Top tips for production companies today by GlobalTalentNetwork

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GlobalTalentNetwork tips for talent firms : The talent agency industry is fragmented — the top 50 agencies make up less than 45 percent of the industry’s revenue, according to Hoover’s, a business research firm. Build a reputation for being trustworthy and let your marketing campaigns be a reflection of how you represent models and actors so you can acquire the clients and talented people you seek. If you are not familiar with the type of talent the market in your area uses and seeks, you run the risk of running an ineffective talent agency. For instance, Los Angeles will have a higher demand for actors and models than a small rural town in a Midwestern state. However, the small town might have a need for radio voice actors or models for clothing store ads.

Do Theatre – Most Canada actors are theatre actors. Canada is a theatre and improv country. The expectation from the players in this market is that you have a strong background in one of these forms. Agents “shop” at the theatre; it’s, for most, where they find new talent. Doing a role over a sustained amount of time is not only satisfying for the actor, but is what allows you to grow and develop as an artist. Theatre is where you develop your “chops” and your street cred. As Mary Ann Ziesch of Actors Talent Group says “I need to see solid theatre experience on a resume to consider new talent.” Read extra details globaltalentnetwork.com.

Narrow down your list. The size and status of the office you should realistically approach is determined by how far along you are in your career. When starting out, you’ll find that the small- and medium-sized offices are often more receptive to meeting new talent—but if you do have an “in” at a major agency, go for it. If your timing, talent, and type are right, you could get lucky. (Check out our lists of agencies for early- and mid-career actors in New York City and Los Angeles for ideas.) Start with a list of about 15-20 first-choice agencies; you can also put together a similar list of second-choice options. Prepare and submit your materials. Now that you’ve identified the reputable agencies you plan to pursue, you’ll need to submit four things.

Additionally, consider buying tickets to theater shows in your town. It can plug you into your local acting community while exposing you to new playwrights, actors, and directors. For auditions, you need to arrive a few minutes early, and with a reel, headshot, and résumé in hand. Reel: Your demo reel will frequently be what gets you in the door. A résumé is great, but if the casting director isn’t familiar with you, for all they know, your credits could be made up. Headshot and résumé: Always, always bring them to an audition. What’s more, make sure your headshot and résumé are stapled together. Don’t squander your chances for a callback because the casting director wasn’t able to determine your experience level after your résumé got separated from your headshot. (And if you don’t know what your headshot should look like, dig into our guide to acting headshots for tips!)

What Is a Talent Agent? Talent agents are a regulated portion of the entertainment industry and have the very specific job of finding and securing work for actors, directors, writers, and musicians. Agents work with studios and casting directors to place clients on film productions. Agents are licensed and work for a talent agency “or corporation who engages in the occupation of procuring, offering, promising, or attempting to procure employment for an artist or artists,” according to California state law. Other states have different requirements.

It sounds simple, but it takes practice. Walk in the door with your head held high. Be wary of shuffling feet. You don’t get sympathy points if you’re nervous, not feeling well, or having a bad day. Leave it outside the door. You are being sized up the minute you walk in so practice good posture and body language before you arrive. And don’t forget to smile—that’s the lasting impression you want to leave. Play opposites: Yelling isn’t the only way to show hatred or anger. Sometimes being quiet as you make your point is a powerful display of emotion. Playing opposites is a much more interesting choice than the obvious.

The best way to calm your nerves before an audition is to build confidence around your preparation process. Knowing your lines backwards and forwards will do wonders for quelling whatever doubts you have in your head. Another great way to calm audition nerves is to focus on your breathing. “Take centered, focused breaths that actually calm you,” says acting coach Craig Wallace, “A good breath to try if you are feeling a little edgy is a ‘heart breath.’ Sitting still, breathe deeply and slowly into your solar plexus or heart center, and then, just as slowly, let it out. Do this a few times, really letting the breath fill the entire area of the heart. When you surround the heart with your warm, expansive breath, it feels protected, and you begin to feel safer in your body. When it’s time for the audition, you’ll feel more secure, centered, and strong in your body, mind, and heart.”

Always make sure that you have the correct spelling of an agent and the agency along with the correct mailing address. To improve your chances of getting an agent as soon as possible. Mail your package to every union-franchised agency. Then, after waiting for ten days, start contacting each agency asking for a meeting. If an agent wants to meet you in person, then you are one step closer to reaching your dreams. To prepare for the interview make sure that you know how to get to the talent agents’ office. Nothing looks worse than showing up late to a meeting. Make sure you dress professionally but, don’t go too crazy because you do not want your talent agent to typecast you for specific roles. The talent agent will most likely have a copy of your package but, be sure to bring copies just in case.