I've been seeing a lot of easy mistakes that talent are making, whether they are applying for a position on the books or if they are trying to get my attention. So here are a few Do's & Don'ts so you don't make these same mistakes.
DON'T #1
Don't make your cover letter the length of your life story. I just do not have the time to read through 5 scrolls worth of text, let alone try and watch a 4-5 min reel (BONUS TIP: which should be 2 mins max) AND read your CV and look at your headshot! Ain't no body got time for that!
DO #1
Do make your cover letter short, sweet and to the point. I already know that you're a passionate actor - tell me something that I don't know. Tell me something that says you've done your research into who I am and we have a connection such as we had the same breed of dog growing up or we somehow had the same teacher.
DON'T #2
Don't let your ego hit you on your way out! Actors - you need to prioritise what it is that YOU want for your career. If you want to work in corporate because the money is financially stable, great - focus your energy in corporate or your own online business. But don't waste my time by declining every audition I worked so hard to get you!
DO #2
Make your craft a priority and prove that it is so. You do this by going to class and sending your agent your material. You do this by practising and filming it to send to your agent. Go out and learn a new skill so we know you're expanding your toolbox so have more ammunition to sell you with.
DON'T #3
Don't complain you don't have money to get to classes and announce on social media that you are going on holiday. Or make extravagant purchases with what little money you have. Again, this makes you look like your holiday has more priority than your career.
DO #3
Do save your money so you can get to class every week. So you can go to masterclasses and workshops every month! What is it that you are doing to further your career every single day?
DON'T #4
Don't contact your agent outside of business hours. Some nights they may be working late and pitching the crap out of you. Other nights, they may be laying in front of the tv after a huge day of selling their clients. Unless you have a previous agreement amount contacting each other outside of business hours, then keep it strictly professional.
DO #4
Do accept calls from your agent outside of business hours. And do so ASAP! Your agent may be on another line with a CD at the same time and needing an answer from you right now.
DO reply to a text or email ASAP no matter what time of day or night it is. If you're replying 5, 6, 7 hours after the message was sent, you'll be lucky if that opportunity still exists! Chances are it's gone to someone else and you don't want that happening.
DON'T #5
Don't say "sorry" and follow it with "but". Using the work "but" after a statement means everything you said prior to that "but" doesn't matter and has no value.
DO #5
Use your words wisely. Take into consideration the time of day, how busy your agent is, the tone of their greeting. If it sounds like they are busy, be short and sweet and to the point. If they are answering with only "yes" or "no" answers, assume they don't have a lot of time. If they are asking you questions back, it is safe to assume there is time for a conversation.
FINAL DON'T
Don't tell your agent how to do their job. The moment you tell them how to do their job is the moment they lose all respect for you. By all means, please let your agent know your desires, but DO NOT tell them HOW to sell you, HOW to negotiate for you, HOW to talk you up to a CD. If you, as the talent, think you can do that, then you should be freelancing and selling yourself.
CHECKLIST:
Don't make that cover letter too long but DO make it short and sweet.
Don't waste your agent's time if this isn't the career you want but do prove to your agent that this is what you want to do by sending your materials. Actions speak louder than words.
Don't complain you have a lack of finances to get to class but book a holiday or buy expensive purchases.
Don't contact your agent outside of business hours but do accept theirs as it most likely is about a job.
Don't say things for the sake of saying things. Do use your words wisely.
DON'T tell your agent how to do their job.