VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

dshetterly · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:14 pm Post subject: How to find an agent?

I'm looking to step-up to the next level as a voice-talent and really get my name and voice out there. I've never had an agent and have little idea about how to find one, and the pro's and con's of having an agent. Any input on having, finding, maintaining an Agent would be appreciated. Thanks! Derek

tackerman · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:26 pm Post subject:

It's a simple matter of looking up addresses and sending a CD.

If they like your stuff they'll contact you.

Philip Banks · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:42 pm Post subject:

Agents will cherry pick talent and it is right that talent should cherry pick agents.

First thing to decide is whether or not you bring anything to the party. What do you offer the agency you're approcahing that it doesn't already have. Most voice overs looking for agents fail in their search because the focus is on "what's in it for me?" You need to be certain you are offering something people will buy from the agent or something the agent can easily sell.

If you do not do this there is every chance that any agent who offers to sign you will fall into the famous Groucho Marx category "I wouldn't want to belong to any club that would have me as a member".

It's particulalry important for you that you find the right agent as you clearly state that you want to move up to the next level. I'd be interested to learn what level you're on now.

dshetterly · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:46 pm Post subject:

ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 4:15 pm Post subject:

Southern Oregon - hmmm - not a plethora of agents in that area, so you'll be working remotely. The key to getting an agent who will take on an out of market voice is having not only the technology to audition and produce work on demand, but also having something that REALLY stands out as unique in your delivery style.

The ability to do the entire production may not be as important as having a sound they simply don't have on their roster. So evaluate your demo and compare it to the demos you are hearing. If it doesn't stand out as something "special" - try to find copy that really showcases your voice as being irresistible (jeez, I wish we had spell check - is that spelled right?).
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bobsouer · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 8:51 am Post subject:

DaveChristi · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 11:57 am Post subject:

Yoda117 · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 12:51 pm Post subject:

Bruce · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 1:44 pm Post subject:

The best way to find agents? Find voice talent that you like on the web and see who represents them. Many talents have listings or links to their agents or Production Houses they're affiliated with.

Many agents require you to have ISDN, and quite a few don't. Production Houses (such as the aforementioned Woolybugger) match clients, scripts and talent together and produce them in their studios, or they'll even freelance that work out too. The ones I work with say "here's a spot, here's the fee we're offering you, do you want to do it?". Of course the answer is almost always "Yep". There's no commission with them. They build it into their price.

All you gotta do is email or call 'em, ask if they're looking to add to their roster, offer to send your demo or a link to it, be prepared for a fair amount of rejection, no matter how good you are, and then celbrate every time you get signed up. Best of luck!

Bruce
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Rock N Roll Joel · Guest

davediamondprovo · Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 4:53 pm Post subject:

It takes persistence. Send demos to the agencies that serve areas of broadcasting you want to break into. Years ago I sent out 30 cds and received 4 calls and was picked up by ICM. You don't always get snapped up immediately by the heavy hitters but it can happen.
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David

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 12:21 am Post subject:

resurrecting an old topic:

When you send out demo CDs to prospective agents, I assume you should attach some sort of cover letter? What should be included in such a letter?
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richgates · Guest

One other thing I've found is a lot of the bigger agencies don't like or simply won't take unsolicited submisssions. So your best bet would be to befriend one of their existing talents and see if they will submit for you.

This may not be the same in every city, but in L.A. that is the word I'm getting. If you have your demo produced by someone respected in the business that can help as well. A good example would be Nancy Wolfson in L.A. Agents tend to listen to the demos she has produced because she doesn't put her name on anything she isn't proud of.

Just some thoughts.

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 9:38 am Post subject:

That's certainly good advice, Rich. Some of the agencies' websites indicate that prospective talent should send them a demo CD. I assume I wouldn't need to call them first.
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Yoda117 · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 10:04 am Post subject:

LOL!

This reminds me of my first agent... when meeting her for the first time she asked me flat out "what can you do that no one else here can or would ever think of?"

Me: I can get out of police issue handcuffs using nothing more than an ordinary paper clip in under 20 seconds.

*moment of silence*

Agent: Best answer I've ever heard... welcome to our family.

Not my proudest moment, lol. But it got the job done Bitchin

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