Shameless Self Promotion- Is there any one out there who promotes themselves??

Hi Everyone, I have moved to Melbourne from Auckland and have been checking out some of the threads on Agencies etc. Sounds like theres certainly a few scams out there [read NOTM and BMA]. Having had an agent in NZ, i know from experience that weeks can go by without hearing from them, you start to wonder whether they have forgotten about you so its time to give them a call etc. Is there anybody out there who markets themselves? I have been thinking about giving this a shot myself and figured I could send headshots and coverletters to all the local casting agents, has anyone tried this? Does it work? Or are there any casting directors out there who have been approached in this way, do you find it offensive or not useful? Let me know your thoughts Daniel

On that topic, you are going the read and hear a lot of contradictory comments on this and to some degree, it will be dependant to level of self-promotion the client themsleves have done for for and toward the agent in question.

Not all "PAID GIGS" are cast through agencies, but the majority of the high-profile ones are. The bigger productions cannot afford the time or money mucking about with unknowns, so unless you have a self-proven track record and reputation to match, you won't get much by yourself other than a few extra bits here and there, in commercials, etc. After sometime, you hopefully would build up a network of contacts and things would be, may be different.

There are some agencies out there that sepcialise in the smaller parts (Commericals, Walk-ons, Background Extra, Supernumerary, etc) and I know of a few people who get regular jobs with such agencies. It pays well enough and it gets you out there and hopefully noticed.

If you want to aim for the bigger stuff earlier (you can't wait to make the break) than I would suggest locating the Casting Consultants in your area. These are the guys that production companies call on for casting assistance. They then consult the Casting Agents for hopeful talent. If you can get in at that level, you may stand a better chance. Again, you promote yourself to the Consultant in some way.

Some of these consultants may run their own Casting Agency which makes things a little easier - You still need to sell yourself and not just once. It is a constant thing. Other consultants may run workshop groups which is absolutely fantastic if you can afford it. They get to see you in action for several weeks on end! Most importantly, you have to convince these people about how committed you really are. Even if you feel committed and believe it in you heart, you have to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt. There are hundreds if not thousands of hopefuls out there. Somehow you have to stand out from the rest of them, that means making a bigger noise about yourself than the next person.

Acting is not easy work, and neither is getting work as an actor.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing and dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director
UPstageWA Rep

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