I received this comment the other day. This person raises a good point which I think deserves a detailed reply.
Here is the comment and my reply -
anonymous said...
What really makes you such an expert? will the advice you give for $150.00 make that much of a difference and if so how? It is the producers choice who to pick for the job, will this info make an impact on him/her?
March 22, 2007 8:11 PM
Eric Klass replies...
I am always very careful not to describe myself as “an expert”. What I tell actors is that what I am giving them are my opinions, formed over more than 40 years as an actors agent - opinions they are free to question, or even, disagree with. I always tell them to beware of people who claim to know everything - and I welcome their thoughts, questions, etc. about the advice I give them.
It is true that it is the producer’s job to decide whom to pick for the job. The big problem for the actor is how to become one of the possible choices. One cannot be picked for the job, if one cannot get in to audition for the job – and that is where my many years of representing actors is of great help to the actor.
There are many people out there, promising many things to actors, often at great and continuing costs to the actor. The actor must make the often confusing choices as to whom to listen to. My 40+ years as an actors agent has given me a lot of experience and success in getting actors in to be seen by the people who have the power to hire them.
That is what I offer actors today.
Copyright 2007, Eric Klass Consulting. All rights reserved.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Establishing An Overall Game Plan For Your Acting Career
Since I started conducting one-on-one consultations with actors - after many years as a talent agent - one thing has become very clear to me – that many actors lack any semblance of an overall game plan toward achieving success in their chosen career.
As we know, actors are faced, on a daily basis, with a multitude of choices and decisions to be made regarding their careers. It can be very confusing and frustrating – decisions and choices such as:
Finding good representation – agents, managers, publicists, etc. – deciding who you should be contacting, and finding the best ways of contacting them.
Getting auditions – why do most of your auditions come from you and not your
representatives? Also, should you be paying to audition, and if so, who?
Acting classes, photographers, etc. – There are so many to choose from. How do you find the right ones for you?
For you, the actor, it is a question of learning to step back and look at “the big picture”,
and then being shown how to chart the path best suited to you.
It is not as difficult as it sounds. It is something learned over many years of representing actors – and it is something that you can learn to do in a short amount of time – usually about one hour.
There are no “tricks” or hidden costs here. You and I have a private one-on-one session,
with a one-time-only fee of $150 (which also allows you to make follow-up calls to me at no extra cost).
I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about the above. Please feel free to
contact me via my e-mail: eklass@earthlink.net. I will reply.
Eric Klass
Copyright 2007, Eric Klass Consulting. All rights reserved.
As we know, actors are faced, on a daily basis, with a multitude of choices and decisions to be made regarding their careers. It can be very confusing and frustrating – decisions and choices such as:
Finding good representation – agents, managers, publicists, etc. – deciding who you should be contacting, and finding the best ways of contacting them.
Getting auditions – why do most of your auditions come from you and not your
representatives? Also, should you be paying to audition, and if so, who?
Acting classes, photographers, etc. – There are so many to choose from. How do you find the right ones for you?
For you, the actor, it is a question of learning to step back and look at “the big picture”,
and then being shown how to chart the path best suited to you.
It is not as difficult as it sounds. It is something learned over many years of representing actors – and it is something that you can learn to do in a short amount of time – usually about one hour.
There are no “tricks” or hidden costs here. You and I have a private one-on-one session,
with a one-time-only fee of $150 (which also allows you to make follow-up calls to me at no extra cost).
I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about the above. Please feel free to
contact me via my e-mail: eklass@earthlink.net. I will reply.
Eric Klass
Copyright 2007, Eric Klass Consulting. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Eric Klass Article In Backstage/Backstage West
An article I wrote, entitled “Theatre – The Purest Form Of Acting”, appears
in the March 8 – 14, 2007 edition of Backstage/Backstage West.
As always, your comments are invited.
Eric Klass
Copyright 2007, Eric Klass Consulting. All rights reserved.
in the March 8 – 14, 2007 edition of Backstage/Backstage West.
As always, your comments are invited.
Eric Klass
Copyright 2007, Eric Klass Consulting. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
"The Actor As Unique Individual - Using Your Head Instead Of Your Wallet"
Actors often find themselves in the midst of a “carnival sideshow” – populated by individuals offering to sell them costly “information”, “programs” or “services”, which claim to be of help in advancing the actor’s career.
The choice for the actor among all these claims is often difficult and confusing.
There is, however, a very simple program in which actors can participate – to help them understand the nature of the acting business (and the industry at large) – and this program is absolutely free.
It is called “doing one’s homework”.
Actors must educate themselves as to the field in which they attempt to participate. It is a very simple process – as simple as watching television – or attending movies or theatre, to learn, and familiarize themselves, as to who the other players “in the league” are (particularly the working actors) and then finding out, through legitimate sources (websites such as imdb.com - or reliable interview sources, magazine and otherwise), what the backgrounds of these working individuals really are and how they actually got their starts.
Gaining such information can also be a healthy “dose of reality” – as well as an antidote – against the often outrageous (and costly) schemes being offered to actors.
As actors strive to learn and to succeed, they must learn to protect themselves against those who would take advantage of them, and also learn to avail themselves of far less costly information which is available to them.
Copyright 2007, Eric Klass Consulting. All rights reserved.
The choice for the actor among all these claims is often difficult and confusing.
There is, however, a very simple program in which actors can participate – to help them understand the nature of the acting business (and the industry at large) – and this program is absolutely free.
It is called “doing one’s homework”.
Actors must educate themselves as to the field in which they attempt to participate. It is a very simple process – as simple as watching television – or attending movies or theatre, to learn, and familiarize themselves, as to who the other players “in the league” are (particularly the working actors) and then finding out, through legitimate sources (websites such as imdb.com - or reliable interview sources, magazine and otherwise), what the backgrounds of these working individuals really are and how they actually got their starts.
Gaining such information can also be a healthy “dose of reality” – as well as an antidote – against the often outrageous (and costly) schemes being offered to actors.
As actors strive to learn and to succeed, they must learn to protect themselves against those who would take advantage of them, and also learn to avail themselves of far less costly information which is available to them.
Copyright 2007, Eric Klass Consulting. All rights reserved.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
"The Actor As Unique Individual - Learning To Stand Apart From The Multitude"
All people are unique individuals. Just as our DNA and fingerprints are unique, we ourselves are all unique. Acting, more than any other profession, makes use of this uniqueness in the way that actors perform, each in their own way, no two being exactly alike. When we see successful actors, we rarely have trouble telling them apart. We know them by their uniqueness.
More and more often these days, with the advances in electronic technology, actors unfortunately find themselves as “peas” in a very big electronic “pod”. Also, these days, when actors are presented with the opportunity to audition for individuals who are part of the casting process, the actors often have to “line up” and pay for the privilege.
Actors must learn how to use their own talents and uniqueness to stand apart as individuals – and be seen and recognized as such by those who can help advance their careers.
(To be continued)
Copyright 2007, Eric Klass Consulting. All rights reserved.
More and more often these days, with the advances in electronic technology, actors unfortunately find themselves as “peas” in a very big electronic “pod”. Also, these days, when actors are presented with the opportunity to audition for individuals who are part of the casting process, the actors often have to “line up” and pay for the privilege.
Actors must learn how to use their own talents and uniqueness to stand apart as individuals – and be seen and recognized as such by those who can help advance their careers.
(To be continued)
Copyright 2007, Eric Klass Consulting. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
"The Actor's Career - A Battle On Many Fronts"
Any individual seeking to establish a career as a working actor faces major battles on many fronts.
The primary battle the actor faces is the continuing struggle to find work - and all that struggle entails - the proper preparation and training, the struggle to be seen by the people who are truly involved in the hiring process, also including, but not limited to, achieving legitimate representation to help in gaining access to these people.
Another major battle the actor faces is against those I refer to as "The Profiteers". Their ads and solicitations are everywhere. They look too good to be true - and invariably they are. Individuals such as these are always found in situations where many people compete for few "prizes". These "Profiteers" take advantage in such situations by charging usually exorbitant sums for promises on which they cannot deliver - and for services that they are incapable of providing. They prey on the desperate and the frustrated - and the actors life, unfortunately, is often one of desperation and frustration.
These are not the only battles the actor faces - but they are the best areas in which to begin any discussion of actors and their careers.
OTHER POSSIBLE FUTURE DISCUSSION SUBJECTS INCLUDE -
"Getting Seen By The Right People" - The "do's" and "don'ts" of presenting yourself to the right people - those who can actually help you get work.
"How To Spot The Scammers and Profiteers - And How To Avoid Them" - also,
how to find the individuals who can legitimately help you.
"Checking The Credentials" - of the people who are seeking money from you (for their advice - or other services they claim to provide).
"How The Internet Can Help You" - and how it can also work to your disadvantage.
Your questions and opinions on these - and other such subjects - are invited. Let's hear from you.
Copyright 2007, Eric Klass Consulting. All rights reserved.
The primary battle the actor faces is the continuing struggle to find work - and all that struggle entails - the proper preparation and training, the struggle to be seen by the people who are truly involved in the hiring process, also including, but not limited to, achieving legitimate representation to help in gaining access to these people.
Another major battle the actor faces is against those I refer to as "The Profiteers". Their ads and solicitations are everywhere. They look too good to be true - and invariably they are. Individuals such as these are always found in situations where many people compete for few "prizes". These "Profiteers" take advantage in such situations by charging usually exorbitant sums for promises on which they cannot deliver - and for services that they are incapable of providing. They prey on the desperate and the frustrated - and the actors life, unfortunately, is often one of desperation and frustration.
These are not the only battles the actor faces - but they are the best areas in which to begin any discussion of actors and their careers.
OTHER POSSIBLE FUTURE DISCUSSION SUBJECTS INCLUDE -
"Getting Seen By The Right People" - The "do's" and "don'ts" of presenting yourself to the right people - those who can actually help you get work.
"How To Spot The Scammers and Profiteers - And How To Avoid Them" - also,
how to find the individuals who can legitimately help you.
"Checking The Credentials" - of the people who are seeking money from you (for their advice - or other services they claim to provide).
"How The Internet Can Help You" - and how it can also work to your disadvantage.
Your questions and opinions on these - and other such subjects - are invited. Let's hear from you.
Copyright 2007, Eric Klass Consulting. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
"Finding The Right Agent"
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.
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:
Posts (Atom)