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Question
how do you get a manager? and does it cost a lot of money to get into the actors business?
Hi Nichola,
To get an agent you should be ready to have an agent.
That means spending money on classes with real teachers, not John Robert Powers, who is an example of what you don't want mixed up in. An agent doesn't hold classes and teachers aren't the agents.
An agent doesn't get paid upfront, but takes a percentage of the paycheck from the gig they got the actor when the work is done.
Does it take a lot of money? Well, yes and yes....sort of.
Yes, you need money for classes, for audition clothes, for dental work (if needed) gas for your car or transportation costs, headshot production, (paper, discs, satchel to carry headshots without them getting wet or wrinkled)and then there's the little costs you don't think of.
I find that it helps to come dressed in character, and sometimes I may be a doctor, a businessman, lawyer...etc. and need an outfit, so there I go with my wallet...
The second part is, actors don't make a lot of money starting out and most don't make much money, even then, so these expenses can add up to more than you make.
Hope this helps!
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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