Getting an agent????

[Tape Jam]

I'm seriously considering getting an agent...wondering if anyone out there can tell me how to choose the right one (if they'll take me). I don't want to be sent out on a tape with 200 other candidates. Any advice is appreciated!! Feel free to PM me if you have info on any specific places. Thanks!

[Sir Dropham Pants]

There's lots of good advice re: the agent question in the archives of this board. Do a search for a more comprehensive load of info.
The short answer is this: Research. Talk to people who have agents. Talk to NDs (if you can) to get opinions on reputations etc. Send them tapes, make phone calls if possible. Look at their websites. Trust your gut.
Hint: they will ALL tell you they don't send more than one client for each job opening. Some may be telling the truth. I've heard agents say that, then I've seen several clients from the same agent roll in for job openings.
One more bit of advice: look very carefully at an agent's contract. Some can be as complex as the contract you sign with a tv station. It is, after all, and employment agreement. Have all your questions answered before you sign.

[YHWY]

Don't do it.

[NoWay]

The good thing about an agent is that you leave all the negotiating to them, even after they get u the job. They deal with any other issues that may come up. The bad thing, it'll cost you. Make sure the agent sends out your tape individually and not a reel of talent. Also take a look at their client list and call one of them up to get an opinion.

[Roy Hobbs]

And make sure you look like this or you're wasting your time.

http://www.eiu.edu/~sprtinfo/images/pictures/05_vb-team.jpg

[Down The Highway]

Unless you look like the far right, middle row...yikes.

[Roy Hobbs]

I shouldn't stereotype. Agents will also consider baseball types.

http://go.apsu.edu/peay_diaries/diary_photos/emilee1_2.jpg

[TVMattNYC]

I hate to burst your bubble, but in this super-tight job market, unless the agents are calling YOU, they're not interested.

[Gail sirens]

Street, you're usually spot on, but not this time.
There's plenty of talent that they could make $$$ off of who prefer to do it themselves.
There's also plenty of good talent that flies under the agent radar. They can't see everyone in every market.

[tvcontract.com]

First and foremost, think long and hard about whether you REALLY want an agent.

They likely have more contacts than you do, but once you sign with them, you may be sending them money every month for the rest of your career.

The good news - you have alternatives. A good broadcast attorney can do almost everything an agent can for a lot less money and no long-term committment.

I've got clients in markets all over the country and am confident that they've gotten far more bang for thier buck, as long as they're willing to do most of their own job searches.

think before you sign, and consider an attorney instead.

[ January 11, 2007, 01:45 PM: Message edited by: tvcontract.com ]

[Michigan J. Frog]

Isn't the above post advertising?

Or is it just garden-variety spam?

[Sultanosurf]

Actually, being sent out on a tape with other prospects isn't bad. It's a timesaver for people doing the hiring, and going through a box of tapes can be about as much fun as a trip to the dentist.

A personal connection is important; remember, you're paying for their service -- a LOT through the run of a contract.

You also need to be sure the agent has established rapport and is knowledgeable, otherwise, they're just doing the same thing you'd be doing, and charging you freight. There are agents, and there are tapesenders.

Matt is dead-on above. The better agents aren't taking new clients in a tight market. Check the agent listings here on Medialine or TVSpy, call and do some research. Again, you're paying these people for a service -- about the same as a car payment -- it's only appropriate to shop for what they provide.

Good luck.

[Clever Login Name]

Originally posted by Roy Hobbs:
And make sure you look like this or you're wasting your time.

http://www.eiu.edu/~sprtinfo/images/pictures/05_vb-team.jpgAre you saying you don't have the balls for the job, Roy?

[Roy Hobbs]

LOL Actually two too many.

If anybody hears of a position where a male will actually be considered, let me know.

http://www.tfeagle.army.mil/Units/Eagle/MWR/mwrweb/gallery/Skins/dsc00140.jpg

Until then, here's another agent candidate refresher.

[YHWY]

I got rid of my tape sender, grew some you know whats, prayed over and negotiated my own deals this time around. I'm a much better man for it! Plus I'm VERY satisfied with what I'm getting. My former agency, who used to be listed on this site by the way, didn't coach or negotiate well for me at all. BUT they could send a tape out on the turn of a dime. If that's what you're willing to pay for, go for it. If you have what an ND needs, you can get a job anywhere w/o an agent -- even a network gig.

[ January 14, 2007, 08:00 PM: Message edited by: YHWY ]

[Roy Hobbs]

Yes, I'm familiar with how ND's assess their needs...

http://www.bondlookalike.com/images/dallas-cowboy-cheerleaders.jpg

[Purplehaze]

Originally posted by Roy Hobbs:
Yes, I'm familiar with how ND's assess their needs...

http://www.bondlookalike.com/images/dallas-cowboy-cheerleaders.jpgThis one is dead on, man. I'm not represented, either. Guess I'm lucky to be where I'm going. ;)

[Roy Hobbs]

Yeah I was worried about that crossdressing you started, Purp!