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Ok, my name is Miranda and I do have a little experience with acting. I have been in three Bass Hall Performances and I am looking to get an agent to pursue my, hopeful, acting carrier in the Dallas/Forth Worth area. I just need some help on where to look! Please Help!
Hi Miranda,
You should definitely start taking classes, as even pro actors workout their chops with a coach!
As to agents, you need a headshot professionally done and reproduced.
My photog in Austin does digital with retouching (very mild for temp blemishes) so I can get as many as I need printed in a day.
You need a resume! Look online for examples, but DO NOT put your: age, hair/eye color, height or weight, address, phone -anything but your name and what you've done and classes (under "Education" which will fill for lack of experience) you have taken! DO NOT PUT MODELING GIGS DOWN! That is, if you want to be taken seriously.
Print it on good resume paper, not copier stuff. Staple it with two staples, at the back of your headshot, with the staples an inch and a half from each side at the top so they aren't on your head!
Then submit them in an envelope with a short, concise, cover letter stating only that you are a Dallas/Ft Worth are talent seeking representation in your market and would like to meet if they are interested and see if mutually agreeable, that they represent you. Do not come off needy or desperate. Just that you are seeking to start your career.
Here are some agencies to mail to in Dallas:
Page 214 Model & Talent Agency
- www.pageparkes.com -
Mary Collins Agency
- www.marycollins.com -
Peggy Taylor Talent Inc (May not be taking new talent)
- www.peggytaylortalent.com
Marquee Talent Inc
Horne Agency
- www.thehorneagency.com
Clutts Agency The
- www.thecluttsagency.com
Brock & Co (Toni Cobb Brock)
Campbell Agency
- www.thecampbellagency.com
K-Hall Agency.
DO NOT CALL THEM!!!! -other than to ask an address if necessary.
The ONLY time it may be okay is if you ask if someone might be able to look and your "contact sheet" from the photographer to give their "expert opinion" on what headshot you should use (one "serious" look and one "commercial" friendly look). But don't hit them up in person to rep you! If they offer, great! But don't beg them. They will not like being put on the spot like that.
Good luck!
Best,
Taylor
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you very much this will help alot... i hope! | ||
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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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