TIM
How do I connect with an Agent directly if they do not accept emails or phone calls from Talent. I have heard it's much easier to have another Agent/Talent Manager submit you - possibly a producer or director? Of course making connections, acting classes, maybe workshops with top agents is an option?
SEAN
Every agency runs a little differently and it’s your job to find out how each agency runs their submission process. Make sure you only research agencies that you are interested in joining as there’s no point in you wasting time in researching agencies that you don’t want to be a part of.
You are correct in that other agents or talent managers may refer or submit you to other agents; and you are correct in that you can meet agents directly through mutual connections, acting classes and workshops.
Another couple of ways you can connect with an agent that you want to join are:
TALENT REFERRALS
If you know someone on the books of an agency that you want to join, get that person to refer you to their agent, only if you have a well established relationship with that person.
Talent agents take referrals from their clients with much more consideration because they trust their client’s perspectives and they trust that their clients understand what their agents look for in talent.
HOWEVER there’s a risk in this for your friend - their reputation. You don’t want to be a dud referral which causes your friend to have a dud reputation with their agent as this may stop the agent from trusting their judgements in the future; thus you need to ensure that you are strong enough, or at the very least to be on par with your friend before getting them to refer you to their agent.
PERFORMANCE INVITATIONS
Another way you can connect with an agent is to invite them to your performance whether it’s on stage or on screen.
STAGE - Have a couple of comp tickets emailed to your targeted agent/s so they can watch your performance. If you don’t have comps available, purchase the tickets yourself. DO NOT, under any circumstances, invite an agent to your performance and ask them to pay! Some of the time, agent’s won’t be able to attend but will send representatives in their place who will report back. So don’t be discouraged if this is the case - if anything take advantage of it. Find them after the show and get chummy. Not only will you have someone on your side personally but you’ll also have made an inside connection.
SCREEN - Send an electronic postcard to your targeted agent letting them know the date, time, network, show and role you’ll be playing so they’ll be able to keep an eye out for you in that episode or film. Follow up with them a couple days to a week later. If they were unable to watch it, send them a copy of your scenes from said show or film so they are able to watch it.
If they like your work, you may have an opening to send more material or perhaps get called in for a meeting.
CHECKLIST
Research which agency you want to submit for
Research what that particular agency’s submission policy is
Find a friend in the agency you want to join.
Ensure you are at least on par with your friend’s ability before asking for a referal
Invite your targeted agent to a performance with tickets whether they are comped or you have paid for them.
Invite your targeted agent to a screening of your show or film that you starred in being clear your role and when you appear.
Make sure you watch Tim's reel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lUaa9Kxv2w