So,
let me explain my agency issues. When I first started looking for an
agent I had the choice between established Wellington agents and
Auckland agents with Wellington offices or even just a Wellington
division on their books.
I
didn't have a whole lot of confidence in my marketability back then and
so I thought seeking an established local agent, even if I got on their
books, meant that their would be many trained and experienced actresses
in my age group who would get audition slots over me every time. No
chance for an audition, might not have an agent in the first place, was
my thinking.
I
had similar issues with the Auckland agencies with the added trouble
that it would be even harder to build a relationship with them, being
half a country apart and all.
Enter
Agency X, the agent I eventually signed with. They were Auckland based
but just opening a Wellington branch. They were looking for local talent
to add to their books and the Wellington booker worked really hard and
was lovely. When I met with the booker and she was excited and
informative and I was, quite frankly, clueless. I felt that the booker
and I vibed really well and she made me feel great about coming to
Agency X. I was also under the impression that she'd be the person that
would send me out for auditions and so didn't have many reservations
about the actual agent being up in Auckland.
So I signed.
I struggled but found myself auditions and some unpaid work. I worked hard in my classes and re-learned to speak a general American accent. And I kept in touch, sent updates, tried to stay positive and proactive, and show the agency my commitment and drive. It seems I have faild.
In
in the past year, I had a grand total of three audition through the
agency and one paid background extra job. Even though it was my
understanding that they put me on their books as an actor, on their
website I am listed only as 'talent' and (because I had voice lessons
when I was like 16, I guess) 'singer'. I repeatedly asked the agency to
change this obvious mistake... to no avail.
One
year later, Agency X still doesn't have an actual office in Wellington,
my actual booker sits in Auckland and is single-handedly juggling
several divisions within the agency (actors, dancers, singers and
creatives). There is the agent as well of course but I have never once
had any communication with the agent, except following some of my
updates and one group meeting when the agent came down to Wellington. I
started feeling more and more uneasy and the regular emails that I
received from Auckland were not making me feel any better. 90% of them
were for Auckland actors and the rest of them notified me of Wellington
workshops and the like that I had already found out about myself,
sometimes up to a couple of weeks prior.
I
was loosing all trust in my representation. So, a while ago I made up
my mind that I at least needed to find out if there was anyone out there
who was actually excited about representing me, someone who believed in
my potential.
About
two months ago I submitted my CV to three agents (for starters). One of
them didn't respond despite follow-ups and another gave me no right
away. Fair enough. The one agent left was actually my number one choice
and an agent I knew I did not have a chance in hell to sign with. The
agency is based in Auckland but because I had heard so many great things
about them, they were top of my list. nonetheless. But the agent
replied saying that I had a very interesting CV, that she would love to
hear more about me and asked did I have a reel. I about had a heart
attack, I was so flattered and excited.
Over
the past two months I have had regular email correspondence with the
agent. Her advice has been priceless and I am really very grateful. She
said right off that she doesn't take new Wellington talent but she'd be
happy to view my work if I wanted to shoot a couple of scenes. She even
gave me advice on what type of scripts to choose and offered to sent
some scripts through should I need them. How awesomely generous is
that?! I had already chosen a scene from Crash and a lighter, more
commercial one minute play. After a whirlwind of a February, I finally
got around to shooting my scenes and sent them off.
The bad news is she didn't sign me. Here is what she had to say though:
'Thanks
very much for all the effort you have gone to. After viewing the tapes I
must recommend that you speak to [Agency A] in Wgtn and see if they can
act as agent and mentor to you over the next few years.
I don't feel that [my agency] is the right agent at this point in your career and it would disadvantage you when you need to be building up your resume and working alongside an agent who is 'on the ground' in Wgtn.
Although I do sometimes take local actors on board most of them are Toi Whakaari graduates or in a younger or older age bracket.
If you look at the women in your age group that are already represented by [my agency] you'll see my problem. Too many listed for the amount of work in the market place and all of them would audition for the same work.
All the best of luck to you. If you would like me to forward these files along with your photos and resume I'm happy to introduce you to [Agent A].'
I don't feel that [my agency] is the right agent at this point in your career and it would disadvantage you when you need to be building up your resume and working alongside an agent who is 'on the ground' in Wgtn.
Although I do sometimes take local actors on board most of them are Toi Whakaari graduates or in a younger or older age bracket.
If you look at the women in your age group that are already represented by [my agency] you'll see my problem. Too many listed for the amount of work in the market place and all of them would audition for the same work.
All the best of luck to you. If you would like me to forward these files along with your photos and resume I'm happy to introduce you to [Agent A].'
Despite
knowing in my heart of hearts that I didn't stand a chance in the first
place, I must admit that I was disappointed. The generousness that the
agent had shown me with her time, advice, and encouragement just made me
want her to be my agent really really badly.
On
second thought (or second read) however, I realised that not only was
she absolutely right but she did believe in my potential enough to want
to recommend me to the best agency in Wellington. Pretty unreal!
That
agent is actually my partner's agent and because I knew them
personally, they were the first agency I ever talked to. Back then, I
didn't stand a chance to get signed but had I worked hard enough over
the past two years to deserve a chance now? I told the Auckland agent
that I would love her endorsement and she got in touch with Agency A.
When I sent her a thank you note, I got an email back saying Agent A
'was
genuinely excited about speaking to you so I'm really pleased that you
will be with someone who values you. Hard to find an agent these days
who actually gives a toss about their actors and [Agent A] is a gem.'
A
week later I met with Agent A and after ten minutes of small talk, I
got sent home with two copies of a contract to look over. Wow!
I
am under no illusion that auditions are still going to be few and far
in between. I am hoping it'll be better though and that my new agent
believes enough in me to value, support and reward the progress that I
myself make happen over the next few years. And when I do get work, I
will have an agent who I trust to negotiate hard for me.
So, here's to working hard, having gumption and stickability, and being with an agent who gives a toss!
Fingers crossed.
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