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Question
I am a 16 year old aspiring actress/singer and i am currently i am living in
canada but i will be moving back to the uk nex year. I want to get myself out
there now and get some experience behind me. I was wondering if- just for
this year- my mum could be my agent (shes NOT a 'stage parent') because i
dont want to pay the fees this year. When i go back to the uk i will of course
get an actual agent.
If she can, what does she need to sign? where can she get information? what
do i need to sign?
thanks,
Jess
Hi Jessica,
A little clarification:
An agent is someone who runs a business dealing with actors, who is in constant contact with casting directors (they have each other's private numbers) and has detailed knowledge of salary scales for the Screen Actors Guild (in America) and other unions. (The scales vary on if the project is regional/national/local/low-budget/international, etc.
Agents don't charge fees in advance! They get a percentage of the actor's pay after a project has been completed by the actor and the payment has been received. If you don't work, you don't pay!
Anyone who asks up front for money is a scam.
Most U.S. agents are licensed by their respective states.
Do you see why your mom wouldn't be able to be an agent for you?
Some things are best left up to someone with the know-how, experience and connections.
Best,
Taylor
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Answers by Expert:
Taylor Sheppard
Expertise
I can answer questions: on starting a career in acting, mistakes in acting, etiquette when dealing with industry contacts, finer points on how to act, and things to avoid in the field.
Experience
I have been a professional actor 21 years, with appearances in TV, Film and commercials. I have made good decisions and potentially damaging mistakes. I believe anyone who has a dream deserves to explore it, and I take their aspirations seriously. That being said, I do not pull punches. I try to be tactful, but I will not lie to someone, honesty is more effective. My last film role was in "Teeth" which was picked for Sundance in January 2007. It was sold to Lionsgate and Weinstein Co. for somewhere over 2.5 million. The role was "Mr. Griffith", a sex-ed teacher.
Organizations
Ciao Agency-Austin/Georgetown, Texas. (Formerly known as Donna Adams Agency. Matthew McConaughey was a good friend and fellow member. I also have belonged to agencies in three other Texas cities, but they have since closed.) TXMPA -Texas Motion Picture Alliance. Various other internet networking web rings as well as Actors Access. I was instrumental in advising actress Krista Allen on getting her career in acting started in Austin,Texas (we worked at the same Health Club in the early '90's).
Publications
Previously wrote on a now defunct website such as this one. I enjoyed helping new actors.
Education/Credentials
I have acted for 21 years. I studied under James Nelson Harrell as well as other talented actors at Southwest Texas State University. After college, I have taken classes with Julliard graduate Mona Lee, Bill Johnson, Van Brookes, Marco Perella and others in Austin Texas. I am constantly attending classes to maintain my edge and explore new directions. In addition to attending strictly acting classes, I have also taken business workshops with respected casting directors, such as Shari Rhodes ("Jaws","Close Encounters", "Raggedy Man".) Barbara Brinkley, Jo Edna Bolden and Donise Hardy, (Castingworks LA).
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