Agents,Open Calls ahh!!!

Question

Okay So every time someone ask a question about becoming an actress the first response is

You need to get an Agent

okay but have you ever thought that's it very hard to find an agent because im been looking and searching and havn't find a real or good one..

So where is a Good Place to Find a Good Agent

any In mind ??

Second :

open Calls

at the same time are easy and hard to find

Answer 1

I guarantee you it wasn't me who answered.  Most people who ask about these things here are in no way ready for an agent.  In general, if you have to ask then you aren't ready.  Why?  Because if you've been out there training, pounding the pavement and building your resume then you would know how to get an agent.  

Also, I can tell you how to look up agents but it's not going to help you much because you really can't get one until you are ready.  

As for open calls, that's such a loose term.  Your local theatres will have open auditions for their productions.  If you mean tv & film, honestly you'll want to start with student and indie productions.  Contact colleges near you that have film departments.  Film students need actors.  You should also do a web search for your state name and the word film, then search those sites thoroughly.  Or instead of your state try any major metro area near you.  Film associations have good local resources.  Sometimes they list auditions, class info, acting coaches, casting directors, etc.

Never trust anyone who approaches you in a mall or shopping area and promises you an audition.  You'll only end up with crushed dreams and an empty wallet.

good luck,

Marianne

Answer 2

cant hurt to post a video on a new site that just opened.  the people that matter the most in the industry are already watching and waiting for talented individuals

http://www.viewmyact.com

Answer 3

Where are you located?  That makes a huge difference in my answer to you!  :)

EDIT: okay! ha! California.  Well, I'm in New York so I don't know much about the left coast situation.  One recommendation I would make is to take classes - acting, improv, etc. - you meet a lot of people that way and could network your way to an agent. Networking is a huge part of not only finding representation but also learning about the industry, making friends who share similar goals as you (who will support you as you move forward), and you can even learn about auditions without having an agent.

Open calls I definitely recommend for experience...though for LA I'm not sure what the best resource for finding those are. You can usually find stuff too on Craig's List.

Finally, why not do a vlog or something on your own, upload to youtube, to get comfortable being on camera and maybe even gaining an audience?

Hope this helps...hopefully someone will supply some more specifis for LA.

Answer 4

The people who responded that way have no idea what they're talking about.  

To be an actress, you need to train, take classes, do lots of productions in schools, take more classes, do community theater, etc. in order to get your skills up to par.  

An agent is only useful once you have those skills.  You are basically a product that they sell (and take a percentage of your income for that), so they're not going to be interested in someone without skill.  

You get an agent by asking to be represented; you don't get discovered (as many people on here are hoping to do).  Send your resume and headshot and ask for representation.  

If you are interested in TV/commercials, look for an AFTRA-franchised agent; for film, look for a SAG-franchised agent.  You can find them on their websites.  

A legitimate, licensed union-franchised agent does not advertise, so if you see a big ad in the yellow pages, don't go there.