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Question
I am to sign up with an agency , they are charging 25%
+vat for every job they secure for me, also a signing on fee of £99+vat to represent me for two years, they are going to do a photoshoot with me and prepare a portfolio for me.They seem to be a reputable company, but I am unsure of the fees, does the fee seem a reasonable amount to ask for, can you give me some advice.Thankyou.
Hi Michael,
I must confess...I have never worked in the UK! Therefore I do not know the going rate for agents in your part of the world. However, you can likely call around to other agencies and ask if the fees sound correct to them. You see, in America, you can be an extra in a movie by just showing up to an open call. I have been advised, that in Canada, you sign up with some sort of agency to do that. Now, we have Unions, or Guilds for acting and extra work, but I am only familiar with them occurring in Los Angeles, and not other areas. So differences do exist in various countries. You did not mention if this is for modeling or acting. I assumed acting, but if they are doing a portfolio for modeling, then, that could be reasonable. As we had a lot of scams going on in the late Eighties and Nineties in Texas, there is still a residual bad taste for many of us for "package deals" where the "agent" would sell you photos, classes and "promises" of fame and success, then leave you with a stack of glossies and only memories of what might be.
Best,
Taylor
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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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