Expert: Kitty Kavey - 8/4/2006

Question
Hi Kitty,

If you can provide some answers for me I will be unbelievably greatful!

My name is Zack and I'm on ABC's new reality tv show, "One Ocean View."  It premiered this past Monday on July 31st.  After participating on the show, I found that I loved to be in front of the camera and caught the acting bug.  I'm extremely interested in acting, and would love to do commercial print modeling to make money.

I'm having trouble figuring out what commercial print agencies I should be seeking out.  I've heard of Cunningham, Abrahams, and Innovative Talent Agency, but I was wondering if you knew of any others that might be better.

Also, without having professional pictures what is the best way to go about contacting them.  I've been contacted already by managers telling me that they can get me in the door to the best places and have me booked within a week, but how do I know if these managers are legit?

In addition, what agency do you recommend for acting.  I think William Morris is the biggest, but I've been told w/out acting experience and lessons, I should seek out smaller agencies where I can be a big fish in a little pond rather than visa versa.

Most managers said without professional pictures I need them to get me in the door.  Is this true and do I even need a manager?  If so, do you have any recommendations or know where to look for one?

And have you ever heard of About Artists Agency (Renee Glicker)?  This lady is a "legit" agent (which I just learned means tv agent) and contacted me, and wants to mold me and guide me.  I had a meeting with her this past week and she is a one person shop.  She said this is better for me so she can focus on me, and said they won't pay much attention to me at a larger agency.  

What do you recommend in terms of acting agencies and commercial print agencies?  I'd also be interested in doing commercials.  Would I need a separate agent for that as well and if so do you have any recommendations?

I know this is alot to ask and I'd be extremely appreciative of any advice you could give.  I feel SO lost right now and am in desperate need of guidance.  I don't want my 10 minutes of fame to slip away without capitilizing on it.

Also, if you'd like to see me please check out abc.com and click to see a recap of last episode.  You'll see a snipet of me and my ex-girlfriend.

Thank you in advance for any advice you can give to me.  Have a great night!

Answer
I would recommend only using an agency from the Screen Actors Guild list of franchised agencies (www.SAG.org, under Resources, Agent Information.)  The agencies on that list marked FS (full-service) are those that have a commercial print division in addition to representing actors.  Generally, once you get in to one part of an agency, you can ask them to refer you to the other department.

Since you will need professional headshots/resume to work in the industry, you should get them.  If money is the issue, use Craigslist or one of the actor networking sites to locate a deal.  It looks like you have a headshot on the One Ocean View website - perhaps you can get permission to use that.  

As for managers, you really don't know who is legit - as managers are not required to do anything more than get a business license in order to start working.  If you know a actor who is doing what you want to do (successfully), and has a manager, ask them who represents them, and for a referral.

If you like Ms. Glicker, and feel she knows the direction you want to go in, that sounds like a good agency to sign with.  Do due diligence of course, make sure she's licensed, check if she's a SAG agency (which again, I prefer and recommend).  Make sure you read through the contract, and that there's a clause in it that if she gets you no work within a certain period of time (perhaps 90 days) you can be let go from the contract.  There's usually something in there that is a release clause if the agent cannot get you work.

Something you might want to consider for the future - since you are enjoying your first 15 minutes of fame, a publicist may be helpful you as well.  Once you get 'big' one quite often has a team of people; the agent, manager, publicist, stylist, etc.

In the mean time, choose the (accredited) agent you feel most comfortable with, and "break a leg" as they say!
Good luck to you,
~Kitty