There is a lot of information "out there" regarding agents. Unfortunately a lot of this information is not kept up to date - or is just plain wrong.
A case in point -
My partner, Mike Belson, retired from the agency business in June 1994, and at that time Belson & Klass Associates became The Eric Klass Agency - until I closed my office in April 2006. That, now in January, 2007, I still receive pictures and resumes addressed to The Eric Klass Agency is understandible. That I still receive pictures and resumes addressed to Mike Belson at The Eric Klass Agency is not. Not only is there misinformation out there, apparently available on a large scale (Mike still gets lots of envelopes) but this misinformation apparently states that, not only didn't Mike retire 14 years ago, but that he now works for me!!! (A fact I remind him of every time we speak).
My conclusion:
Verify your facts before you contact people. Things like the correct spelling of their names, their addresses, etc. Also, use an envelope that looks like it might be interesting to open (nicely and neatly addressed). Don't write things on the envelope - like "Seeking Representation", etc. Believe me, they already know what these envelopes contain - and it's not pizza. (More on these envelopes and their contents at another time).
And now, back to the chase...
So, be skeptical of the information you see. My personal advice is to check with people familiar with the day to day dealings of various agents. I think the ideal people to speak with about agent recommendations for you, are people you know who work in Casting. Casting Directors and their staffs work with agents on a daily basis - so if you have such a friend, ask them for their advice.
At last - a meeting with an agent!
As an agent, whenever I would interview an actor for possible representation I would want to know things about them, other than what I had read in their resume, and seen in their picture - how they saw themselves, what they hoped to achieve as actors - essentially their "view of reality". I would briefly tell them about myself and my "view of reality", as it pertained to the people I represented, the business, etc.
I always tell actors that all they can expect from an agent is a common bond of understanding and a willingness of both parties to enthusiastically work hard on making the relationship successful. There are no magic formulas. There is only hard work.
(More on this subject at a later date)
Copyright 2007, Eric Klass Consulting. All rights reserved.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Mr. Klass, I am in the classic situation in which I have a "big name" agent who does not always return my calls, and otherwise shows lack of interest in my career. What does one do in such a situation?
Dear Anonymous -
From what you've told me, it does not sound good. "Big name" agent or not - it means little if your agent is not working for you. It really depends on your individual circumstances. "Lack of interest" is a vague term. Aside from not always returning your calls, how does this agent's "lack of interest" manifest itself? What are your expectations as to what this (or any agent) should be doing? I'd like to help you, but I'd have to know more about your situation.
Eric
It's a really long story, so maybe I had better email you with the details or stop by and talk. Nice there is someone who has been an agent himself to help an actor deal with things like this.
Post a Comment