Acting -- getting agent representation?

Question

In the biographies for many film actors, in their early years there is usually the period where they move to LA or New York and audition for parts in small movies, commercials and tv shows. The thing is, don't you need an agent to get those auditions? The biographies never mention how the actors got an agent.

Basically what i'm wondering is, when these guys moved away from home to the big city (for example Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt), how did they find agents/auditions?

Answer 1

when I was an agent, we found Brad Pitt,when he cooly, walked into our offices,in spite of the sign the sign that, said, do not knock on door.

Answer 2

start with classes at school then do plays at shcool build up your resume get experience! then get an agent and if you want to be succesful it will take years of hard work slowly climbing the ladder of success but if you get a chance to do somethign big go for it!

for agents and all the info you need go to actinginfo.blogspot.com and talentagents.blogspot.com for the agent one click table of contents then click city nearest you. read everything on the site

answers wont pop up infront of you so look around and click on the words in blue but not the ones that are double underlined!

Answer 3

The two you mentioned had no trouble finding representation because they were both great looking, talented and charasmatic.  If you aren't you'll have a much harder time.

Answer 4

First of all, if you want to have a career with acting then you most definitely need an agent. But you cannot just get an agent. You need a lot of training and experience first for that to happen. You should start off by trying out for lead roles in school plays, or local community stuff for plays. Then eventually, you should get a headshot of yourself and send the pictures to many agents and casting directors to see if they want you along with your resume. If you do get an agent, you will have to audition, audition, audition for roles. There will be alot of rejection because it is hard to get a role with many others fighting for it too. This business is incredibly competitive.