SOYOUWANNA GET A TALENT AGENT?

5. ACE YOUR INTERVIEW

This part is pretty self-explanatory. When an agency calls you for an interview, it is up to you to be on time, be delightfully charismatic, and to look like a million bucks. Look like your photo, by the way, so they don't say "who the hell is this joker?" when you walk in the door. You will usually be asked to prepare a monologue. Get help on your monologue from an acting coach to make sure you don't suck. You will also be asked to do a cold-reading, (which means that you will be asked to read a scene that they give you "cold," or unprepared). Finally, be prepared with some interesting, funny stories about your background so you can charm their pants off and appear to be extemporaneously witty.

Don't forget that the interview is your chance to interview the agent, as well. Ask them how many clients they have, and what jobs those clients are doing. How many actors of your type do they represent? What do they see as your type, and how will they be submitting you? What do they expect you to do at your end of the relationship? When and how should you contact them with questions and concerns? What do they think of your current photo? (By the way, they won't like it — every agent makes you get new photos, but beware the agent who only wants you to use a specific photographer as this is a red flag of the shady, unethical kickback situation. Union franchised agents should give you a choice of recommended photographers.) Does the agency have any other recommendations for you in terms of image and career development?

They will usually, but not always, offer you representation on the spot at the end of the interview if they are interested. Do not panic if they don't; if you are not a member of the actors' union, and sometimes even if you are, an agency will hip-pocket you. This means that they are representing you on a trial basis, and by oral agreement rather than signing you to the written SAG contract. If they do offer to represent you, you can either accept or (more wisely) express your enthusiasm but tell them that you still have a few more appointments and that you will be in touch soon. Even if this is not true, it will put you in a good position and will give you time to think about the offer outside the pressure of the interview.