Shopping for agents...

Laura Gerow · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007, 05:39 (GMT) Post subject: Shopping for agents...

I have a whole bunch of questions about the process of shopping for agents. I have read most of the messageboard and didnt see anything addressing the certain questions i have, but if these questions have already been answered, i apologize.

when mailing your demo...
- what envelopes do you use so the cd doesnt get damaged?
- does the cd have to be in a jewel case?
- do you have to have art work on the actual cd and the cover of the jewel case?
- can i mail it directly to the agency, or do i have to find a direct contact to someone that works at the agency?
- should there be a cover letter, headshot, and resume?

ok, i think that's it, once again, i apologize if these questions have already been asked or if they are silly. im a newbie.

~Laura

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007, 19:49 (GMT) Post subject: Not your best route.

Laura,
I'm not sure how you handled the negotiations for the project with Susan Blu, but I would suggest you call Susan and ask her to direct you to an agent. Tischer might be a good choice, although there are quite a few good agency's in L.A. she can refer.

Do you know if this project is union or non-union?

The bottom line is, if it's union, you get to check a box and 10% goes to your agent. Pretty much all you need to do is call an agent and say you need representation becuase you are playing a lead role in an animation project. The agent already knows they will make money from you, so you have a bit of an edge. You might want to just have your generic demos at that point and see what your agent receommends with regards to your demos, graphics, etc. Usually, you will want to include Agency affiliations on the CD cover and label.

If it is non-union, do you know if you negotiated a plus 10 or 20% for the agent?

I think shotgunning your demo out is not the way to go, since you're already working.

WHo negotiated the rate for the project with Susan Blu by the way or has that not been done yet?

Laura Gerow · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007, 20:47 (GMT) Post subject:

the project was non-union, and i recorded it in september, so it's all finished and ive gotten the check many months ago. susan did all of the negotiations with the veggie tales people. so, yeah, i dont know. Embarassed

~Laura

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007, 21:03 (GMT) Post subject: The problem is...

Laura,
the problem is that what you're told to do with rgards to finding representation doesn't usually work. They say send out your demo and a return addressed envelope and a cover letter, etc....

Realistically the way that agents find talent is through recommendations from people they respect - a casting director, a producer, a director or even another talent they have a good relationship with.

There are other ways that talent agents find talent - speaking at v.o. workshops, attending theater, taking on established actors who have moved or are wishing to change agency's, etc.

Did you develop any kind of relationship with anyone associated with the Veggies project? Maybe the studio owner or engineer or the director. If so, perhaps you could call or email them and tell them you're looking for representation and ask their "guidance". Just don't be a nudge and keep what you say or write to a minimum and you should do fine. Alternatively, if you have any relationship with Susan, you might want to pose these questions to her.

Los Angelese is very different than any other market.

Good Luck.

Laura Gerow · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007, 21:32 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks, I will try everything you have suggested, you were very helpful. Smile

~Laura

Heather Cooper · Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007, 02:30 (GMT) Post subject:

Ok, I just have to say.....I am very impressed that you did a veggie tales project!!
niedermayr anbeten

I think the veggie tales are hysterical!! I would love to do a project for them. What kind of character did you get to be?

Jealously, Wink

Laura Gerow · Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007, 03:42 (GMT) Post subject:

i play princess eloise, im a rhubarb, hehe. i had actually never heard of veggie tales until the audition. now i see veggie tales everywhere! it was a very fun project to work on. im very excited for it to come out, but i must wait a whole year.

~Laura

Heather Cooper · Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007, 18:49 (GMT) Post subject:

That is fantastic! It will be worth the wait. You should be very proud.

I listen to your demo, you are a very talented young woman. Applause

Deby Cedars · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007, 20:44 (GMT) Post subject:

Where did you find those scripts for your demo? They are great!

Cameron Thomas · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007, 21:11 (GMT) Post subject:

Big Veggie Tales fan here! My son still has a couple of them--I think they're hilarious. That's great you're with the Veggies outfit. Good luck with everything!

(you were a New Englander, eh?)

Cheers,
Cameron

Laura Gerow · Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2007, 00:44 (GMT) Post subject:

Jeanine Yamanaka · Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007, 01:26 (GMT) Post subject: Re: Shopping for agents...