Advice on Breaking into the Industry

HOW TO GET AN ACTING AGENT !

Finding an Agent which suits you best is your most difficult challenge. Lucky for you Mooregrace Acting Studios has done all of the hard work for you. We have discovered what Melbourne’s top Acting Agents look for.

1. A cover letter / email introducing yourself
2. current, high quality headshot
3. An up-to-date resume
4. A recent scene showcasing your acting ability (either on DVD or via YOUTUBE)
5. Which acting agent to choose

1. COVER LETTER:

This is a short introduction about yourself which outlines your experience and training in the industry. If you haven't had any work, don't worry - you can list your training at Mooregrace and School Productions.

You can download a sample cover letter from our Download Resources page.

2. HEADSHOT:

To organize a Professional Headshot, Mooregrace has created a relationship with Pam Hutchinson photographers who offer Mooregrace Students an exclusive price of $80.00 for a Professional Headshot. You will receive a CD with your photos which can be emailed to agents. Alternativly if prints are required you can get them done at Laser image in Market Square. Twice a year Mooregrace conducts a 'Headshot Day' with Pam. This is an ideal time to get your shots taken as the cost is reduced to $60.00 on these days. Now that's a fantastic price for a headshot!! If you are interested in participating in the next  'Headshot Day' contact the studio. To book your headshot on another day simply call Pam on 52411590 or 0415 841 521 and mention that you are a student at Mooregrace to receive this exclusive offer.

You can also visit their website - www.pamhutchinsonphotography.com.au

3. RESUME:

Actors often try to make their resume look flashy so it stands out however Agents and Casting Directors don’t have much time so they need a very simple resume.

You can download a sample resume from our Download Resources page.

It’s very important that you keep the layout similar to the example resume as it’s clear and easy to understand for Agents.

4. RECENT SCENE:

Our  USB recording technology allows us to either upload our scenes onto YOUTUBE for others to view or burn directly only a DVD which can be sent to an Acting Agent via the post. Both methods are used by various Agents, you will discover which method they prefer once you start communicating with them.  If you need help putting a scene onto DVD or uploading it to YOUTUBE give the studio a call and we will be happy to assist you.

See an example of what we're talking about at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=radc7ncnuhM

5. WHICH ACTING AGENT TO CHOOSE :

The best way to decide which agent suits you is by meeting them, easier said than done! Some Agents may have their books closed however others may be eager to have a meet and greet with you. As a rule, always have a monologue prepare just in case you need to perform one infront of an them. Feel free to download the Victorian Agents list below and contact Mooregrace for any additional information about certain agents. Happy hunting...

You can download a list of actor agents from our Download Resources page.

Another fantastic way to get your face out there is by sending / emailing your headshot, resume and showreel to Casting Agents. Normally Casting Agents or Casting Directors as some people refer to them as - contact Acting Agents for suitable actors. You can by-pass the Agent and go straight to the Casting Director. People without Agents call themselves 'freelancers'. This is something you could do while you are still looking for an Agent. This way, you're still being looked at for suitable acting work.

You can download a list of casting agents from our Download Resources page.

For more information about the industry please read our in depth 'Actors Bible' below.

THE ACTORS BIBLE - GETTING AN AGENT

What is an agent?

Essentially, an agent is a company that aims to find work in film and television for its clients. Your agent pays to receive notification or ‘a brief’ of any roles that are available either in films, TV dramas and commercials. They then look at the clients that they have on their books and contact any that they think are suitable for the role. These actors are then asked to go and visit a casting director and audition for the role.

What is a casting director?

Casting directors (sometimes referred to as “Casting Agents” or “Casting Consultants”) are contracted by Production Companies to find suitable actors to fill roles in their films, TV dramas, commercials etc. A casting director constructs a brief for a character based on the information the Production Company has sent them. This brief is sent to all agents, however sometimes casting directors will also request to see actors that they are familiar with or have met at past auditions. It is therefore important to build a good relationship with as many casting directors as possible. A list of casting directors has been provided for you in this package. 

How do I get an Agent?

First of all it is important to ensure that any agent that you are seeking to be represented by is in fact a legitimate agency. To help make this easy for you we have included a list of agencies that are recognised by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance.

Different agents suit different actors and it is important to find the right one for you or your child. We can offer you individual advice as to which agencies we would recommend for your needs.

Once you have selected the agency you are interested in being represented by the first step is to call them and let them know you situation eg.

Hi my names Jane Smith and I’m interested in finding an agent for my nine year old daughter.

All agents will respond to this differently, they may proceed to ask you questions about your daughters acting experience, interests etc.

Answer these questions with confidence but don’t be too pushy. Keep the conversation short and sweet.

They may ask you to send a copy of her headshot and resume to their office for them to view. If this is the case, send a package that includes a cover letter, resume and a headshot. A sample cover letter and resume has been provided in this pack to give you some ideas. After sending the package wait a week, then follow up with a phone call, ensuring that they have received it.

Some agents may ask if you have a ‘showreel’. A showreel is simply a collection of the work that you have done on a DVD or video. For most of you the answer to this question is no, however you can mention to the agent that you/your child are currently studying at a film and television school and that we are able to put some scenes onto a DVD for them if they require it.

Some agencies only open their books at certain times of year. If they tell you that their books are closed, ask them when they would be re-opening and how you should go about looking into representation at that time.

Once the agent has viewed your headshot and resume they may request you to come up for an interview. These interviews are pretty casual and give you both a chance to get to know each other. The agent will find out a bit more about you and this is also a good opportunity to ask any questions that you have about how the agency runs.

Some agencies may offer you representation on the spot; in this case, make sure you are totally happy before you get involved. Its ok to go away and think about it for a couple of hours, make some phone calls etc. just don’t leave it too long before you get back to them!
Other agents may leave the interview and give you a call back, usually within 48 hours.

Things to be careful of when looking for an agent!

Although this list of agents has been provided by the MEAA. The union does state very clearly that they are not recommending any of the agencies and are simply providing a starting point for actors wanting to get into the industry. It is therefore important to have your wits about you when searching for an agent. Some things that the union suggests to investigate are:

· Trust account – does the agent have an account that your money goes into that is separate from the ‘everyday’ expenses account?

· Commission – check carefully what percentage of your income the agent will take. In Victoria it varies from 15% to 25%, but there are no rules. In our experience 15% is normal, with some agents charging 20% for commercial work. Any more than that is questionable.

· Does the agent charge upfront or any sort of on-going fees. How much are they and what will the fees cover? Check what expenses/charges you may be expected meet. This is a big one. Although there are often some up front costs that agents will ask for, these costs should be minimal as the agent is expected to make the majority of their income through getting their actors work. Anything more than $150-$200 should be looked at seriously. These expenses can vary greatly between agents, if you have any question about this, give us a call.

· Is there a contract that the agent wants you to sign?
Be very careful about this, contracts that lock you with a particular agent for a period of time are generally not a good idea. Be careful and read the fine print.

What questions should I ask the acting agent?

If you have an interview with an agent the following questions are worth asking.

• How will you promote me?
• How much commission do you charge?
• Do you charge a representation fee?
• What is included in this cost?
• Does this cost include registration in the AT2 and Showcase database? (these databases are explained further within this booklet)
• How many clients do you have?
• What films / television shows / commercials / theatre have your clients done recently?
• (if extras agent) For what films / television shows / (commercials) have you provided extras?

What do I do once I have an agent?

A big trap that a lot of actors fall into is thinking that their agent is going to do all of the work for them. Sadly, this is not true. Once you have an agent it is still a good idea to send out your headshot and resume to all casting directors every 3-6 months. The Show-off sessions that we hold with casting directors are a great way to be proactive and get yourself known in the industry. It is important that you work together with your agent at all times. Keep your eyes and ears open for up and coming roles and productions that may suit you and contact your agent when you have any questions about any projects that you have heard about. Sometimes even the best agents need a kick in the pants, and if you don’t help yourself no one will!  

Do I really need an agent or can I freelance?

No, you do not necessarily need to have an agent to get involved in the film and television industry. You can maintain contact with casting directors by sending them your headshot and resume every four to five months. You can also sign up for databases like AT2 and Showcast (see explanation below) without an agent. The bonus of having an agent is that they specialise in getting work for actors. If you are new to the game they can help you to meet casting directors and get yourself known in the industry.
Our advice is to freelance if you are having trouble getting an agent or you are between agents. There is no point waiting around for other people to make your dreams happen, get active and put yourself out there!

Do I need to become an equity member to get an agent or work on TV?

Actors Equity is a union setup to look after actors. It is not compulsory however some Production Companies may not use you if you haven’t got one. It is simple to setup a membership which covers you for extra work however it is a little harder to get one which covers you as an actor. If you would like any more information visit http://www.alliance.org.au/, otherwise we are more than happy to help you with your application.

OTHER WAYS TO GET YOUR FACE OUT THERE

As already mentioned, a dedicated actor will not only rely on their agent to get them noticed. Self promotion is a huge part of becoming a professional actor. Here are some of the ways that you can get your face out there!

AT2 and Showcast

These are the ‘casting director’s bible.’ AT2 and Showcast are both databases of actors from all over Australia that casting director’s use on a daily basis in their work. Basically, these databases allow them to instantly identify an actor that they want to see for a role or who has been recommended to them etc.
All professional actors are in both of the databases but it does come at a cost. Showcast is priced at $130 per year for a ½ page listing in their directory and full internet listing. They do however offer more reasonable, downsized packages for those just starting out eg. A child’s internet listing for one year is a more manageable $55.  
AT2 is priced at $105 for the actor’s standard package. This entitles you to Four (4) Photos, Resume and Profile online. The child’s pack is priced at $55.

It is not essential for you to be part of these databases at this point, so don’t worry if you can’t afford it or don’t really want to be listed at this time. It is however, a good investment for anyone that is seriously looking at becoming a professional actor.

For more information about these services and how to register visit:

• Showcast - www3.showcast.com.au/showcast/login.aspx
• AT2 -www.at2.com.au/cms

Mackintosh Casting

Mackintosh Casting is one casting director that is taking technology to a new level. They aim to have a paperless office and therefore encourage actors to register their profiles online. You can visit their snazzy website, read all about Mel Mackintosh’s impressive history in casting and upload your profile today!

Visit  www.mackintoshcasting.com

Chameleon Casting

Chameleon Casting is another major casting director! Every serious actor should create a profile on their website which will ensure YOU are considered for any of their castings. Chameleon have helped produce many leading television commercials so don't put it off any more and get noticed today! 

 

Visit http://chameleon.net.au/forActors.aspx

Film Source Directory

The Film Source Directory is a new free online directory that provides valuable profile and skill set building along with networking and marketing tools for aspiring and experienced actors, models, agents and film production crew.

Film Source is directly linked to popular social media applications including facebook, Twitter, My Space and You Tube.

The site allows film companies to build production pages for their projects and invite other members to be attached in those productions.

Users can also post news feeds for everyone to view as well as submit testimonials regarding members they have worked with. Create a profile today and get networking, what a great idea for the Film Industry. 

http://www.filmsourcedirectory.com

VCA and other short films

Another fantastic way to promote your-self while keeping active in the industry is to take part in short films. VCA students are always looking for actors to play various parts in their films. We strongly recommend you dropping off a headshot and resume to the VCA, which is kept on file and used for casting. If you are interested, contact the Film and Television department on: (03) 9685 9000. Simply explain that you are an actor who is interested in auditioning for any up and coming projects. Remember to send us a copy of the script to make sure it’s legitimate.

This is a fantastic way to get-to-know the directors of tomorrow!   

HOW TO STAY IN THE LOOP

There are a number of ways that you can keep informed about up and coming projects and industry news. Here’s a few to try:

Filmnet

Filmnet is a free website for use by anyone interested in the industry. The site contains message boards about jobs and an actor’s forum, where people can discuss, give advice or discuss any problems they are having with their career. The site is definitely worth a look. Its content is monitored to a degree but caution should be taken when engaging in discussions as anyone is able to use the site. We encourage our actors to contact us if they are unsure about any productions that they hear about on the site.

Visit: www.filmnet.org.au

Screen Hub

Screen Hub is a similar site to filmnet and offers up to date industry and casting information. It is however, a member’s only site and there is an annual fee to join.

Visit: www.screenhub.com.au

Encore Magazine

Encore Magazine is full of all the latest Australian production info and is definitely worth a look. The studio has recently subscribed to the Magazine and each monthly issue will be available in the waiting room for students and parents to have a look at. A handy hint for those students currently in high school, check out whether your school library is subscribed, if not ask the librarian whether they can get the magazine in for you! The magazine is available for individual subscription or you can purchase it at leading Newsagencies.

Visit:    www.encoremagazine.com.au

AUDITION TIPS

How much notice do you get for an audition?

This does vary but most of the time you will get approximately two days notice. However, it is not uncommon to receive 24hour notice and vary rarely you may even be called on the day! Don’t panic though! As we said, this is very rare. It is important to be available for auditions as much as possible, particularly when more than 24hours notice is given, however agents do understand that families have other children, and commitments etc so don’t stress out if there is a problem, just try and arrange an alternative time for the audition.

Where are auditions held?

Generally all over Melbourne. Check out the list of casting directors in this package to get an idea of where you maybe expected to travel too.

How can I be sure I don’t miss a call from my agent?

Now days most people have mobile phones, so this is less of a problem. If you don’t have one, look into getting one, it makes life a lot easier. Make sure that your mobile is setup with message bank and that you have an answering service at home, this will help to ensure that any info your agent needs to get to you will not be missed.

Should I arrive early to an audition?

For every audition we recommend that you give yourself plenty of time to ensure you arrive early. This allows you to relax and take a few moments before you enter the audition. Starting an audition five minutes late doesn’t help anyone and doesn’t put the right message across to the casting director.    

Do I arrive at auditions wearing a costume?

It is important that you wear a ‘hint’ of the character you are auditioning for, however don’t go over-board. If you’re auditioning for a bad-boy character you should maybe wear a singlet with old jeans. Don’t go too far and wear a tattoo, nose ring and bandanna because it gives the impression that you are trying to hide behind your wardrobe. 

Will I have a better chance of winning the audition if I take a prop?

Only use a prop if it helps you win your argument. Often actors take props into an audition for the sake of having a prop. This will only upstage you and the casting director will ask you to do the scene without the prop.

In an audition should I start off with low or high energy?

Always come into an audition with high energy because it allows them to bring you down. If you walk in with no energy it is irritating for the casting director because they have to work too hard to fire you up.

How much money can I make from acting?

How long is a piece of string? You can make a lot of money from acting however it isn’t always constant work. Commercials normally pay the most – between $1,000 – $15,000 depending on the product and its air time. From past experience you can earn anything between $1,500 – $2,500 per week for a Guest Role. The trick is, don’t become an actor because of the money, become an actor because you love it!

ACTORS TRAINING

Is it worth doing show-off sessions with Casting Directors?

YES!!! We strongly recommend our actors to get involved in ‘Show-off sessions’. A casting show-off session is where a casting director comes to the studio and watches you do a scene, this is called a General Audition. They provide feedback for you and your partner and help you workshop the scene a few different ways. It only takes one good performance for you to be remembered. These are fantastic for actors as they allow you to form relationships with the casting directors and help to get your face out there! We are amazed at the amount of our students who have been called in for auditions for movies, commercials and TV series, after completing a show-off session with a casting director.
It is also a fantastic means of building a strong relationship with your agent. Any positive feedback we receive from the casting directors will be forwarded on to your agent so they can see how you are progressing. If they realised that you are well respected by many casting agents they will gain faith in you as an actor and will submit you for more work.

Does training overseas give you a better chance of getting work?

When you enter an audition you are generally asked the same questions:

• What acting work have you been up to lately?
• What acting training have you been up to lately?
• Have you had any acting work on TV in the past 5 years?
• What do you do for fun?
• Tell a funny joke!

The more quality information you can talk about, the more it makes you look like a professional. Training overseas tells casting directors that you are dedicated to improving your craft and they’re the type of people they like to mix with. Casting directors are your friends because if you look good, they look good. So, in a nut shell, yes – training overseas is brilliant for many different reasons. It is terrific to work with fresh people and hear other teachers talking about acting. As an actor you can never stop learning so live it, be it, love it!!