Cold Calling an Agent

[Julie Williams]

I stand by, call the agents.

Now, I'm not saying you'll talk to the agent. You may get the receptionist...but you can get their submission policies...and you
may get to talk to a VO agent.

If you can't, then send demo/postcard, etc. Market the MTV thing cos it is PROOF to an agent that you can do big jobs. That you're not looking
for someone to get work FOR you... but someone to represent you because you're going to be working with or without them. That you ARE marketable.

[bobbin beam]

I think I'd take Bob's advice to heart. It makes sense, and most of the agent's positions on this matter have not changed much in at least 20 years, in my experiencel.

Of course if you're being recommended by someone already repped by that agency and that person has cleared the path to an intro, and the agent says OK, a phone call would be appropriate prior to sending your materials.

[Bob Bergen]

Hey!

When the agents I interviewed advised actors to not call, they meant don't call them. Calling the office is....OK. If you call the office/receptionist, a HUGE don't is DON'T ask if they are taking on new talent. They aren't!!!!!!!! Well, they aren't until they find a new talent they want. But no agent is actively looking for new talent.

Even if you are referred, I say contact/submit in an email. I'm telling you, it was unanimous that the agents don't like cold calls from perspective talent. The odds of getting them on a slow day where they can talk is slim. And even if they do take the time to talk, they fear you will be a high maintenance actor who might take up too much one on one time if signed. Plus, I don't want MY agent on the phone talking to perspective actors when they should be working for me! There are only so many agents out there, and it's hard to get second chances once they've passed.

If you MUST call the agents themselves because you can't control yourself, leave a message on their voicemail after hours.

OK-I'm done with my agent advice!!!!!!!! If ya want more, ya have to wait for the book to come out!!!!!!!!!! ;-)

[SeptemberDay]

ok, here is what happened with every agency I called except one:

Me:
"Hi! I am the announcer for the MTV Video Music Awards in Las Vegas this year and I am not represented right now. Could you tell me your submission process?"

Them: "Oh, really? What's your name?"

Me: "September Day Leach"

Them: "Can you hold for a moment?"

(Barry Manilow's "Mandy" plays during on hold)

Them: "I have someone who would like to speak to you. Do you have a moment?"

Me: "Yes!"


...and today I signed with my first agent

It seems like asking about their process wasn't too invasive and it was the receptionist's call whether or not to forward me along, plus they were able to ask the agent if someone wanted to speak to me right away. Sometimes I got an interview scheduled right away, other times I was given a direct e-mail address to submit to.

[AlexisAdair]

Well, Congratulations!

Sounds like you found the right way to work the cold call! And the whole MTV VMA name dropping doesn't hurt

Congrats on signing with an agent! And on being pro-active! Using what you have is the key, and looks like you've done a great job of it! Yay, September!!!

[Bob Bergen]

Congrats!! Who did you sign with??

May the residuals be with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SeptemberDay]

thanks guys!!

I signed with Sally Neal of Houghton Talent. Richard Hutchison is also looking at me and tomorrow I go in to see Talent Networks. Arlene Wilson called today and I should get a final yea or nay this week!

I've already had a couple of auditions and I'm just thrilled!!

[JoeActor]

Hey September - sweet news!

Way to work the promotional side (still working on that myself).

Congrats and Kudos!
Joe J Thomas
www.JoeActor.com

Originally Posted by SeptemberDay

thanks guys!!

I signed with Sally Neal of Houghton Talent. Richard Hutchison is also looking at me and tomorrow I go in to see Talent Networks. Arlene Wilson called today and I should get a final yea or nay this week!

I've already had a couple of auditions and I'm just thrilled!!

[CarynClark]

Good job September!!

I never call. Only if their submission policies aren't clear on their web site... and that's happened... probably once. Other than that, I've sent emails, and then postcards. I think you definitely need to make a postcard telling about MTV and Suburu, and send it out.

Even though I said I don't call, your tactic/conversation that you laid out above is perfect, IMO. But, that would be the only way to do it. Way to go!!!

Also, I recommend prioritizing the agents so that you sign with those you want to and not with those you don't want to. Some contracts limit you to the number of agents you have, some are exclusive by coast, etc. Be sure you plan your path of attack in advance, and then have the fall back plan. Also, the "premiere" agents... those are usually by introduction only.

:)

[bobbin beam]

In the words of venerable Bob Bergen:

"May the residuals be with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"