Expert: Phil Nemy - 1/17/2005

Question
-Thanks for that quick response.  I didn't know a "layman" (parent) could invite Talent Agents to events.  Is there something in particular I should say that would peek their curiousity enough to get them to come?  And how do I find the right kind of agent.  Here in San Diego, I think we're pretty limited; and the list of agents in LA is huge! I don't know which ones would be most interested in a young singer; any suggestions?

Thanks again!
Juliette------------------------
Followup To
Question -
HI,

I know your forte is acting, but having worked with Disney, perhaps you can give me some advice on how to get my daughter heard by an agent who could do something with her talent.  We've already been scammed by John Robert Powers; Lola just won a talent show singing here in San Diego for Glamour Pageants; she's attractive and in the right hands could become the next Avril Lavigne, Lizzie Maguire, Jo Jo or Brittney Spears (Don't care for Brittney, but money-earning capability, I mean) Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Juliette Brockmann
Answer -
Juliette,

Thanks for writing. The best way to get your daugher heard by an agent is when she's performing somewhere and the agent hear's her sing. Next time she is performing at a legitimate event, invite a bunch of agents and have them hear her.

In addition, you better have a darn good demo tape put together that you can give to prospective agents. The tape should include a few songs (no more than 4) that show her off the best, shows her range, shows that she can appeal to the audiene you described.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil  

Answer
Juliette,

You want an agent that handles children. There are a number of agents that specialize in kids. Try searching the internet and you'll probably find some. Also, consider going to HCDonline.com and purchasing a copy of their angents/managers directory. This directory has every agent and manager working in Los Angeles today and it will tell you what they specialize in, meaning if they handle children.

You daughter needs a great headshot. Sending a headshot and an announcement that she will be performing may peak the interest of the agent. Reviews of her performances are also good ways of illustrating that a person has talent.

Try hitting up a few in San Diego. If you have no luck their, then you'll need to get her into a showcase in Los Angeles where the LA agents can attend. They will not travel to San Diego just to see her.

Hope this helps.

Phil