I see a number of actors in FB groups and twitter complaining that they don't get replies from talent agents or talent managers. OR they complain that they get the blanket response of "we already have your type". The main reason for this is: WE ARE TIME POOR.
This industry runs so much on last minute because there is a long chain of communication from the top to the bottom and unfortunately the actors their reps are the last on that ladder and things change on the daily, sometimes even on the hour and so we as reps have to accomodate for these last minute tasks that pop up while putting everything else on hold while we handle that.
SUBMISSIONS
When it comes to submissions, I have a folder where I place all submissions and when I have the time, that's when I can attend to them. I know a number of reps who take on this practise too. Others are able to glance at applications on the fly and others won't. Some reps won't reply AT ALL and others will ALWAYS reply. Most reps will have their instructions on their website with their expectations and how they work with their submissions. Others won't. A safe assumption is that if you don't hear from them in 2 weeks, there MAY be no interest. If you feel like you HAVE to follow up, continue the original email chain after 2 weeks.
When you get blanket statement of "we already have your type", the reality is they most likely already do! Personally, I'm part of a boutique agency so we only take on those with ability but also those that we don't have a look of. Commercial agencies may have 5 of your type and not want a 6th. I find it rare that when someone uses this statement that they're actually using it to lie. Most I know use the line when it is only true.
DURING REPRESENTATION
If you are represented and you're finding your rep isn't replying, then there's a communication breakdown and you need to fix this up ASAP. Whether thats walking in to the office, booking an appointment with the assistant, sending multiple emails or through social media - clear up the issue.
Most reps should get back to you within 24 hours, so don't be afraid to follow up a couple times through the day. But after 24 hours and you haven't heard from them, chase them down!
Most likely, they haven't replied because they are busy submitting on a project (took me 5 hours to do one yesterday!), in numerous meetings throughout the day or are looking through a number of contracts (and they DO take a few hours each). So please be patient.
When you are sending through emails or are on the phone with your rep, be straight to the point. Don't talk about yourself, don't talk about the weekend - talk about the issue at hand and the reason you're calling as we don't have time to chit chat (unless we're the ones that instigate the personal talk).
CHECKLIST:
Don't take a "no" reply personally.
Know that reps are time poor.
Most of the time, a rep will have your type.
Make sure you know how your rep communicates so if that pattern breaks, you know that something's up.
