems like the only real way to find out is to network with a lot of other actors to get their general experiences where you then compile it to come up with your own conclusion. I know in general an agent can make a big difference though in terms of how much potential work you can get professionally.

Interesting experience I had today. Not too long ago I attended that workshop where the casting director mentioned how they could care less which agent you are with. While that may be true from their end in calling you in, as I discovered from an actor’s point of view that sure is not the case.

Basically, having an agent who is knowledgeable about the industry can be crucial as they can provide you with advice and direction on what you need to do to make things happen for your career. Example, they can tell you who to train with, where you should advertise yourself and give you input about your portfolio.

Essentially, you want someone that will guide and help push your career as oppose to just submitting you for roles. I remember with my first agent all he did really was act as the middle person and a result I was basically on my own for the most part.

The agent and actor relationship shouldn’t be like that I’d say as it should be more like a partnership. So no, from an actor’s point of view just signing up with any agent isn’t going to be the same in terms of helping your career.

I was reading some news lately about some local agencies here who have recently merged together and as a result everyone on the roster has been asked if they want to continue with the agent who is now under a different company name.

This is always an interesting scenario and sometimes actors get dropped as due to a merge the agency is going in a different direction and therefore they don’t feel that they have room for them anymore. Almost like getting downsized at a regular job.

In some ways it can be good too as with a merge that can usually mean a fresh start.

So I got a phone call from another agency I was talking to before and I never heard from them in awhile. Usually when this happens I assume I have gotten the cold shoulder. However, the person phoned me wondering what was happening as they were interested in having me come on board. So apparently there was some miscommunication. That basically gives another option.

The main dilemma at this point is either the newer agent who seems really nice and down to earth to me vs another agency that is more established and was specifically recommended to me from a person who is “in-the know”. If it was like trying to find a job it’s almost like interviewing with all the employers where I am being accepted for all of them.

One of them seems very nice with a good opportunity for growth since they just opened up this particular side of the business which can mean more focus to promote you. Whereas the other one has already established itself and so while initially it might start off more consistent for you in terms of results the future result may not be as fruitful as they have more people to deal with.

Choices…..choices. What to do and how to really narrow down the choice. I just don’t want to make the mistake like I did with my current representation where they didn’t do much for me where it has been almost a year. I wouldn’t want to go through another year of that scenario because as much as I do to make things happen for myself I know signing with the right agent will help immensely.