Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 8/3/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Taylor!

I have read many of your responses and value your input and the experience you bring to the table-
I have been in acting for almost 7 years and I have been steadily growing since I started and consider myself one of the lucky ones who has been offered some really great opportunities and roles.  I have been with my current agent for just over 2 years and at a smaller agency.  When i first signed with this agent she was really hell bent on the fact that I would be her "leading lady" whether that was part of her schpeel or not, it made me feel really good and she really pushed me and has gotten me in to the right people....Now almost two years later it seems that she has more people similar to me in look and maybe- MAYBE- more marketable.  However, I am still working and still listed as one of her top clients- but I feel like she doesn't take enough notice of that.  I do like her, and I am very comfortable with her, but I don't think she is pushing for me hard enough.  The promise of me being her leading lady seems to be failing and her notice seems to be going elsewhere....So I have considered getting a manager to make sure I am being marketed properly and not missing any opportunities.  I came into acting in my early twenties, so I hope you understand my urgency and why I don't want to miss any opportunities! What are your feelings on this?  None of my acting friends seem to have managers and I am at a stand still on where to find a good one.  I am in the Toronto area.  Thank you for your time!

ANSWER: Hi R,

I say: "Why not?".

All you should be out is his percentage. Perhaps your agent will think more about you. She also could decide: "Great, he will do all the work!" Or, very unlikely, be offended. The only way I can think that would apply is if she feels she has been busting her ass for you. (Doesn't seem likely)

I understand the "expiration date" concept and see no reason against this if you have all the background and marketability to support it. I know I will have readers here that haven't even taken classes who will jump on this idea, so I will say here, most actors don't need this unless they are having success and have for a while. Most managers won't take them anyway unless they smell money to be made from it (just not worth their time, otherwise).

Best to you!

Taylor

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you Taylor!  Do you know where I could get started in getting a good manager?  when i search it, i come up with agencies- i tried through my imdb pro account as well- but you need to click on specific people to get their information- any further info you have on this would be stellar- and thank you once again for your valuable advice!

Answer
Hi R,

Afraid you are on your own on this one. Maybe you could approach the casting people you have history with?

A lot of the imdb folks will be in good old Hell-A (LA). Not a clue aboot the "Great White North"! Lol! As managers are lone wolf types with a small handful of clients, unless you are with giant management group, you will have to sniff them out and hound them to take you. When you start getting big, they find you!


Best,

Taylor