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agency help

Question:

How do you know what your agency is rated? Example of all the talk between A agencies and C agencies.

There’s no rating system, Cal. You’re thinking "A" list v. "B" list for a party as an analogy. Carl — I promise to change my sig lines as often as I change my underwear. – CASalonen

Response:

How do you know what your agency is rated? Example of all the talk between A agencies and C agencies.

Response:

How do you know what your agency is rated? Example of all the talk between A agencies and C agencies.

there’s no official "rating system" for talent agencies.  It’s more of an understood thing.  There is probably a book on "agencies" sold at theatrical bookstores that might "grade" them, but for the most part there is no real criteria. CAA, William Morris, ICM and a few others are the A+ agencies.  With hundreds of other agencies falling somewhere between A and C (a few D’s and E’s but they probably aren’t franchised by the guild.)  How do you tell where your agency falls into that imagined grading system?  Who knows?  You might ask some others and get their opinion. My take on it is this: If you’re going out a lot and booking many gigs and your agent returns your calls enthusiastically…it’s an A agency.  lol — Michelle

Response:

I mentioned the Manager thing as just ONE possibility.  Sometimes it is worth the higher fee when one is establishing themself if they can find a Manager who has connections.  it’s not the only way, but it is one way and I’ve seen it work.  a good manager connected to a good agent can in some cases get the actor more money which justifies the hgiher commission the actor has to pay.

Mick, you as usual, didn’t read the post carefully, and knee-jerked your way (jerking being your want and mien). She *is* established, more so, I think, than you, since she actually has worked and wasn’t afraid to mention it was in under-fives. Guess you got stiffed on tips at Denny’s this week, huh? Carl — I promise to change my sig lines as often as I change my underwear. – CASalonen

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 it takes a village… …to have an idiot, and you fit the bill nicely. EVERY agent that I have ever met who has worked LA has said that, unless the earnings of the actor justify it from a personal manager pov, a manager is simply useless. Carl — I promise to change my sig lines as often as I change my underwear. – CASalonen

Response:

Particularly in the LA market, once one has an agent, until one becomes a helluva celebrity, managers are tits on a bull: you’re signed with one agent, and that’s who is going to help you get the work.

That’s just not true.  Many actors out here who aren’t celebrities have both an agent and a Manager.  And in many cases not just ONE agent, but several – commercial, theatrical, voice-over.   my manager has a much smaller client list than my agents and gets me in places the agencies can’t because he is spending a lot of time on opening doors just for me.  once I get in and get the job then the agent goes to work on negotiating me the best rate possible.  it takes a village… — Michelle

Response:

Mick, a manager AND an agent for someone who’s barely getting by in thebusiness? This poor schnook’s going to be giving away 25% (ten to theagent, fifteen to the manager) for the under fives she’s going tocontinue to get!

Sparla, I left your ill advised note to this person alone but since you want to jump on mine let’s just say yours was about as far from helpful as most of your takes on what a modern actor should do.  Do you have an agent…other than for insurance I mean. I mentioned the Manager thing as just ONE possibility.  Sometimes it is worth the higher fee when one is establishing themself if they can find a Manager who has connections.  it’s not the only way, but it is one way and I’ve seen it work.  a good manager connected to a good agent can in some cases get the actor more money which justifies the hgiher commission the actor has to pay. PUL-eeeze! Are you *sure* you’re in the business? On the acting side?

Yes but am very doubtful you are.  You seem to live in a world of old stage plays and movies.  it’s not just inappropriate that you give advice here to anyone but often times it’s detremental. Your advice on how not to get an A level agent was actually pretty good, even if it really told Kaci nothing of importance nor answered her question

as opposed to yours that told her that the reason she was only getting out fo auditions for under 5’s is because she’s no good.   her question is not answerable.  there is no definitive answers to how to get ahead in show business and I mentioned that in my note.  No one knows for sure how to do anything and there are no rules, but there are things a person might do to increase the chances of being seen or getting the attention of a new and better agent.  the fact that she is interested in getting a better agent in Los Angeles (a place you have no idea how it works) should have been the indicator for you to shut up and try for once to leave one note untouched.  you know you DON’t have to respond to EVERY note that’s posted in this newsgroup. really. — Michelle — Michelle

Response:

And having an A level agent guarantees you … have an A level agent. Quite often in the big houses like CAA, you can easily get lost in the shuffle.

In a lot of cases you are exactly right.  Better to concentrate on finding an agent who is respected in the business and believes in your talent. Carl, I know you think the Manager bit is a bad idea, but my take is, it may be worth the dough. Again, Kari is the Consumer here. If it increases her bookings and rate, then it pays off. If not, no harm done.

Bingo.  I’m glad someone here has some understanding of the business. Okay, I have to screw around now. Can’t help it.

lol! — Michelle

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tits on a bull

<g must remember that one ……

Response:

Carl, I know you think the Manager bit is a bad idea, but my take is, it may be worth the dough. Again, Kari is the Consumer here. If it increases her bookings and rate, then it pays off. If not, no harm done.

Annie, not "bad idea". Unnecessary, in my opinion. Particularly in the LA market, once one has an agent, until one becomes a helluva celebrity, managers are tits on a bull: you’re signed with one agent, and that’s who is going to help you get the work. Now, in New York, different story. Since you can freelance all over the place, a manager *may* be necessary to keep track of all these opportunities, since as an economic asset, a diversified actor is less valuable to an agent than an exclusively contracted one. Carl — I promise to change my sig lines as often as I change my underwear. – CASalonen

Response:

Mick, a manager AND an agent for someone who’s barely getting by in

thebusiness? This poor schnook’s going to be giving away 25% (ten to theagent, fifteen to the manager) for the under fives she’s going tocontinue to get! Sparla, I left your ill advised note to this person alone but since you want to jump on mine let’s just say yours was about as far from helpful as most of your takes on what a modern actor should do.  Do you have an agent…other than for insurance I mean. I mentioned the Manager thing as just ONE possibility.  Sometimes it is worth the higher fee when one is establishing themself if they can find a Manager who has connections.  it’s not the only way, but it is one way and I’ve seen it work.  a good manager connected to a good agent can in some cases get the actor more money which justifies the hgiher commission the actor has to pay. PUL-eeeze! Are you *sure* you’re in the business? On the acting side?

Yes but am very doubtful you are.  You seem to live in a world of old stage plays and movies.  it’s not just inappropriate that you give advice here to anyone but often times it’s detremental. Your advice on how not to get an A level agent was actually pretty good, even if it really told Kaci nothing of importance nor answered her question

as opposed to yours that told her that the reason she was only getting out for auditions for under 5’s is because she’s no good.   her question is not answerable.  there is no definitive answers to how to get ahead in show business and I mentioned that in my note.  No one knows for sure how to do anything and there are no rules, but there are things a person might do to increase the chances of being seen or getting the attention of a new and better agent.  the fact that she is interested in getting a better agent in Los Angeles (a place you have no idea how it works) should have been the indicator for you to shut up and try for once to leave one note untouched.  you know you DON’t have to respond to EVERY note that’s posted in this newsgroup.  really. — Michelle

Response:

As hard as it may seem agents actually do try and keep in touch with what’s going on in the business.  they are always looking for the "next big thing"

And having an A level agent guarantees you … have an A level agent. Quite often in the big houses like CAA, you can easily get lost in the shuffle. Have you asked your agent why you are not getting sent on other than under 5’s? If so, what was the answer? If not, why? Are you networking? Are your tools and instrument in good order? Carl, I know you think the Manager bit is a bad idea, but my take is, it may be worth the dough. Again, Kari is the Consumer here. If it increases her bookings and rate, then it pays off. If not, no harm done. Kari, have you sat down with your agent and had a talk with him/her about your unhappiness? I would do that before looking for another. Maybe than can help you, maybe they can’t, but I think you owe them the opportunity to improve before you move on. Get with that kind of mindset. Be proactive with your career. It’s YOUR career. Okay, I have to screw around now. Can’t help it. I’m posting naked. PP(c)

Response:

Another thing you might consider is to try and find a Manager.  one of the jobs of a personal manager is to connect their clients with agencies.  there are problems with managers though.  they are not really governed by law like agents are, nor are they franchised.  so be cautious when signing with one – who is on their roster?  how much are they going to charge you?  do they have a plan that sounds realistic?  how long do they want you to sign with them?

Mick, a manager AND an agent for someone who’s barely getting by in the business? This poor schnook’s going to be giving away 25% (ten to the agent, fifteen to the manager) for the under fives she’s going to continue to get! PUL-eeeze! Are you *sure* you’re in the business? On the acting side? Your advice on how not to get an A level agent was actually pretty good, even if it really told Kaci nothing of importance nor answered her question, except that you recommended she get out and get work on her own right and build a reputation in the business. This is actually bang on, Mick, and I for one am proud that you knew this. Carl — I promise to change my sig lines as often as I change my underwear. – CASalonen

Response:

Hi my name is Kaci Powell and I would like some advice on getting a better agent. I am in the LA market, and I’ve done OK, but I am still with a

C level agency (they were my first) and I think it might be a good idea to move up a little. I’m in my 20’s and I’m versatile but would like a chance to move past the under five’s which is mostly what my agent gets me

Kaci, Upgrading to a better agent is a constant Christmas wish for many many LA actors.  You have to remember you are in the city with the cream of the crop of talent and desire.  It’s the showbiz capital and it draws a lot of people. once here everyone soon realizes they need someone to get them into the auditions.  the problem is there are only so many A level agents that the pyramid starts to crumble from there.  It’s one of those Catch-22 things.  If an actor goes "looking" for an agent they probably aren’t at a point where an agent really wants them; most of the agencies that are any good want people that are "happening".  most of them have a huge roster of clients already and that’s why you never see anyone respectable advertising for new clients.  so what do actors do?  anything they can to be in the enviable position for the agents to come to them.  plays, standup, independant movies.  As hard as it may seem agents actually do try and keep in touch with what’s going on in the business.  they are always looking for the "next big thing"  One of my best friends just signed with an A- agency after being courted by several of the A+ agencies.  Why?  because she had her pick and really felt that she might get lost at the A+ agencies.  The one she signed with really clicked with her and offered a "plan"  So far it’s paid off.   Another thing you might consider is to try and find a Manager.  one of the jobs of a personal manager is to connect their clients with agencies.  there are problems with managers though.  they are not really governed by law like agents are, nor are they franchised.  so be cautious when signing with one – who is on their roster?  how much are they going to charge you?  do they have a plan that sounds realistic?  how long do they want you to sign with them? you’re smart to move away fromt he under 5 stuff.  It gets you nowhere. I have turned down lots of auditions and subsequently lost an agent because of it.  no problem, I did a stage play that got lots of attention, one of actors in the show is a very recognizable name and his agent signed me after seeing the play.  I moved up a notch and have been getting some pretty good roles.   You can try the "mailing" thing but I would advise against it.  why do you think you can get those labels so easy?  because everyone gets them and breakdowns and other people that put them out make a lot of money from them. agents get flooded with headshots and cards that most of the time they just get tossed in the trash.  I know of a few people who have been called in but it’s really not a good gamble.  unless you’re looking for a comercial agent and then sending pictures isn’t a bad idea because they are mostly looking for just a certain look to fill out their roster. sorry I haven’t given you any A + B = C advice but the reason for that is that there really isn’t any formula to getting a good agent.  and even if you do upgrade to someone who’s more in the loop, there’s no saying that they’ll give you enough attention over the hundreds of other clients they have.   bottom line like eveything else, this is a business as well as an art form. you have to be a talented product that people can use and at the same time you use them.  do stage plays, but try to just do good ones with roles that display your talents.  stay away from the scene readings and "showcase" crap that no one takes serious other than the people who put them on and collect your money.  when you are in a production of note and get some good reviews then you might consider a mailing.  but do a little homework.  don’t just mass mail things. concentrate on agencies you know something about and send them a personal letter and invite. just my 5 cents worth.  best of luck.  L.A.’s the place! — Michelle

Response:

     Hi my name is Kaci Powell and I would like some advice on getting a better agent. I am in the LA market, and I’ve done OK, but I am still with a C level agency (they were my first) and I think it might be a good idea to move up a little. I’m in my 20’s and I’m versatile but would like a chance to move past the under five’s which is mostly what my agent gets me now.      I can see there’re are a number of jokers in here so please, I’m not screwing around so please don’t screw with me, serious replies only. Thanks! Kaci.

Kaci, all due respect. The person you need to talk to is your current agent. Ask him or her why they aren’t getting you better roles. Listen to what they have to say. It might be that they are lousy agents. It might also be that you don’t have what it takes. Under either circumstance, you have to be objective in your evaluation of what you are told. These are people who deal with you day-to-day, and they hear back from the people you’ve worked with, and they may not want to send you out on bigger jobs because of this opinion they’ve had of you. And Kaci? Don’t forget that agents talk to agents. If you go looking for another agent, and you tell them about this one, you can bet they’ll be looking to talk to each other. Carl — I promise to change my sig lines as often as I change my underwear. – CASalonen

Response:

     Hi my name is Kaci Powell and I would like some advice on getting a better agent. I am in the LA market, and I’ve done OK, but I am still with a C level agency (they were my first) and I think it might be a good idea to move up a little. I’m in my 20’s and I’m versatile but would like a chance to move past the under five’s which is mostly what my agent gets me now.      I can see there’re are a number of jokers in here so please, I’m not screwing around so please don’t screw with me, serious replies only. Thanks! Kaci.

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