How many Agents?

Victor Harris · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007, 16:37 (GMT) Post subject: How many Agents?

This morning I just signed with another agent. My goal is to get an agent in all the big markets. So, as I was driving home, I started wondering how many agents do other pros sign with? Right now I am with four. But I still want a few more. So, how many? You don't have to list the names. Just curious. Wink

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007, 17:00 (GMT) Post subject:

I'm currently with two. (handshake contracts)

Gotta watch for those "double posts", tho...

Got one lead yesterday from both agents and V123!
Joe

Victor Harris · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007, 17:02 (GMT) Post subject:

Sounds like u r on a roll. Keep is going bro. Wink

Scott Nicolino · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007, 18:22 (GMT) Post subject:

I'm sure this has been covered before...but how do you go about finding an agent or two...or three...I just want one please...help...must find agent... feel free to email me directly/privately if you can share but don't want to share with the masses...insert sneaky and evil laugh here Twisted Evil

Robert Jadah · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007, 18:58 (GMT) Post subject: Vic's Picks

Vic:
Though I'm Moosehead-free (so far), I'm still confused as to why you'd need more than one agent.
Things might be different up here on the frozen Northern tundra, but no agent in, say, Toronto, would engage a talent from Montreal vith a view to local gigs.
And the national stuff goes to all agents nation-wide.
Do you mean that by having agents in NY, Chicago, and LA, for example, you would be considered for local voiceovers in those markets that you wouldn't otherwise have a shot at? Wouldn't the 450 local talents in each market be ahead of you in the pecking order just for accessibility reasons alone?
I have two. One for North America and one for Europe.
Cannot see the advantage in more.
Please Advise On!

Victor Harris · Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007, 19:58 (GMT) Post subject:

Well, the way I look at it...if u have one agent u only get his leads. If u have another, in theory its doubles and so forth. I have gotten gigs in NY that I know I wouldn't have gotten thru my Cleveland agent. So, for me it works. Its kind of a numbers thing. Obviously, if a producer absolutley needs a local person to be in their studio, then you know...all depends on the pay if it is worth travelling for. Chicago is only a 6 hour drive or $120 round trip ticket...same with NY. Which by the way, I have done for good paying gigs. Yes, I know there is ten million VO talents out there alot better then me but, I refuse to stop trying...lol. I have way better luck landing gigs from agents. I'd be starving if I only depended in V123.

Nikki Saco · Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007, 00:28 (GMT) Post subject:

No agents. Not looking.

Joe, aren't you concerned that both your agents called with a lead posted on V123? Does that happen a lot?

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007, 00:56 (GMT) Post subject:

Nikki Saco · Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007, 02:48 (GMT) Post subject:

Hah! The tie-breaker! They should be knocking your door down, Joe. Best of luck.

Chuck Douglas · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007, 21:45 (GMT) Post subject:

So....how DO you find one, anyway? I was considering gettin gone too. What is their percentage, or fee?

Victor Harris · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007, 21:54 (GMT) Post subject:

Most non-union are 20%. AFTRA signators are 10%. Getting an agent is not easy at times. U need a good demo and a personality for sure. Wink

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007, 02:25 (GMT) Post subject: How do you get an agent?

So my answer to "How do you get an agent?" to most of the people asking that is - "you probably won't." Most agents receive far too many submissions from people. In case you haven't figured it out, any Bozo with a $49.95 microphone and a $3.99 GoDaddy site can set themselves up as voiceover talent. And if you thin that the $199 to be on V123 and a $129 microphone is putting out the effort, do not pass Go, do not collect $200. Lose a turn and stay in jail.

Fortunately for those of us who actually take this business seriously most agents will be flippin your demos in the old round file.

Now, for those of you who really are taking this seriously, you need to find someone who has the agents ear to personally recommend you or hand carry your material to the agent and say something like "Hey, this guy's almost as good as J.S. Gilbert. You should really sign him." And then keep your fingers crossed.

Also, as others here have elequently stated, just because you get an agent doesn't mean you will get work. Your agent presents opportunities to the actors it represents based on a lot of criteria. Primarily, your agent wants to see an actor from their agency get the work. Who that actor is, is generally not too important. Most agents can't have all of their represented talent read for everything, otherwise it would be like V123, only with better talent sending out 200 auditions for every job. It would seem as thought there is a vicious circle at work within the agencys that means the people who book get considered for more auditions.

My last words on the subject: It's not too late to go to welding school. Welders get laid more than v.o. people and have steady paychecks.

Deby Cedars · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 17:07 (GMT) Post subject:

I just can't see myself as a welder and I've seen Flashdance at least 5 times. LOL

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 17:25 (GMT) Post subject: Flashdance

Thanks for the flashdance reference, I was having a little trouble getting "started" today.

Ralph Hass · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 17:54 (GMT) Post subject: