I need a TERRIFIC legit agent to send me out on film and theater auditions. TV too.
I realized last week that I've pretty much hit a wall as to how far I can go with my manager and with my own proactiveness. Since I've being doing this (acting) thing, I've been really good about "pounding the pavement" and getting myself out there and I've been fortunate to be able to find work consistently. But the stakes have gotten higher in the last 6 months or so - its time for me to bump it up and seek representation that will not only get me into the doors I need to get into (my manager has actually done this here and there), but what is lacking within my representation team is that I need to seek someone who has great connections, who can pick up the phone and say "hey, you gotta see this girl, you gotta give her a shot." Someone who is focused, professional, connected and has their pulse on what's going on within the industry.
I was reading somewhere that Ed Harris had this kind of relationship with his first agent (maybe he's still with them??). The article said that sure, Ed is handsome and talented but there are so many out there like that......BUT he had an agent back in his early days that believed in him and really fought for him. And I know now, from my own trial and error and experience, that that's what I need.
I've met a couple agents through random referrals, and during these meetings I realized I would NEVER want to work with these folks! But I went for the interview experience and to keep my options opened. In the end, it was a great reminder that if your gut tells you something is a waste of time, its most likely a WASTE OF TIME. No need to question that feeling. Just trust it. Although, it did help me get a feel for how to keep myself prepared for these meetings, what kind of questions they might ask. So it wasn't a TOTAL wash. But I think these meetings left me feeling not-so-excited about seeking representation - so I've been doing my own thing until now.
And because I'm in the unions (SAG/AFTRA) - that's all the more the reason to seek legit rep. It's harder to get into these auditions on your own. Most of the work I can find on my own is non-union. Meaning, I can't do it since I'm a union member. This is the catch 22 about joining the unions and my advice to anyone thinking of joining: If you do, just be sure you are in a position to get yourself, regularly, into the union auditions. Because if you don't have an agent or manager that can do this, its really a big waste of time and money to be in the unions. You're better off in my opinion holding off and continuing to work non-union until you book that job where you are forced to join. Or until you have representation that can REGULARLY get you in those doors. That's actually what happened in my case - I reached a situation where I had to join.
So, with all that being said, my commercial agent (who I adore! he's the best!) has offered to give my info to their legit dept. And their legit dept has a terrific reputation. So I'm dropping off a packet later this week.
The hunt begins! GAME ON!
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