Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 1/2/2009

Question
hi kenneth, i had a question about how the referral system works at the big agencies in la such as untied talent agency creative artists agency william morris etc.. they say they work by referral?? so do these referrals come from acting teachers or directors or who?? and if i wanted a referral to one of these agencies how should the one giving the referral go about doing it?.. thank you, jared

Answer
Hi Jared, somehow I lost my first answer to this question. These referrals need to come from someone whom the agent respects. For example if you were recommended by Cliff Osmond, the famous acting teacher, they would consider it.  But if you were recommended by a high school acting teacher, it would probably go in the trash. Such recommendations also are addressed to a particular agent at the agency, not just to the agency in general. It is better for someone to just do their best work and rely on somebody to spontaneously recommend them, rather than seek a recommendation.  If you want an agent of any kind, you need to earn it through your experience and training.  You need a book called 'Acting as a Business" by Brian O'Neil. It is the best seller on the topic of furthering one's career.  For additional info on an acting career write me at kencosp@aol.com where I advise aspiring actors from all over the world. Best wishes, and God bless, Doc