It's official....this guy is represented by a SAGAFTRA agent now. I'm not too sure how a SAGAFTRA agent works now and all, but I would really appreciate any advice from experienced actors (who are represented by a SAGAFTRA agent) on how to have the best relationship with your agent, and to stand out a little bit to get more work. I have been raised business professional, so I treat my agent as a business partner and make sure I keep in communications with my agent regarding possible money making opportunities. I figured, instead of talking a talk, I would show my agent that I am hungry and willing to do what it takes to get work, and make money for both of us. I do this by constantly looking into casting calls, posted a craiglist ad for travel sponsorship to and from auditions, and even established a brand for myself when replying to casting notices. Is this the best way to establish a good business relationship with you agent?
Acting : Just Got My First SAGAFTRA Agent by Ryan C. Bogdewic
Other topics in Acting:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
1 person likes this
Hi Ryan, First I want to say congrats on getting a SAG/AFTRA agent. The fact that they are legit, have the appropriate guild memberships, and want to work with you is huge. And you are so right for taking the "business professional approach" - its a business, and they don't make money if you don't make money. An excellent partnership where both of you have a vested interest in YOUR success. There is protocol in different markets on how much you could or should do, to not step on the agent's toes - so I would hash that out with your agent. That includes sending headshots to casting agencies, response to casting notices (some he/she may be cool with you doing on your own, others might be best handled by the agent), and the strategy behind your brand. The fact that you are willing to do the legwork is huge - but keep in mind that they are the mastermind of the strategy to your success. So rely on your agent's instincts. That is "their talent" - knowing the right way, and when, and where, to present their client, in the best light, to get the best gig. And who knows, they might just say "go for it, keep me informed." No different than regular business protocols. As a former agent in Los Angeles, I know there are certain uniform "peeves", which also fall under ordinary business protocols. Such as: calling/emailing too often, not taking a "no" for a "no," showing up at the agent's office unannounced, approaching them and discussing personal business when you see them out in public - particularly at business lunches, events, etc. The best thing an actor can do if that happens is to approach at a respectful moment, be polite, introduce yourself to the "other party" and to not react if they are an industry professional/celebrity/etc other than to say "its nice to meet you." Low key totally works in every circumstance. And it gives the agent the chance to talk you up after you leave - or return to their conversation if its totally not appropriate. Hope you don't mind a long response but I couldn't resist. And, that you can gleen some wisdom in my words, they are sent to you with all of my best wishes for your future success. Its not an easy business, but if there's something inside of you that says this is what you need to do, then you need to believe your instincts are putting you just where you need to be. Best, Cheryl
Thank you Cheryl. I didn't know if this industry was different than say an executive sales business. Being involved with General Motors directly, through our family owned Chevrolet Dealership, I was the family business' General Manager in charge of sales and service, and we succeeded over 58 years because we took advantage of every sales opportunity, every service call, and so on. Our family business won multiple JD Power and Associates award for exceeding excellent customer service and customer retention. When an opportunity presented itself, we jumped right on it while the other dealerships were contemplating whether or not to. That is what made us so successful for 58 years. Is it different in this industry though? I'm used to jumping quickly on an opportunity, and I'll admit that I am starting to get a lot of casting notices, and other gigs from the multiple sites my agent signed me up for. Should I be presenting these opportunities to my agent as well, or should I allow her to do her work at her own pace? I didn't want to come off as a auto dealership hard pressed salesman. ;)
Congrats Ryan. Just let your agent do their job and you will be surprised how many opportunities will come to you. What agency are you with?
Hi Ryan - your experience and "do it now" attitude will serve you well in this business. But in all things related to work and casting notices, let your agent guide you in how that particular gig should be handled. In some he or she may say "just go for it" and others they may say "let me take care of this one." And if they say "just go for everything and let me know if anything hits" then you've received your guidance. The worst thing is to be proactive and have the agent say "oh no if only you'd let me handle that!!" So its a balance of being sensitive to the way agent wants things done, and chipping in with your own efforts to supplement their strategy. If you are as lucky as Sherry, who happens to have a proactive agent (a rare thing!) then they will appreciate that you offered to help. Make no assumptions of anything, and keep your agent informed with a brief email or text to let them know of an opportunity, idea, or a job that you were offered through your own efforts. Its a partnership, and every agent has their own style. This business is about relationships, at every level. Just be respectful of them, and they will love you. one more word of advice... todays secretary is tomorrow's studio head. Even a grip may end up winning an Oscar one day. So have a good relationship with everyone, and don't be pushy. You are the Talent. Totally not like corporate sales in that respect - its the agent's job to be pushy lol!!! Keep us posted!
Congratulations brother actor!