Good solid advice for ANYONE. Sure do your own marketing and promotion just focus most of it on Agents and Agencies. It is extremely rare that production companies will look anywhere else but through an Agent of some kind.

Also the Don't Pay Advice? If an agent even mentions payment or subscription fees, or'You will have to attend this course and it costs $$$$' then dodge them. While it can cost money to attend courses, get a show-reel or professional photos, it should never be a requirement upon enrollment. Most honest agents will get their payment by a SMALL cut of any work they get you.

Dixi

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

how do u find an agent that doesnt cost when ur 13?

if your in perth talk to maxine at actors now in hay street

People get the idea that they can walk into theatre, TV and film
a) because there's a misconception about the amount of skill, effort, time and interest needed to be an actor (think of the number of scenes in TV where the 'star' lazes around doing nothing)
b) because young people tend to be naive
c) because the industry jobs are hidden, and therefore mysterious
d) the best reason of all - reality TV screwing with the previously held idea that to get on TV you need to be anything other than a performer
e) take a look at some of the 'actors' out there - many of whom have come from a modelling background, music... now even footballers and others can get into a show, simply because they like the show and have an agent, and the producers like the idea of more ratings due to a 'star' presence on the show.

It's not just who or what you know... it's what you happen to look like, what you can get away with, and what SELLS most of all.

But the fact of the matter is that like all reality TV 'stars', they will not be around for long (think of the Popstars group Bardot, dropped the minute the show finished) unless they have skill, talent, effort, and the willingness to do the work. The real test is what happens when the looks/style/interest fails.

The Prompt Copy
Networking emerging theatre professionals
www.thepromptcopy.com

Sticky Apple Legs
http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

Another reason for this perception is what I term the Walk-In Myth. Many times have I heard the tale of the off-the-street who walks into a producers office and says "I want to act" and promptly gets the lead role. I even have a vague but no doubt false memory of this happenening to someone I once new.

It simply doesn't happen like that at all. Sure you may actually manage to get into a producers office and get to say "I want to act" before security take you in a padded wagon to Greylands, but there would have to be a pretty damn good reason for that same producer to turn around and say "Your hired!" without substantial evidence. Producers invest a lot of money into their shows and they will not throw that kind of money around on someone without some ounce of belief in their ability to hold to do their part.

The best you could hope for using the Walk-In approach is a spot of sweeping on-set, but maybe that would be you foot in the door. It worked for Harrison Ford

Dixi

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

I've actually found that sitting in with directors (they also happened to be the playwrights), most will go for the look, rather than the performance itself.

One director/writer chose a woman for 'Gwen' (as in Camelot), who was rather posh-looking, but turned a 10 minute monologue into a 15 minute slow-poke boring piece. The monologue was quite good, but we were all bored.

But the actress that we all thought the director/writer should have chosen, didn't have the look, but certainly had the expression, the passion and the vocals for the piece.

For some - looks are all you need!

The Prompt Copy
Networking emerging theatre professionals
www.thepromptcopy.com

Sticky Apple Legs
http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

hello Jeff,

I am a new member, i was wondering if i can add a posted message to everyone to read on the site.

I am looking for an ambitious young actress to act in a short film. The story is about a young person going through an intense session to be fearless, some stop motion animation will be included. i am not looking for an agent, anyone with an acting experience and love to work in a short VCA film will be appreciated.

Contact Details are:
Lara Yawno
0411149608 or email me on lyawno@hotmail.com

Cheers,
lara

Hi Paul,
I have read some of your posts and have noticed that you are (or merely appear to be!) quite devoted to the acting field. I am interested in who your agent is, as you seem to have a lot of experience and drive? How long has he been you agent for? Have you had any professional experience? Are you at uni, or merely stiving to become an actor? So sorry if I am coming across as a stalker! Its just that you seem to have this as your area of expertise, or atlest passion. I like your posts.

I would love it if you were able to answer my questions. If you want to make it easier to communicate you can make a new post for me so i can find it...if you'd rather keep the wank factor on the low...i can filter through and find it!!

Thanks again

could i just ask what agent ur with?

frog management's cuts are between 15 and 20%

The agencies you mentioned are not the BIG THREE...try Morissey, Shanahan, and RGM.

THEY are the BIG THREE agencies in this conutry. Their cut is dependent on who actually represents you (they have a number of agents working there - think "Jerry Maguire" only for actors.) They have agreements with a lot of the big production houses to have their actors considered first. It's very unfair.

"Frog" is NOT one of the big agencies - and, personally, I do not think their policy of charging young people to do an in-house course is fair IN ANY LANGUAGE. If they believe in you they should put you through the "course" (if you need one) at thir own expense!

That's just my opinion.

In reference to in-house courses (acting), my experience is that these SHOULD be run to TRAIN their actors primarily. There are a number of reasons for this, but mainly, so that the agent is kept up to date with their skill-level, and at the fore-front of their mind for work. Just quietly though, they are run to keep the agents doors open, so they can continue to get the actor work! I know this sounds harsh, but all actors know how little paid work is out there. If an agent is getting a maximum of 20% cut of that- how little money do you think they make?

This is a very late reply. But a personally believe an agent charging a 20% commision is o.k?
The important thing is that you are being, 'put-up' for work, and receiving work!
Obviously, the more work you get, the less you need to worry about the commision. I have worked as a actor agent and manager.

Would all these people try reading previous posts or the FAQ, instead of re-posting everything.

The reason this site was redesigned was to encourage fewer postings asking the same questions and the same posts.

To answer your q rocio - go to MEAA (www.alliance.org.au) and check out their lists of agents.

The Prompt Copy
Networking emerging theatre professionals
www.thepromptcopy.com

Sticky Apple Legs
http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

I am more than willing to travel...I am more than willing to do anything. I was considering joining a particular agency based in Sydney but I guess I'm paranoid about the money side of it. I read in earlier posts that you shouldn't be paying an agency - if they want you they won't ask you to pay...but how do I find one that wants me if they haven't seen me? Every agency I've seen asks for payment. Guess I'm not looking hard enough. Thanks for the reply.

Thankyou muchly, I shall check it out. :)Fingers crossed hey?

You don't say where you are? I would suggest you look on this site in the auditions section join your local theatre as local companies are always looking for new members. You can also try an internet site called Auditions Australia if you are in Vic. Qld or NSW. If you are in Perth try Perth Auditions on the internet. Amateur theatre is not paid but your reward is the experience and on the job training and the nice people you meet. Once you have some experience and training then you can go to an agent and audition. If you are in Perth I know that Actors Now, Frog and Actors Management all have classes. Also your local independent theatres also often hold classes. There are also some high schools which have special programs for the arts for example John Curtin College of the Arts and Perth Modern in Perth. You need to audition to get into their programs, but if you get a good monologue and audition with it you have a good chance of getting in if you are good. There is a lot of competition for the places in these programs though. Training is important and you will need a good head shot and CV with experience and training on it. Try to get an agent, but you will need to audition for them to represent you. Reputable agents do not charge for you to audition with them. Once involved in all of the above you usually hear about auditions. There really is not much paying work about and so there is a lot of competition at the auditions. Independent theatres are one of the best training grounds other than NIDA, WAAPA etc, but you are a little young for them at the moment. Good luck.

Intriguing...

The Prompt Copy
Networking emerging theatre professionals
www.thepromptcopy.com

Sticky Apple Legs
http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com