How to get a SAG agent to represent me?

filmman

filmman

Veteran
Let's say I'm a SAG actor, what's the best way I can get a SAG signatory agent to represent me?

1) Should I ask other actors?

2) Should I ask producers?

3) Should I ask famous celebrities? :2vrolijk_08:

4) How can I get a recommendation?

5) Any other suggestions?

Thanks for your help :happy:

I hope you're a straight shooter :kali:
 
Not sure how it works in the US, but it can't be far off from how we do things ACTRA based in Canada.

I basically approached an agent that is well known in montreal, and whos actors i had worked with on several projects.

Brought her my headshot, resume and a little demo video, and she signed me on that day. Been with her ever since!

-Jon
 
Thanks Jon. So you went to an agent that some of your colleagues were represented by -- did those actors feel any resentment that you did that? I'm not suggesting that they should have felt resentment, but I want to ask your opinion on this question so I don't get flak for people that I know.

Of course, it would occur to me that one could even say, "so and so recommended me." But that of course is unethical; however, not saying anything, but simply going to an agent who's known to you should not be anybody's business, right?
 
filmman said:
Let's say I'm a SAG actor, what's the best way I can get a SAG signatory agent to represent me?

1) Should I ask other actors?

2) Should I ask producers?
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Yes and yes. That's a good way to have an agent be interested in you, by reference. Especially if the agent or producer respects that particular actor.

3) Should I ask famous celebrities? :2vrolijk_08:
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Umm... no... :) You can ask a celebrity who there FIRST agent was and you might have a chance...

4) How can I get a recommendation?
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From an actor? Have that person recommend you. :)

5) Any other suggestions?
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Do theatre. Invite agents to your shows. Do workshops where casting agents and agents frequent. You might stand out and have an agent express interest in you and possibly be signed by him or her.

Thanks for your help :happy:

I hope you're a straight shooter :kali:
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I never said I was... :beer:
 
ditto what Jon and Tom have said.

The old fashioned method of picking up a Ross Report and sending out shots and doing follow up still will get your name out there. Postcards to those agents help to remind them you are still there.

AND don't forget actors showcases. Many have a regular group of Union Agents who attend just to keep an eye out for new talent!
 
filmman said:
Thanks Jon. So you went to an agent that some of your colleagues were represented by -- did those actors feel any resentment that you did that? I'm not suggesting that they should have felt resentment, but I want to ask your opinion on this question so I don't get flak for people that I know.

Of course, it would occur to me that one could even say, "so and so recommended me." But that of course is unethical; however, not saying anything, but simply going to an agent who's known to you should not be anybody's business, right?
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An agent may or may not chose another actor if they already have one that covers your look and type. My agent goes with the idea that you can never have enough of one type, because if one doesn't get it, the other one will. But you want to avoid rosters that are soo full, the agent can't even remember your name when you meet them lol. You are working for your agent just as much as they are working for you. You don't make money, they don't make money, so a good agent is out there working for you to get work.

No resentment. In Montreal there is a strong collaborative and supportive group throughout all actors. I, for example, and genuinely excited to see people i know show up at my auditions. And i know that if i don't get the part it's not because someone else was better than me. Its very difficult to distinguish why or why you don't get the role. But i think after you do your own casting session you will soon find out that it's not always the quality of the actor that gets the role, but sometimes the look, and the casting compatibility.
 
Just gotta sleep with the right people.

Unfortunately I've chosen the wrong people. And have gotten no where. :p
 
I don't want to sleep with the right people; I want to make it with the right people. And I want to get somewhere. Uh, what am I saying?

Look, what are some of the best ways to get an agent?

I'll offer something in exchange. I'll tell you how to get a major movie star to read your screenplay. Ok?

A writer rolled up his screenplay and tossed it into Catherine Hepburn's yard in Beverly Hills. She happened to be out watering the flowers. She read the screenplay, called her agent and told him to contact the writer. She did the movie!

Now you tell me one like that dealing with getting an agent ;-)
 
Getting an agent takes a lot of hard work. There are a LOT of SAG actors here who can't get agents. That's just the way it is.

I gave you advice earlier and, again, that's what you need to do if your goal is to get an agent. There aren't any shortcuts.
 
I was joking with the sleeping part. I don't sell myself that easily.

But really, everyone told you what has to be done. I think the only other advice I can give is just go out there and try it. Better than asking someone you never met for a recommendation.
 
filmman said:
Thank you, Flora!

Do you know an agent I can say to you recommended me? :-)
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umm no.

filmman

1st MAJOR lesson:

The film business is a CYA biz. In other words...cover your ass. NO one will ever give you their leads unless they know exactly who you are, what you do, what you are capable of AND MOST IMPORTANT...that YOU end up making them look good to who ever they sent you to.

The rule of thumb would be...if I give this guy the name of an Agent...will the Agent call and thank me or ask me "what the heck were you thinking".

Now ask yourself...if you need to CYA with a business contact, are YOU giving a stranger their name and number and telling them to call using YOUR name?

I think not.

Don't blame you for asking or trying. Good on your for that...but I hope by pointing this out you might start to see where this won't be a good tact with strangers.

Michele
 
David Niven wrote in his autobiography that he was invited to Hollywood parties with Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Carry Grant and all that big movie star crowd; but that he was never given any help in getting a job (acting in a feature film). He had to get that on his own. Everyone says the same thing.

So I know how it is; but I ask because today there are many new techninques available to actors. Hard copy pictures vs. electronic submission, casting websites, demo reels, Internet opportunities, Youtube series, etc.

What specifically can you recommend?
 
Michele Seidman said:
1st MAJOR lesson:
The film business is a CYA biz. In other words...cover your ass. NO one will ever give you their leads unless they know exactly who you are, what you do, what you are capable of AND MOST IMPORTANT...that YOU end up making them look good to who ever they sent you to.
Michele
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i agree =/
 
Dude - I think you have exhausted our helping you. Does everything we say just bounce off your head?

There are thousands of ways to do something. Find one that works for you and do it. You need to be good to get an agent. They don't get paid until you do. If you aren't going to get them money - why should they represent you? Show them you matter. And just a general hint - asking people on a message board to refer you is generally not a good start.
 
Wow! People get hostile when asked this question. LOL

Some of you are actors/ directors, actors/ producers; when placing a casting call for a feature film, sometimes agents submit their actors and some actors submit themselves.

According to this, there must be a big difference between actors that have agents and actors that don't, right?

What are the differences?

Are there agents that represent non-SAG actors? Or do all agents only represent SAG actors?

There must be a vast difference between SAG movies and non-SAG movies.

Also there must be a vast difference between movies shot by union crews and movies shot by non-union crews.

The whole discussion takes on a different turn ....

Thanks everyone for your help :-)
 
filmman said:
Wow! People get hostile when asked this question. LOL Some of you are actors/ directors, actors/ producers; when placing a casting call for a feature film, sometimes agents submit their actors and some actors submit themselves. According to this, there must be a big difference between actors that have agents and actors that don't, right? What are the differences? Are there agents that represent non-SAG actors? Or do all agents only represent SAG actors? There must be a vast difference between SAG movies and non-SAG movies. Also there must be a vast difference between movies shot by union crews and movies shot by non-union crews. The whole discussion takes on a different turn ....Thanks everyone for your help :-)
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ummm...did you check any of these peoples profiles? i know mine mentions i teach all this stuff regarding acting for camera. did it ever dawn on you that you were asking...at least in my case...for me to go beyond giving you a push in the right direction to asking me to GIVE to you, what i get paid for...acting classes and business advice for actors.

so my last bit of help and instruction is....go read Hollywood 101 by Frederick Levy and get a basic understanding of this industry. From your current questions..you are not ready. they are all good questions but if you knew how to get trained...you would not do it here...or this way.

there are NO new methods....only illusions of new methods. an actor still studies their craft...on stage or in indie film or with instructors or by all of the above. go pay a few dues and then you will see why a some folks are throwing their hands up in the air.
 
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