6. CHOOSE YOUR AGENT
For those who have already tried to get an agent, you realize that this heading is a joke. See, usually an agent chooses YOU, not the other way around. But in the rare instance that more than one agent is interested in representing you right off the bat, there are a few things to look for when deciding between them.
Agent's pull
One important quality in an agent is the amount of power he or she has. A powerful agent has influence, lots of good industry relationships, and other clients who are in demand. Ideally, you will be represented by an agent whose agency logo and own name carry a certain cachet. But this takes time — often years — so hang in there!
Agent's vibe
Based on your interview, you should have a general vibe from your agent and his or her office. Is he or she excited about you? Do you feel that he or she will fight for you? If this is your first agent, you must also remember that he or she may not be the most powerful agent in town, but you should still get a good feeling when you interview. The office may be small, but is it well-organized? Your agent may not be friendly, but do you trust the agent? You may not get a ton of auditions, but does your agent submit you? (You'll know how often you are submitted by how often he or she needs more photos and résumés from you.) Your agent can be, but is usually not, your friend. After all, this is show business, not show friends. But you don't want an agent whom you can't stand, either.
Meshing of minds
The last main criterion for choosing an agent is that your agent see you the same way that you see yourself. If you think you're a wholesome "girl-next-door" type, and your agent is sending you on auditions for middle-aged, trailer trash, alcoholic hookers, something is wrong. You won't get the job and the CDs will be pissed that everyone's time was wasted. (By the way, before you blame your agent, make sure that you are a girl-next-door type and not trailer trash by taking the steps described under "know your type" in Step 2, and make sure that your photo is an accurate representation of that type.)
Listen, if you don't have an agent after the first big attempt, join the club. This is tough stuff, especially if you are not eighteen and gorgeous. So stick with it, resubmit in three months, all the while continuing to pursue that ever-elusive yet invaluable personal referral. So ask every industry person you meet for a business card. Schmooze. Follow up with people. Bug them until they say yes, yes, yes! Join the fabulous actors' online service LA Casting in LA, which keeps your headshot and résumé online for casting directors, and offers many actor resources. Remember that your dream to become a star, or at least a working actor, involves years of financial and personal sacrifices. But if you're any good at all, your hard work may pay off eventually.
When you do get an agent (as we pray you will), realize that your having an agent means you will probably be auditioning soon, so BE PREPARED. Now that you finally have an agent, you must NOT sit on your ass and wait for the phone to ring. More than ever you must continue to market yourself! Your agent has two hundred other clients.
We leave you with the parting reminder that 95% of all actors are unemployed, so be prepared for an uphill battle. You might become a Scientologist, sleep with a famous director or producer, or win the lottery and produce your own film. But if all else fails, we hear they're interviewing for the role of "WAITER" at a restaurant down the street…
