Expert: Phil Nemy - 3/31/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi can you help me find an agent? I want to act on Disney channel i enjoy suit live and Hannah Montana. do you know how to get an agent interested? please can you contact me back on  bradley_allan@hotmail.co.uk thank you for your time.

ANSWER: Bradley,

Thanks for writing. Since I don't know your talent, I can't help you find an agent.

As far as how to get an agent interested, you need two things: talent and looks. If you have neither, you might want to pursue another career. Of course, you can enroll in some acting classes and develop your talent, but if the camera doesn't like you and doesn't find you photogenic, you probably won't have much of a career in front of the camera.

Agents will become interested in you when they see your headshot and find you attractive, and also when they see you performing in something. So get our there and audition for plays, films, commercials, anything where an invited agent can see you perform.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil

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QUESTION: Can i not just hire an agent or do i have to send them things like pics. Are you able to tell the ones to keep away from? Do you know any contact numbers or e-mail for some locally like in the UK? Thank you again for your time cheers.

ANSWER: Bradley,

I don't know what the protocol is in the UK, but in the USA you don't have to have an agent. Not having an agent can, however, suggest that you're amateur and not "good enough" to get an agent, so keep that in mind.

As far as agencies in the UK, there is a wonderful resource book written just for the UK called THE KNOWLEDGE. Search for it on Google.com, or pick up a copy at your local bookstore. Among the many pieces of information, it lists all of the talent agencies and managers in the UK. A good place to start when seeking an agent.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil

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QUESTION: Hi do you not need an agent in America because that is where i want to work on Disney channel. If i got an agent would it be easyer to get a job on Disney channel?

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Bradley,

There is no law in America that requires you to be represented by an Agent. However, when an actor does not have an agent or a talent manager, it is often looked upon by the industry that the actor isn't good enough because no one will represent him. So it is often in your best interest to have an agent or talent manager representing you.

Having an agent doesn't make it easier to get a job as an actor be it on the Disney Channel or with any other company. It's still difficult to be cast in something, even if you have talent.

Phil