I’ve a particular actress in mind for a role in my would-be TV series. I’m wondering if a cold call to her agent is a good or bad thing. She hasn’t been working in recent years, but I’m unsure if that means she’s on a hiatus or if she just hasn’t taken any parts because she simply hadn’t felt compelled. Would I be better off with a query letter? For now all I want to know is if she is still considering projects or not. TIA for any advice.
Acting : ADVICE SOUGHT:contacting actors by Kenneth Michael Daniels
President at LIONLIKE Media, LLC ♦ Screenwriter, Marketing Professional, Business Development/Sales, Creative Executive, Graphic Designer, Music Supervisor, PR / Public Relations Professional, Producer
2 years ago
ADVICE SOUGHT:contacting actors
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3 people like this
I say reach out to her. You said she hasn’t been working in recent years. By you reaching out, maybe she’ll take you on your offer. Being an actor isn’t easy. It’s competitive, but I say reach out to her.
3 people like this
I'm not sure of the answer, Kenneth Michael Daniels, but hopefully someone in my network can shed some light on the matter. Hoping it comes together for you!
5 people like this
Hi Kenneth, it definitely depends on the level of the performer. You can always cold reach out to her reps to ask about her availability, but often times if the project isn't fully funded or already set up somewhere, they don't take the conversation very seriously and will give you less than helpful answers to your questions. However, if the project is a bit further along and you're in talks with a buyer or to secure financing to film the series yourself, which would allow you to allocate funds to an escrow account, reps will take you more seriously and provide more clarity. If you want to learn more about how escrow accounts work, our Thought Leader David Zannoni wrote a great blog about them here: https://www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-use-an-escrow-account-to-secure-fina...
3 people like this
Any actor worth their salt would be thrilled to have their agent receive an inquiry. If not interested, they can just decline, no harm, no foul. I would reach out!
2 people like this
I'm going to do it. She's of the stature to where if she became involved it would raise my legitimacy in a big way. Plus, she'd be amazing in the role. Thanks for the encouragement. I just didn't want to do something unprofessional.
2 people like this
Hope the actress signs onto your series, Kenneth Michael Daniels!
3 people like this
Hi Kenneth - I recommend this Stage 32 class that starts this Monday on how to best cast your project. The instructor, Liz Lewis, is an award-winning casting director and is going to teach the step-by-step process of casting including how best to reach out to reps to be taken seriously all through how to close your actor deals. Here's a link so you can see how Liz designed her class: https://www.stage32.com/classes/Stage-32-4-Part-Class-How-To-Cast-Actors...
2 people like this
Solid advice from Ashley and Sam. There are so many ways to package a film, and having a name attached is a great way to start.
3 people like this
Agents receive 'cold calls' every day. They love them.
1 person likes this
Thanks to those who commented. My email inquiry, which was made possible by my conversation with the agent’s assistant, who was cordial during our brief conversation, was met with a concise response: without a payment offer the agent won’t share the project with the actress. I guess this is just how things are done?
Oh, Steve James, you might find it of interest that were you closer to my neck of the woods, I would’ve absolutely asked you to audition for the character who plays opposite this particular actress. You’ve got the perfect look, and I’m sure you could pull off the requisite Boston accent. Well, I would’ve thought about it anyway, but maybe not, considering that you don’t seem too keen on what I’m putting out there. But under different circumstances, definitely.