Introduction
Inside these pages I have compiled a resource of information about acting and the industry around it that should be helpful for actors that are just starting out. Over the past three years I have been fortunate enough to learn about the entertainment industry by working as an agent in training in the New York offices of Bauman, Redanty & Shaul and in the commercial/print division of The William Schill Agency. I have included a few articles below that you may find helpful. More information can be found at www.mackephotography.com.
Sections:
-Starting Out
-Agents
-Resumes
-Headshots
-Laugh A Little
-NYC Resources
Starting Out
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Choosing to pursue an acting career can be a very exciting decision. Acting, when given the opportunity, is a privilege. You have an opportunity to spend an evening with an audience and know that in end you have made them put aside their problems for a moment, and reflect on themselves and the people around them. Actors have an opportunity to affect people and make them think about something important.
When you are just starting out, there are a couple of things you should consider. First, it is important to understand that an acting career is a lifelong commitment. Most successful actors are truly committed to the art of acting alone and their love of acting is what has kept them going through the years. Many people are tempted to get into this industry at the prospect of fame or money. Please understand that very few people are getting paid large salaries to act and even less "make it big." That means that a lot of the time all you will have is your art. If that is not enough, you should consider pursing something else as a career.
Secondly, just as people do not become successful doctors and lawyers without training, you should not expect to become a great actor without any training. Great acting looks effortless but it is really years of experience and training working together to create what you see. Take your time and take classes. You will come to value what you learn, become more confident and rely on it when you start working.
Agents
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When are you ready for an agent? Actors usually start working with agents after completing a training program or after they’ve started booking important jobs. Agents and actors usually only go hand in hand in the bigger markets like NYC and LA. They may be useful in other geographic regions for print work and commercials. It’s important to understand that agents work for you, yet only make money if you get work.
There are different types of agents and you choose one based on the specific area you want to work in. A commercial agent works on commercials. A legit agent works on theater, film and television. A modeling agency works on print work. A voice-over agency works on voice-overs (radio commercials, animation voices). Agencies that handle numerous areas are often called "Full Service" agencies.
There is also a difference between franchised agencies and non-franchised agencies. A franchised agency is one that is licensed by a union to represent its actors. Many times franchised agents will work with non-union actors, though agencies that are not franchised cannot work with union actors. Franchised agents are also guided by strict regulations set by the unions (the agent can not take more than 10%, they can’t sell you services like classes and headshots, etc.).
Beware of anyone who asks for money before you book a job or says that you have to buy classes or new photos. Do keep in mind that an agent has every right to suggest you that you take a class or suggest you get new photos. You may benefit greatly from it. Just beware of one that says you have to take a specific class or go to a specific photographer in order to work with them. Beware of anyone who asks you to remove any clothing. Beware of anyone who makes unwanted advances. If it happens, get up and leave! Quickly! If you are young (18 and under), there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a parent with you to meet an agent. You’ll need them to sign any contracts on your behalf anyway since you’re a minor.
Franchised agents take 10% of your salary. Non-franchised agents and Managers (people who work like agents) are not regulated (yet) and are free to take as much money as they want. Some states have regulations that may offer a little protection. Ideally, you want to work with a franchised agent. You’ll have less to worry about.
There are a few ways you can get an agent. The most effective way is by being seen by the agent in a production that showcases you. This way the agent can get to see your work first hand and (ideally) get excited about what they see and want to send you out. The next best way is through a referral by a friend who’s with the agency. If your friend gives a glowing recommendation, you will usually land an interview. Finally, you can submit your photo and resume though the mail. Unless you have a credible resume or a fantastic headshot, it will probably go in the trash. The volume of mail an agency receives on any given day can be overwhelming.
How do you find the addresses for agencies? There is a monthly publication called "The Ross Reports" (click here to see where to buy it). This small book will give you the addresses of every talent agency and casting director in New York and LA.
Resumes
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An acting resume is very different from a professional resume. At the top of the resume you should have your name prominently displayed. Any union affiliations should go directly underneath your name (AEA, SAG, AFTRA). A phone number, height, weight, eye color, and hair color should be listed next. These statistics are important. The first thing I did when I started working at the agency was to create a database of actors. When I needed an actor that was 5’9" with blue eyes and gray hair, I found them through this database. While most agencies aren’t this high tech (yet), it is still helpful to list these statistics. There is no reason to put your address on your resume. You never know who will get their hands on it and show up on your doorstep.
I highly recommend investing in a voice mail service connected to a pager or cell phone. A typical thing that would happen to me at the agency was that a casting director would call at 6:30pm on Monday and ask to see "John Doe" the actor at 10am on Tuesday. If I could not get a hold of the actor right away, they would miss the audition. If this happens with the same actor on a regular basis, the agent will stop working as hard for them. They will find someone they can get in touch with. You would be surprised how many times I got a call a week later (or longer) from "John Doe" the actor to say how sorry they were because they hadn’t checked their messages. Keep in mind that an entire process has happened before an agent even calls you. We see a character you would be right for, type up a submission, and send your photo in the mail. The ball is rolling. Time and money is being spent on you. Then, maybe a day later, we get the call asking to see you. Up until this point you are not even involved. It’s very frustrating to do all this work for you and then have you miss the audition over something as simple as not getting a message.
Any credits should be listed next and categorized (in no particular order) as theater, film, television, commercials, and voice-overs. Each project should take up one line starting with the name of the project, the name of the character (for film and television credits, include the classification, i.e. Principal, Under 5…), and the name of the theater or production company (include the name of the director if they are well known). For commercials it is very acceptable to write, "list upon request" because of possible conflicting products (Pepsi ® vs. Coke ®).
Your resume should be concluded with your education (relevant to acting) and special skills. These skills include anything interesting that helps us get to know you better (dancing, languages spoken, dilects etc.)
Finally, your resume should be cut to 8x10 and stapled (one staple in each corner) to your photo. If don’t have many credits yet, don’t worry. Everyone starts somewhere. You should not lie about your credits. Getting caught is easier than you think.
Headshots
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There are two "types" of headshots: commercial and legit. A commercial shot is one where the actor is smiling, friendly, and glowing with enthusiasm. These photos are used primarily for (yes, you guessed it) commercials. The legit shot is more focused, intense, and dramatic. Such photos are used for dramatic plays, films, or television. Think "Law and Order" or "All My Children." There are exceptions where a commercial shot would be used for a television or other mediums (better to submit a commercial vs. legit headshot for a sitcom, etc.). Either way, you should have both types.
This is Funny - I found it as a chain letter:
An Actors Guide
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NYC Resources
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New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
musical recordings and just about anything else you need.
To top it all off, it's free.
40 Lincoln Center Plaza
Web Site
The Drama Book Shop
of the largest book stores specializing in theatre related
material.
250 West 40th Street
Phone: (212) 944-0595
Web Site
Applause Books
houses a wide selection of theatre related material also.
1841 Broadway # 1100
Web Site
Colony Music
Colony houses a huge collection of music covering
all genres from Broadway to Iron Maiden.
1619 Broadway
This place has things more along the lines of instruments, mics, etc.
156 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036-1578
Phone: (212)819-0576
Web Site
The Broadway Dance Center
By far the most popular dance hotspot for professionals and beginners alike.
221 W 57th St Fl 5, New York, NY 10019-2137
Phone: (212)582-9304
Web Site
Steps
A quieter and more traditional (so I've been told) alternative to BDC.
2121 Broadway # 3, New York, NY 10023-1786
Phone: (212)874-2410
Reproductions
This is the only lab in town that is able to make reproductions
directly from your original digital file. They are called MasterPrints.
I highly recommend this process if your photographer shoots digitally.
6 West 37th Street, New York, NY
Web Site
Taranto Labs
This lab is by far one of the best in quality and service.
The trade off is that their prices are a little higher than
other places. If your photographer shoots with film, this
is the best place to go.
245 West 19th Street, New York, NY
Phone: (212)691-6070
Web Site
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Phone: (212)879-5500
More information can be found at www.mackephotography.com.