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Hello, I was wondering if you have ever considered managing individuals. Also my Daughter is signed through a agency here in Texas called Exxcel Model & Talent and i was wondering if you have ever heard of them. She has been signed with them for months and still no work they haven't even received her comp cards yet i have been doing my own networking and have gotten wonderful results so i am a little bothered and hoping im not being scamed
Hi Kailie,
I haven't ever really given any thought to the management angle. I would probably lean more toward teaching than the business end of it all. It really takes a certain breed to be a good agent. I like the art side, not the business end of it.
It would appear that Exxcel is legit, but the market is slow right now and truthfully, networking is always a good idea, good times or not, putting yourself out there to increase opportunities and contacts- not just waiting and leaning on agents...especially right now. While you don't want to become a pest, it IS very important to stay in touch on a regular basis with your agent when an actor, because that keeps you in the front of the shelf. And although agents get commission, they often work hard with little or no return. That's why you should praise them and not forget birthdays, small gifts at Christmas for them and their staff, etc. Not so much for casting, except for cards -they don't want to feel put on the spot. (that comes straight from a panel of five casting directors with big footprints in Texas and LA. Too often, talent blames agents when it isn't their fault the biz is slow! I learned that lesson early on. Luckily, I didn't drop my agents!
One question: what do you mean "waiting on comp cards"? Exxcel didn't have you buy them through the agency or an "affiliate" did they?
Agents do not take pay, only commission, and they shouldn't be mixed up in supplying any materials (headshots, cards. etc) that just looks really bad. I wouldn't even get mixed up in one that has a school myself. That just seems conflict of interest. If it's been months and you are waiting, get serious. Taking photos takes hours. Printing takes a few hours, maybe a couple days -what would take months?
Best,
Taylor
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you so much for he advice. You wouldn't happen to have classes you give or consultations would you LOL and yes they do have me going through a company of they suggested for the comp cards and press book.:( I am learning that there will be lots of lessons learned in this industry. | ||
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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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