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Question
HOW CAN I GET AN AGENCY!!!?? Ive tried forever, it is getting too hard! Too many ripp offs and lies!
Hi Jessica,
I guess it depends on where you are, how talented you are and how old you are. In my city (Toronto) there is a store called Theatre Books which supplies a book called "The Agent's Book" which details all agents in town and which ones are accepting new talent. There are also many helpful tips for new talent to avoid the pitfalls one may encounter.
A basic rule of thumb is that any agent who asks for money up front (for new head shots, etc.) is one to be avoided. A legitimate agent should only make money when you do, and that's usually 15 per cent of your gross earnings.
Since there are far more actors than there are agents, the agents have the luxury of picking and choosing who they want to represent, and that always means the ones that are going to earn them the most money in commissions.
So you should concentrate on getting as much training as you can and putting together a high quality demo CD or DVD of your work. Try to make the agent want you, instead of the other way around.
Best of luck,
Roland
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Roland Parliament
Expertise
I can answer any questions regarding voice-over work in commercials, animation, dubbing and narration. I can coach actors in audition technique, performance requirements and demo tape preparation. I can help break down sides for all of the above.
Experience
I have directed 55 episodes of the hit anime series "Sailor Moon", several other dubbed series and one theatrical release animation entitled, "Ferretina" (release date to be announced). I have voice-acted in over 2,000 commercials, several animation series and a number of narration productions. I have been sent by ACTRA to St. John's, Winnipeg and Halifax to educate and produce demo tapes for ACTRA members.
Organizations
ACTRA, AF of M, SOCAN
Publications
I am currently writing a textbook and instructional CD for voice performers.
Education/Credentials
I am an award-winning graduate of the Radio & Television Arts Program at Ryerson University, Toronto (1971). I have completed several acting courses at George Brown College (Toronto). I have taught voice in the Theatre Program at Ryerson University (1990-2002) and am currently teaching voice and dialects in the Acting For Film & Television Program at Humber College Toronto. I taught for 7 years in ACTRA's Apprenticeship program.
Awards and Honors
Over 75 international awards for advertising music plus the Don Hudson Award for Creative Excellence at Ryerson
Past/Present Clients
Advertising: Rowntree-MacIntosh, GMC, McCains, Coca-cola, Swiss Chalet, McDonald's, Ford Motors, Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Blood Services, Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Royal Bank of Canada, Zellers, etc.
Animation: DIC Productions, Nelvana, Avianca & Associates, etc.
Narration: The LongPen, Audience Productions, INCO, etc.
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