As an agent, I've seen many an application that I've literally passed over for various reasons so let's help you write the best application so we can increase the chances of it being seen.
NOTE
It's important to note that the longer a rep, whether it is an agent or a manager, is spending looking at your application, the less time they are spending pitching their clients and networking with their buyers so make your application as short and sweet as possible.
INTRODUCTION
Make your introduction as professional but personable as possible. Remember - first impressions count.
CREDITS / CURRENT PROJECTS I want to know what your most notable credits are and what you are working on right now. This gives me a sense of the types of roles and projects you feel you are suited for and more importantly where the industry has put you so far.
TRAINING
As an agent, I'm aware of the top teachers, coaches and schools in the biz. I want to know where you've trained, who you've trained with and what skills you've learnt from them. Bonus points if you've trained with people or schools that I personally know & if my clients are training with them too.
NETWORK
Sometimes it's appropriate to show who is in your network, especially if you have a close connection with them that they're willing to back you up. I've seen this in the form of references where contact details are provided so I can call or email them; some have provided written references from their network. I also want to know that if I take you on, will having you on the books increase my network of buyers who may give you work should you join my books. Remember - this industry is all about relationships. But don't go overboard. One or two is more than enough.
MATERIALS
I don't want to waste my time waiting for downloads and opening multiple folders. Your headshot and cv should be clearly labelled with your name. Your signature should have your website linked to it. You should provide links in the body of the email outlining what they are so if I'm interested, I can just click and play. If you are sending me a whole file - I will not watch it.
The above, I believe, are what you need to make your application as concise as possible. Now to get down to business.
EXAMPLE #1
Hi Agent Name,
How are you? I hope you are well.
My name is Stacy and I'm looking for representation. I'm currently working on this procedural as a series regular and recently received a callback for a supporting role on a highly anticipated feature film produced by [insert company here].
I am currently training with XYZ for this skill and have been with XYZ for X amount of time.
I have attached my headshot & CV for review as well as links to my casting profiles and reels below.
- Casting Profile 1: www.linkhere.com
- Casting Profile 2: www.linkhere.com
- Showreel: www.linkhere.com
- Scene 1: www.linkhere.com
- Scene 2: www.linkhere.com
Thank you for your time, Stacy.
EXAMPLE #2
Hi Agent Name,
How are you? I hope you are well.
My name is Stacy and I'm looking for representation. I'm very much a sitcom mom. You know they type - apron, rolling pin, cheesy smile with the crazy husband? Yeah - that type.
I'm currently working on this sitcom as a co-star and a few months ago, I left an episode of this sitcom to cool on the bench in which I had another co-star role.
I'm currently studying with this sitcom coach and I'm also learning this accent as I've wanted to stand out from all the other moms. I've previously studied with this scene study teacher and found great success from this improvisation coach too which got me nominated for "best supporting actor" in this production.
You will find hanging on the line of this email my headshot & CV as well as links to all my material below.
- Showreel: www.linkhere.com
- Scene 1: www.linkhere.com
- Scene 2: www.linkhere.com
- Speciality Skills: www.linkhere.com
- Casting Profile 1: www.linkhere.com
- Casting Profile 2: www.linkhere.com
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Stacy
While both cover letters have the information required, which one do you think reps will gravitate towards?
DON'T
Don't sound desperate. Don't write a sob story. Don't write something that requires me to scroll 5 times. Remember, it's Show Business. Business now, friends later. I will get to know you when I call you in for an interview. For now, let your work speak for you.
CHECKLIST
- Is my application as short as to the point as possible?
- Have I introduced myself in a professional yet personable way?
- Have I listed my notable and recent credits and/or current projects?
- Have I mentioned any notable teachers/schools where I'm studying right now?
- Have I dropped notable names who are willing to back me up?
- Have I made all my materials easy to access?
- Is my cover letter "business"