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Yo! I've had an agent for five years! I've been on tv shows and commercials, here and overseas! Before my agent, I had no film experience (apart from a youtube series that was NOT GOOD), and noone knew who I was, but they signed me anyway. Here's how I did it! https://twitter.com/caitypenrose/status/1320985006123012096
First, research! Make a big list of all the agencies that specialize in what you do. If you model, make sure they're modeling agencies. Acting, make sure they're acting agencies, etc.
Next, analyze! Look at all of their books and see how many of YOU they already have. How many people look kinda like you, and have similar credits to you. You're wanting agencies who don't have someone like you so you'll be top of the list when a job comes in that's perfect.
When you've found the agency that specializes in your craft, and has a you shaped hole in their books, look at their success rate. A lot of agencies out there promise a lot, but can they deliver? Remember, they work for you.
Once you've narrowed it down even more, nows the time to set up a meeting. I sent a brief email, naming a director they may know, expressing a time frame for a meeting, with my CV attached as a by the way. Make it easy for them to say yes.
In your meeting, you need to explain how you're different. Remember your research, highlight skills you know people on their books don't have (languages, instruments, horse riding, seriously, if you can ride a horse, that's a huge win). Don't be humble! You're amazing, tell them!
After my first meeting, they gave me a six month trial, which luckily lead to some work, and I've been with them ever since. This is not applicable to everyone ofcourse, this is a weird industry, but the idea that you already need to be someone with a big name is nonsense.
I cannot stress how little material I had! These were the headshots I sent through! You'll notice they're not what headshots look like and also they are *clears throat* NOT GOOD!
What I had to my advantage was the research I had done. I knew what to emphasize, I could play music and had a black belt in karate, fairly unique for my agents books.
So hopefully this is helpful for anyone whose worried about approaching an agent. And if anyone says you need to be notable to get signed, just remember I got signed after sending my agent episode one of my web series, which noone had seen, and where I don't act very good.
