Agent Hunting - happy stories?

Hey everyone :) After a stint of sucessful freelancing I have finally bitten the bullet and started agent hunting. Does anyone have any recommendations or happy stories? I am well aware of what NOT to look for in an agent, but if there are any actors out there with good ones it would be great if you could give them a plug :)

where ya from and are ya strictly acting!!

Sorry about that! I am in Sydney and yes,I am just an actor and voice over artist -no modelling for me! Rae Johnston Actress/Voice Artist www.freewebs.com/raejohnston

Or singing for that matter...:) Rae Johnston Actress/Voice Artist www.freewebs.com/raejohnston

Hi Rae Go to MEAA website and search for the Agents that are 'reputed' then send in your showreel.. I am very happy with Martin @ Bedford Pearce and he holds Auditions, you must prepare 2 monologues etc... Happy hunting Peta-maree www.actor.au.com

Thanks to the posters, I have just been taken on by Katherine Dodd at Creative Representation. I will be "lying low" for a few weeks until I am finished filming "Maitland", then I will be getting into it!:) Rae Johnston Actress/Voice Artist www.freewebs.com/raejohnston

Just a note... I am aware of the listed agents at the MEAA site. Although they are registered, that is no guarantee whatsover that they are not dodgy, and in fact I know personally of many of the listed agents charging unnecessary fees. I just thought it would be good for anyone with a great agent they are happy with to give them some good publicity.(not they they would really need it, but I thought it would help with other actors looking for good agents.) Rae Johnston Actress/Voice Artist www.freewebs.com/raejohnston

you know who the worst agent in perth is? kris from xtreem (she's the modelling/acting manager) she is so fucking immature, she's rude, she promotes herself before everyone else -- even listing herself as an "international model" (haha funny! she's not even a well-known perth model!) she's an ansolute fuckign shit and dealing with her you have to practice being really good at biting your tongue. because she makes you want to tell her what you really think about her - and i really really want to, but perth too small. otherwise... fuckin oath i'd let loose. stupid, idiotic, braindead IMMATURE AS ALL SHIT total fuckhead. she is laughably bad at her job, she is so flawed st what she does one doesn't even know where to start... if you want a dodgy agent -- kris at xtreem. i truly doubt you could get much worse than that. she's 24 going on 15. she needs a major, major, major slapping.

The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

ah, but is it defamation if it's true and correct?

I think even in America you would need to be able to PROVE that it's true... I doubt someone needing to be slapped is a truth in the eyes of the law, but rather an opinion. The Prompt Copy Networking emerging theatre professionals www.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs http://stickyapplelegs.artsblogs.com

are there any actual GOOD agents in perth? because i've heard bad things about all of them. they're all very, very average apparently. this is from people on their books. haven't heard of one good perth agency...

I think perhaps you need to check your facts. Perth is a very small city, with a large number of actors, and good ones at that. I am more than happy with the agency i have been with here for going on six years. It is not the agents fault if you dont get the part. It is also not your agents fault if you are not working. Every actor needs to be willing to find and/or make their own work. Agents are a guide, a helping hand and a foot in the door to some places you may not have the opportunity to be in otherwise. However, we are all placed into a bracket according to age, height, looks, colouring, gender. And often there is no work in you bracket in the feilds where agents tread. Which leaves it up to you to find your own work, or to create it. Any actor who sits and waits for a call from their agent is not a passionate actor. Agents in Perth do all they can do with the facilities, opportunities and enginuity they can. Much as the rest of us in the industry here. If your agent isnt working for you I suggest you talk to them about it. Often a lack of contact with your agent can be one of the biggest problems.

I have had agency representation in Perth also representation in the Eastern States. Most agents will just put you up for the work that your physical type,sex etc fits you for. And then only if,a) they remember you exist.b) You go to their classes c) Crawl. Our Eastern States (Vic and NSW) representation actively seeks work for us and is in frequent communication regarding opportunities,auditions etc.A marked difference to prior representation we have had. I can recommend the agency in the highest terms. My Son is also now in NSW and has an agent,again,he is touch on a monthly basis,advises on opportunities,arranges photo shoots FOR FREE. Arranges transport etc.Much more a commited manager/agent than the norm of having many people on the books but not representing them in a meaningful way. But that agent is very choosy about his talent stable and doesnt pick just anyone.You also have tolive in NSW within 1hour of the CBD.He grooms,presents and promotes. I reckon a better deal if you can get it! Boy am I green! But,if you aren't looking for work it won't come to you. And in Perth? well. Do it yourself,network and be grateful for crumbs.