VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

banjo · Guest

Anyone have the source of "The Top Ten Questions To Ask An Agent"? That may not be the exact title. At sometime in the past I ran across something similar to that Top Ten List list. Thought it was on this BB (?) A search on VO BB didn't turn up the info. Have Googled & Yahoo'd
to no avail.

I was contacted by a "biggie" agency last week about signing my soul away to them. I have a phone conference with them Monday afternoon. I want to make sure that in addition to the bunch of questions I already have, I want to have a few more zingers on hand. Suggestions?

My experience has been "you" seek out the agent/agency rater than "them" seeking out "you".

Would appreciate any help, even a few of your questions to add to the list.

Deirdre · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:48 am Post subject:

Before you sign anything-- get a lawyer's input.
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anthonyVO · 14th Avenue Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Posts: 1470 Location: NYC

I would advise against using a "Questions To Ask An Agent" list of ANY sort. The "interview" is not really an interview as most know it from the corporate world. It's more of a chill-out to get to see what your type really is. If there is ONE thing you need to remember it's BE YOURSELF (curses and all if that's who you are). This whole "act professional" thing is all good, but when you tell someone to "act professional" they revert back to that programmed interviewee from the corporate world... the one that your Daddy told you to be like. The one that needs to impress. You don't need to impress ANYONE - let your work speak for you and you speak for your type. Contrary to what is ingrained in our heads (again, from the corporate world) you won't "look good" nor "impress" anyone by having questions ready. If this is a "biggie" agency, you should do your homework and already KNOW the answers to typical, ridiculous questions like "How many talent do you represent?" (by the way, those numbers aren't what they seem because most agencies will have their signed clients PLUS any number of freelance talent as well), "Who do you represent?" and, the worst question of all, "How do you see my type?" or, maybe even worser (yeah, I know that's not a word - shoot me) "HOw long have you guys been in business?" Blah - you'll see how they see your type by studying their roster and seeing what kind of auditions you start to get. I once saw a list of "Questions to ask a talent agent" that said "Ask how many clients they have and what jobs those clients are doing." My God - if YOU don't know that, then you're not plugged in and don't know nor respect the business. Scrap the list of questions.

About the lawyer thing: Here's my take (and it probably won't be a popular one) - if it's an A-list agency or a "biggie" then you probably won't need a lawyer. I know that sounds like I'm recommending talent to give up some power, but an A-list agency is usually in NY or LA (or Chicago). Both of those cities have strict State-approved contracts PLUS there is also an AFTRA signatory contract (You should already know if the agency is a signatore to AFTRA, ATA, etc.) that usually supersedes the State-approved one when it comes to certain clauses. Otherwise, NY and, especially, California, are pretty strict when it comes to these contracts and, not to mention, they're pretty standardized, so any amount of homework and you will already know pretty much what's on those contracts (i.e., AFTRA and state-approved) before you even sign on the dotted lineS.

Take a deep breath, because the bottom line is that they contacted YOU which means they are already interested in signing you - it's now up to you (and them) to see if there is chemistry or if you fit into their puzzle and vice versa.

Break a leg, Mike!

PEACE.
-Anthony

oh - there is one question you want to ask - "Where is the restroom?"

anthonyVO · 14th Avenue Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Posts: 1470 Location: NYC

oh - one more thing about so-called "Bi-coastal" agencies:

There is no such thing. Not the way you think anyway. LA and NY are two different beasts and so the agencies in those cities, even if under the same name, operate under different needs and, for the most part, serve different clients. Sometimes even see the opposite coast clients as competition for their own roster. The "Bi-coastal" thing is used mostly as a selling tool. But if you DO sign under a "Bi-coastal" and the contract specifies representation in both LA and NY, you'd better make a point of expressing an expectation to receive auditions from BOTH agencies. Otherwise, you're not REALLY represented on both coasts. Just take a look at the most prolific players in the biz and their representation - many, if not most, list two different agencies for LA and NY... ever wonder why?

PEACE.
-Anthony

Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

What he said.

Play it cool. Sound like a pro...Scratch that...BE a pro. Don't ask about contracts. They might "pocket" you and just send auditions. If you land a gig, then they will most likely bring up contracts. If they do mention a contract, great. But, right now, you are just looking for new avenues for auditions.

Be Patient. Everything in this business requires patience. The more patient you are, the faster you will climb.

banjo · Guest

banjo · Guest

banjo · Guest

Rognog · Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:58 am Post subject:

Don't complain and don't explain!

Don't complain about the industry, how hard it is to get work, and God forbid don't complain about any one person you've encountered during your travels. Murphy's Law says it will be the golfing buddy of the agent you're sitting across from.

Don't explain why your demo is the way it is, or your headshots, or your voice. Don't explain why you think you haven't gotten as much work as you should.

DO listen. DO ask how the agent likes to stay in touch (most likely it will be via postcard).

An agent wants to know only one thing: will you make them money. If your behavior and experience say yes, you should be fine.

Break a leg!
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bobbinbeamo · Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 8:26 pm Post subject:

When I used to work for AFTRA and SAG, we put together a checklist of items to be aware of for the members. It's been some years, now, but the biggest thing that sticks out in my memory is do not fork over any money upfront. Don't take classes or get photos through an agent. Pretty basic.

If you are union, there is a Union Agency Representation contract with signature autorization. Get a copy and make sure the Union has it on file.
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