Get in touch
555-555-5555
mymail@mailservice.com
They're both important and they both do similar and different things for you. An agent to me is most important because they will book the auditions for you but it is your responsibility to nail the auditions. An agent will receive 10 percent of your pay from a job, but a manager can receive 15 percent of your pay. A good manager is great to have because they're responsible for guiding your career which can be the difference between remaining a B-list actor and an A-list. Choose wisely. I hope you have enjoyed my list. I will have more content for you in my upcoming posts.
You're being monitored as soon as you walk into the room. Always have a look of confidence on your face. Act like you've done this before. Close the door behind you without turning your back on them. Tell them who you are and what part you're there to read for. You'll go to a marked spot on the floor, and when they tell you to begin, always have the first lines memorized and have the scene on paper away from your face so the camera can see it. But before you do anything, take a beat. Tip: Know who your character is and make good choices for him or her.
Becoming SAG takes hard work, being punctual, being attentive, making yourself available to work extra hours, and always asking for a SAG voucher. As a Non-Union actor, you need 3 union vouchers to become SAG-eligible. As a featured artist, you're usually in the scene with the actors. I had the looks of a detective, police officer, doctor, lawyer, you name it, so I didn't hesitate to ask. Usually, I asked the production assistant, but sometimes the Second AD would give me one.
I can't quite put my finger on why I was always picked as someone who was in the scene with the actors instead of being "atmosphere", but I believe it was because I was professional at all times. My wardrobe was always on point, I wasn't a goof-off, and the most important thing was...I made relationships with the Production Assistants on the set. Remember, it's who you know in Hollywood.
As a former background artist, I had to bust my tail to get some of the best jobs available at the time I was in Los Angeles. The experience was new to me, coming from the Midwest in the Late Nineties. After of course finding a suitable and affordable place to stay, the very first thing to do before anything else is to get headshots made. Most photographers have studios and are listed everywhere and also found in the paper Backstage Magazine. Once you have a photographer you will need a drama pose and a commercial one usually consisting of showing your smile. Tip: For those wanting to become an In-Demand Character Actor, in my experience, it's not wise to have the most perfect teeth or Brad Pitt face. Character actors have the longest careers in Hollywood because they fit so many scenarios. Sign with Central Casting. Central Casting is the most recognizable casting company in Los Angeles for jobs. You give them a photo of yourself with your details...ie...name, Height, Weight, any special abilities like martial arts skills, sports, dialects, anything that will get you booked on a show. You will get an 800 number to call in the morning to see if a role is available for you to play. Tip: If they ask you if you can act like someone or if you have experience in something like dancing or playing a sport, always say yes. LIE, LIE, LIE! Everybody does. Buy most of your wardrobe at the Thrift shop.
