Hey there, I'm currently in the process of writing my dissertation and would really, really, really appreciate your help! Its just 6 short questions that can be emailed to you or conducted in whatever way is easiest for you. My subject is wether or not it is a necessity to have an agent when breaking into the acting and professional world. I need some interviews from both actors and agents if you are able to help or know anyone who could help please let me know! Many thanks Fern R Williamson
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Hey fern i will love to help u i want to be an actor i m studying right now and giving auditions for theaters and plays
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Fern, I am an executive producer, director and actor and I can tell you that it is not necessary to have an agent at the beginning of your career as an actress. In fact at this stage in your career unless you are a working actor - meaning someone who is cast in a show or a film currently, no reputable agency will take you on (unless you have a very distinct look that is so different or so much in demand that they need your look right off the bat). One thing that isn't taught to actors and it is sad that it isn't taught - is that acting is a business and in business you have to have a product to sell in order to sell it. And until you are a product that an agent can sell they will have no interest in you. It is not personal it is business. The best way to get an agent and to get work is to get out and start acting - act in plays, act in short films, act in film school student films, act in live stage shows - even if they are your friends show, audition and audition and audition as much as you can - ACT, ACT, ACT! The more you act the more you'll be seen and the more you will develop into a marketable item. Then they will take notice.
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In my experience, Egypt is 100% right. Reputable agents do not typically take on "development clients." A development client is a client whose body of work needs further development before he can be sold to the market. To use the words of the OP, reputable agents are not looking to sign people who need help to "break into acting and the professional world;" they are looking for clients who have already broken in and are sell-able assets already. The agent's job is typically more transactional, less developmental. Check out this thread and the Backstage blog it references: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Advice-for-Actors-which-als...
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am willing
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PM me.
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Fern - email your questions - I'd be happy to help. tonysears@tonysears.com http://www.imdb.me/tonysears
Thank you all so much for getting back to me, its all so helpful and means a lot!