Expert: Phil Nemy - 8/10/2007

Question
As many times as you have heard this, i want to work my way up  to being a well-known actress, and I know that takes time. I have definitely done school productions and acting classes. Well during school I play basketball and can't do the winter plays so that is one thing that is in the way. I have also seriously spoken to my mom about my dream, and if she would consider getting an agent. She thinks that I am not so serious about this, and said that it was too much money to get an agent. I have been searching online for many opportunities but nothing pops up. I need help. Should I keep asking my mom about getting an agent? I want to do whatever I can. Thank you.

Answer
Danielle,

Thanks for writing. Honestly, I can't tell you what you should do. Only you can make that decision. But if you want to be an actress, in my opinion, you need to stop focusing on other sthings such as basketball and concentrate ENTIRELY on your acting career. I would enroll in some top-notch acting classes, learn as many techniques as you can, and develop your talent. You need training if you want to be an actress.

You can also tell your mother that it doesn't cost you ANYTHING to get an agent. Agent's don't charge you a fee - they take 10% of whatever income you earn from acting work. So you don't have to pay them anything up front. That said, your agent may want you to get better headshots, so you may have to spend money for that. He/she may also want you to study acting with a specific acting instructor, so you may have to spend money on that. But if your agent asks you to pay him something up front, then he's not a legitimate agent and I'd say run!

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil