Agents-I have no idea who they are! Help?

Question

Give me the basic and advance knowledge.

I want to be a singer and I need an agent (obviously) and I need to know about them to get one!

Answer 1

look for people in your area or rearch things on the computer! I know it is confussing i want an agent too!

Answer 2

Agents are kind of the middle man between actors and Casting directors. When CD's need to cast a film, they don't want to put up a public casting notice and have to go through 1000's of submissions, mostly from people who don't have enough experience and aren't even right for the part.

So, CD's post lists of breakdowns for agents and the agent submits actors that they have on their roster that fits the part. In NY and LA, there's so much competition that agents are very discerning with who they take, so CD's can be confident that they'll get actors to audition who both have the look they need AND the ability.

Agents also come into play when it comes to negotiationg the actors contract. In this sense, they act as their business agent and this is why they take a percentage cut from the actors salary (10-20%).

For singer's it's a bit different, since there aren't breakdowns and casting and such. I actually don't think you need an agent first to become a singer. Most singers want to get signed to a label. A manager could help you with that and could negotiate for you. However, if you're just starting out, you probably won't be able to get a manager either. Artists these days really need to learn about self marketing, especially musicians, where unlike for acting in film and tv, YOU essentially create your own gigs.

Do you want to be a solo singer or in a band? One thing you definitely need is a demo.

I can't relaly give any worthwhile advice beyond this, I recommend trying to network with other singers and musicians in your area and in the meantime, get out there as much as possible. Go to open mic nights, karaoke competitions, wherever people can see your talent.

Answer 3

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agent

Answer 4

most people hire agents, while others are discovered.  if you want to get an agents attention try auditiong for roles in musicals.  they have casting call listings at this site: hollywood-opportunities(dotcom)