Time is a valuable commodity to us agents and managers. Time is something that is so precious that a project can come and go within minutes and if we miss it, you miss out too.
QUESTIONS - CLOSED & OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS
When an agent asks you a question, take note to what type of question it is.
If it is a closed question, then it requires a “Yes” or “No” answer. We are asking you a closed question because that’s all the information we need. We don’t need to know your schedule for the whole day or why you can or can’t make it. We just need to find out if you can or can’t fulfil the request we are providing you.
If it is an open ended question, then keep your answer brief and to the point. Answer the question in as little words as possible. An open ended question means we need more information than a Yes or No can provide.
The reason this is important is because we have a deadline which requires a fast response. We don’t have the information at hand & usually have the Casting Director waiting to be called back. If we don’t get back to them in time, we may lose the job that we are fighting for.
MATERIALS
You may get a phone call with your agent asking you for material whether it’s a selfie, measurements, body shot or a quick intro to camera. Again, these are things that your agent doesn’t have which is why the request is being made.
If something like this comes up, drop everything and get it to your rep ASAP.
In order for them to complete a pitch to a CD, they need this material right now. If you don’t get it to your agent at that moment, your agent may lose the job as the CD themselves may be on a stricter deadline that your agent is.
Also your agent may be submitting a number of you in one pitch - don’t be the person to hold everyone else up and potentially lose the job. Get it to them right now.
MEETINGS
Make sure you schedule a meeting with your agent because your agent will allocate a slot of time to stop doing their work to be with you. Don’t rock up unannounced as this may throw a spanner in the works; they may not give you their full attention because they hadn’t factored in your presence during their work day.
When you do go in for your meeting, have an agenda ready. Cover all the points in your agenda as precisely and quickly as possible. This will ensure focus during the meeting and time management. If you cover all the points quickly and there’s time left in the allocated slot your agent has booked out, then they may get personable/ casual with you.
When you arrive for your meeting and your agent doesn’t get to you straight away, it means that they are working on a brief or finishing up an email or even on the phone with a casting director. Please be patient because they may be fighting for you at that very moment. Know that they know you are there and they will get to you ASAP.
You need to remember that any time your reps are chasing you or you are with your rep, they are NOT pitching you or looking for work for you, which is something you don’t want. So take as little time as possible so you can allow them to get those opportunities for you.
CHECKLIST
Is the question being asked an open or closed question?
How can I make my answer as short and precise as possible?
Does my agent have all the materials they need to sell me?
Can I drop everything right now to get requested materials to my rep?
Have an agenda when going in for your meeting with your rep.