How do I get an agent?

So once you've moved to LA and familiarized yourself with this insanely large metropolis....

How do I get an agent?

Well first things first. You need the materials to show to an agent. You need a quality, color, 8x10 headshot, and a resume (cut and attached already to back of headshot). One of my biggest pet peeves working in casting was actors' resumes not cut to size and attached - I had way better things to do with my time than get papercuts doing someone else's job. More on headshots and resumes later.

Once you are all set with that, create a simple cover sheet. Catchiness is a lost cause for most agents (besides their assistants are usually the ones who go through them.) So keep it simple and short. Now its time to submit. Do your research. Find agencies that fit you...do they specialize in a dancing dept? Are children and adult divisions separate? Do they even represent your age group? If they have rosters online, check it out. IMDB those clients. If there are a few people that look like you, you may want to look elsewhere. Do they have separate union and non-union divisions? Make sure to submit to the right department and be sure your submission packet is clearly marked. And definitely be sure your contact info is there...from working in an agency, you'd be surprised how many great submissions had no way to contact the actor for a meeting!

Now blind submissions don't have a high ratio of an agent calling you in. It is best to join networking groups, or if you know a casting director well, ask them for a recommendation. If you are having real trouble, join an improv troupe or theater company. Agents often scout there. And you can always go the manager route to help you find an agent well suited for you.

Once an agent calls you in, be on time! Not too early, though never late. Do you homework. Do you know any of their clients? Make sure they are properly licensed and a member of the ATA or SAG franchised. SAG franchised agencies are a thing of the past, so don't worry if they are not.  Be sure to ask the size of their roster and history of the company and agent. And ask them questions. Everyone loves to talk about themselves! This is a potential relationship so its ok to have a fun interview. It doesn't have to be all business. Agents are people too!

Hate to break it to you, but usually if they don't offer you representation on the spot...move on! "They are just not that into you." Sometimes they might give you advice or feedback but don't count on it. Don't ever call to follow up about an interview. If they do decide to rep you, be sure to follow instructions on how to set up your profiles and get what pictures they need, etc. Time is money, so be on top of it.

Happy Hunting!

About Me

So just who is writing this blog??? This entry, as simple as the question asks, is probably the most difficult to write. I'm still struggling to find out who I am...so maybe this entry will be added to and deleted in some parts as time unfolds.

The basics-

Born in Virginia Beach, VA. Have an older brother Hunter, who definitely kept me grounded (in life and literally making my parents ground me!). My mom is an artist, dad is an architect. I've been taught a work ethic, but still thankfully had the freedom to explore my creative interests.

 My acting career began as the "Little Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe" in my 1st grade play. And it bit me, the acting bug. I loved being on stage. That summer I made my mom take me to audition for our local theater's production of Cinderella. We thought it was just some dinky play, and had nothing prepared....and here were equity performers auditioning! We almost left, but I decided to stick it out. I sang "Zippity Do-Da" at the top of my lungs...and got cast! It all snowballed from here. An agent came to see the play, and a week later after we signed with her I had an audition for the sequel of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds". I landed the lead role and following that movie, I scored an agent in NYC.

 It all happened so quick. Yes, it was being in the right place at the right time (often 

how this business runs). I led a great and exciting career as a child...national commercials, series, movies, etc. In high school, I got tired, and just wanted to be a regular teenager. Go to football games, grow into my awkward body, crush on boys, and hang out with friends. In college, I pursued a degree in Broadcast Journalism- a near extension of acting, only now I wrote my own material. It was exciting, but I decided somewhat depressing (writing stories on what murders occurred, what politicians weren't doing right, and how our economy was crashing). I'd much rather write about what I love! 

During college, I worked in casting. More on lessons learned from that later. I also worked as an agent's assistant for a year. I then realized how much I wanted to be out there with all those auditioning again. So I bought a one way ticket to Los Angeles and came here. Don't get me wrong, I was terrified but nothing is sweeter than following your dreams.

I struggled my first year out here. Then I began to work at an agency again, being promoted up the rungs of the agency ladder. I loved it, but again realized I wasn't pursuing my dream and was ready to swim against the current again. So here I am....going on year 3, excited by my decision to pursue my true passion and paralyzed by fear of failure and the unknown. 

Welcome!

Welcome to Tailscalifornia.com. Name sound odd? Its actually based on one of my favorite country songs, "Heads Carolina, Tails California". It sums up a lot of my decision to move to Los Angeles- head home or follow my heart to pursue my dreams in LA! Glad I chose tails!

My goals for this blog:

- Provide honest, real information for actors contemplating moving to LA to act

- Create a support system for actors who just moved or are natives

- Share my real stories of triumph and defeat

- Give insight to actors from my experience in casting, talent agency, and as an actress

Hope you enjoy!