How To Get An Agent In Hollywood

While being an actor is a fun way to make a living, it is also a business. As such, an actor needs help getting his or her name out to casting directors in order to book jobs. Having an agent is not the only way to get auditions but it is one of the easier methods. An agent is someone who represents you to casting directors involved in making movies and television shows. An agent also makes getting your foot in the door to audition for a part much easier.

I'm often asked how Zach landed his commercial and theatrical agents. There is not a single definitive answer of how to land an agent but there are some common steps you can do to try and get an agent in Hollywood.

The first step in the hunt for an agent happens before you start the hunt for an agent. Agents are not looking for new and inexperienced talent. They want performers who have already established a name or a brand.  Having a track record of some success shows the agent that you are somebody they can submit to casting directors and market around town.

What does this mean for you? It means you need to attend open auditions, casting calls and open mic nights. Practice and perform and get your name out in public. The more you audition and perform, the more people begin to know your name. Build a buzz about yourself to help catch the attention of an agent. It also helps to network with others in the same situation because you never know when a good word from another actor will help you in the future.

Another useful step in landing an agent is being active on social media. Social media allows you to build a rapport with others and form relationships that might turn into a face to face meeting at some point in the future. It is important to use caution and common sense when interacting with agents on social media. There is a fine line between being friendly online and coming across as pushy and desperate in your interactions. Take part in existing conversations and add something of substance to the topic being discussed. Don't push yourself or your agenda because you might look like a stalker.

Another way to get the attention of agents is to meet them in person. There are a variety of agent workshops available for you to attend. Do your research and make sure the agent is right for what you are trying to accomplish in your career. In other words, don't blindly pick a workshop to attend because you might discover the agent only handles a youth division or is a commercial agent when you're trying to get a theatrical agent.

Once you've established a relationship with an agent (and waited an appropriate amount of time so you don't come off as a stalker), it's time for you to send them a packet of your materials. Make sure the packet includes your most recent headshot, your acting resume, links to all of your social media accounts and a cover letter telling the agent what you bring to the table. Most agents already have clients that pay the bills. Why do they need to take a chance on you? What makes you the best choice over all of the others in Hollywood trying to join their talent roster? Don't write the cover letter in 5 minutes or less. Take a day or two to gather your thoughts and express what you can do for the agent and not what you expect the agent to do for you.

If you get the chance to interview with the agent in person, don't be late to the meeting! I've mentioned many times how being late to an audition or a call time is not acceptable. The same thing applies to meeting an agent. Don't make a bad first impression and come off as unreliable. Dress professionally while still maintaining a personal sense of style. The first impression you make is "the type" that the agent will view you as and will dominate the roles he submits you for in the future. Bring your headshot and resume just in case the agent doesn't have the materials handy at the moment. Finally, have an audition piece ready to go just in case you are requested to perform a scene.

Be prepared to listen while also having a set of questions ready to ask when it's your turn to speak. Some questions that are acceptable to ask include:

• How many clients does the agency currently have? 
• What "type" of roles do you see me playing? 
• Will you represent me directly or will one of your assistants?
• What do you expect of your clients?
• How many clients do you currently have that are my "type"?

I hope the steps and suggestions listed above aid you in your quest to land an agent. It's not easy but the payoff is worth it once you have someone actively pitching you to casting directors.

This Actor Has Two Agents That Keep Him On The Go With Auditions.

The Path To Acting Success

I've discussed ways to become a better actor many times on this blog. From acting classes to workshops to networking, there are a variety of ways to find success as an actor. Sometimes the path to acting success has less to do with acting and more to do with your attitude and the environment around you.

• Have a positive attitude - Being in the mindset that you're going to succeed doesn't mean you don't need to be realistic about your chances of success. Casting directors, producers, directors and other actors like to surround themselves with people that have a good attitude towards the project and the other members of the cast and crew. You'll be remembered just as much for your good attitude and positive outlook as your frown and bad attitude.

• Be an industry expert - This doesn't mean that you need to be a know-it-all who annoys everyone with your quick answers and cocky demeanor. It means you've taken the time to read books, articles and blogs on the entertainment industry. It means you've attended mixers and workshops to meet fellow actors and industry insiders. You've listened to them and thanked them for their valuable time, insights and advice. The more knowledge you gain as you enter the industry, the less surprises you'll run into down the road.

• Master the three "R's" - Reliable. Responsible. Ready. Three words that seem easy to master but many people have trouble handling one of them much less all three at the same time:

1. Being reliable means you are on time for auditions and rehearsals and don't hold up the rest of the cast. 
2. Being responsible means you are prepared when you get to the audition or rehearsal. You know your lines as well as the motivation of your character. 
3. Being ready means you are prepared to be on set and work hard. There are hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of people who dream of being on set as a working actor. Be worthy of the opportunity you have been given and be ready to perform.

• Pay attention - It's amazing what you can learn if you pay attention to the world around you. Acting classes, workshops, the people at your gym, coffee shop customers, movies and television shows are all learning opportunities. Don't sit passively and let the world float by you. Pay attention and watch other performers and regular people living their daily lives. The world is full of characters that you can watch and learn from 24/7.

• Be realistic - The odds of you becoming a star known the world over is not very big. You might make a living as a working actor but you could be an actor who is always asked, "Where have I seen you before?" Just know that being a working actor and entertaining crowds big and small is sometimes enough to count as success in the entertainment industry. While you might not be a big star, you'll be part of a community that supports you and helps you grow as an actor and a person with each project.

This actor is realistic with his goals but still dreams big.