Today’s going to be a bit different. We have quite a few questions, which I would like to address.
First one is regarding signing new clients:
What do you look for, when thinking about signing a new client?
If anyone has already had a meeting with us, they must be very talented.
We generally look for clients, that we strongly think, can book the jobs. Clients, that will do a very good job with auditions, and even if they don’t book the particular job, they will be brought back by the office they auditioned for. But most importantly, we look for great personalities.
We look for clients, that will have a great connection with us, which makes it easier for us to pitch them to casting directors, directors, producers or network. And always remember, it is much easier for us to pitch for you, if we feel that you really care, and you put the same effort into developing your career, as we do!
What is the biggest difference between big and boutique agencies as far as looking for or signing a new client? Which would be the best fit for an upcoming talent, which still needs developing?
The biggest difference between agencies in signing new clients, is that some large agencies don’t sign certain types of the talent that could cause conflict between already signed clients by the senior agents. So even if a junior agent signs an upcoming actor, or type that already is signed with a senior agent in the same agency, these new clients would be blocked for pitching for certain (bigger) roles.
Unfortunately, there is no secret, that sometimes some very talented upcoming actors are signed by a large agency, only to eliminate them from competition with their own clients.
Does that mean, that signing with a large agency by an upcoming actors is a bad idea?
No, absolutely not. However, everyone should do their own research in order to avoid that kind of “surprise”. Everyone’s path to the success is different.
And yes, sometimes it’s better for upcoming actors to seek representation with boutique agencies. However, you have to keep in mind, that the boutique agencies could be picky in that department. A – because they don’t sign that many clients, and as you know, developing takes time. B – many times upcoming clients once developed are signing with much bigger agencies. Some agents could feel, that this could be just wasting their time.
Final word: Please do your research on agencies. If you are offered a contract, sign. Be active, professional and hardworking. Show your agent/manager that you really care about your career, and the people that represent you.
Should I sign with franchised agency or I can sign with non-union agency?
There is no such a thing as a non-union legit agency. All agencies must be licensed by the State, and they are union franchised. If they are not licensed, most probably it means, that they are managers submitting clients just like agents.
Cheers