The best advice an actor can get is from the people that have built a top reputation – Abrams Artist is that quality of agency.
I had the fortune of taking photos of the agents in the Los Angeles office this past week. Instead of their clients being in front of the camera, they were. What better way to find out what an agent was looking for in a potential client than the agent themselves.
For instance, with a Theatrical agent I asked what is the most important thing that you are looking for in an actor. He said that an actor is a performer. They must show some kind of passion about what they do. It’s not only in the work- but in themselves. Acting is an entertainment business he went on to say, they must in some way, ‘entertain’ in that meeting. If they can’t exude an enthusiasm, what does that say when they go out on auditions representing the agency? In essence he was very big on showing passion and knowing who you are and what you are selling. What many actors don’t realize is that each client represents these agents. Being prepared, confident, and open are qualities that this agent was looking for.
A Voice Over agent shared that he is looking for professionalism in his first meeting with an actor. He said if an actor is late for the meeting he immediately has a bad strike going against him. He expects that an actor is prepared by the time they meet. Relationship is very important to him. There must be a trust so that the relationship can grow.
One of the Kids agents had good advice for parents thinking about getting their kids in the business. In her opinion, kids should be kids. She is looking for kids with a good personality. Rather than prepping kids and giving that polished look, she’s looking for the spontaneity that is found when kids are being themselves. The clothes should be simple with an emphasis on showing the natural expressions in the face.
A Literary agent had an interesting insight for potential writers. He said that he could tell within the first five pages if the script is going to be worth reading. If a writer can’t capture his attention right away there isn’t likelihood that it will go anywhere.
The lesson here is that time is money in Hollywood and if you are selling yourself, your kid, or your movie you must keep in mind that it is about entertainment. Because of that, actors should have a sense of who they are and what makes them unique.
This is the same principle I apply when working with an actor in a photo session. It’s very important that the creative process must come from within and that it is a balance of both allowing things to happen and making them happen. We can take these tips from top agents and use them in our approach to the business. In this way we are a step ahead because we have an idea of what the people that are in position to hire you are looking for.
