Expert: Phil Nemy - 9/25/2008

Question
Dear Phil,
I am 19, in college near LA studying theatre and hope to work in the film
industry in LA as an actor next summer (also researching summer school at
Am. Conserv.in San Fran if i can come up with the $ per your suggestion in a
prior response). I have worked as an extra in several movies this last summer
in Austin, Texas and had a lead role in a low budget indie movie in August. I
loved working on the film and the director asked me to work with him again
in the future. I know I need to get an agent but what is the process? I do have
an online presence with headshots and a resume that I use for auditions that I
research on craigslist. Is it considered ok to send in an "unsolicited" resume
into an agent? Gersch, Paradigm and UTA look really good on the web but am
i dreaming that they will take any notice of something I would send them?
Also, should I invest my hard earned $ in professional headshots for my
resume or are amateur but good headshots OK? Is there an advantage to
going to a good photographer/do they have relationships with agencies?
Thanks so much in advance for any advice/help you can give me.  

Answer
Chris,

Thanks for writing. I think you're a bit naive about finding representation. There are thousands upon thousands of actors in this town, most of who don't have representation. Why? Because agents only represent actors who work, or at least, actors they believe are marketable. The agencies you mentioned will not respond to unsolicited headshots and resumes.

And yes, you DO need professional headshots if you want to be taken seriously. Amateur work says just that - you're an amateur, you're not a pro and you don't want to be taken seriously.  So, get a good headshot by a good photographer.

An agent is going to want to represent you if he/she thinks you have a good "look." That's the first thing they look for. Then they want to know that you have talent. Talent cannot always be determined by looking at a resume. They need to SEE YOU at work. Which means if you don't have any professional work shot professional on videotape or DVD, then you will need to have one in order to be taken seriously.

The other way to get an agent to take you seriously is to invite him to see your work. If you're performing in a play or a showcase, invite him to come. Send him your headshot, resume and a note that says you're seeking representation and you're appearing in "X" and you would be thrilled if they would come and see your work. The agent may not come, but he may send his assistant. You should follow up a week after you mail to the agent and ask the assistant if it was received and whether the agent or the assistant can attend to see your work. Invite as many agents as you think would be right for you. But stay away from the big agencies. They're only going to be interested once you've begun getting paying gigs, and I mean money that means something. Not extra work, not a one-liner, a role that pays good money. Then you've become marketable to them because they now realize they can make money off of you.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil