Meeting With An Agent
What Actors Should Know About The Interview Process
What do you look for when signing a new talent?
That’s probably one of the most common questions I get asked from people when I tell them what I do for a living.
The thing is, there is no definitive, generic answer I can give. Our needs or gaps in our roster we seek to fill are always evolving and changing regularly with what the current trends and landscape of the business commands. Making sure to keep up with what the marketable types currently are and the looks that seem to be attracting heavy volume is vital.
What I can definitively say, however, is that when looking to sign a new client, the meeting and interview process is everything.
The number one thing I look for when interviewing a talent?
PERSONALITY.
An actor could come into my office with a million dollar look. However, if there is nothing behind that smile than game over. I need to see charisma and get a sense of confidence, charm and authenticity out of someone that’s going to spark up a room.
Every actor that walks through my door for an interview I’m rooting for. I want you to knock my socks off. My hope is that you impress me so much I don’t want you to leave until I pick up the phone and call casting to already get you in on an audition. That should be the goal when interviewing with an agent. Make them be so enamored that they want to begin working for you immediately.
The big question I have to ask myself when meeting with a talent is whether I can feel assured about sending this actor out on an audition where I know they are going to knock it out of the park in front of a casting director. That’s ultimately what I need to make sure of. When an actor is going out on an audition they are representing not only themselves but also me as well as our agency. Their performance is a reflection on me and the trust that I have gained with casting to deliver them the high caliber of talent they expect from us.
When interviewing with me, the first thing I look for is can they answer my questions and carry on a conversation in a genuine way where it’s naturally conversational and a smoothly flowing interaction.
Most times I’ll start off an interview by simply asking the actor what they like to do for fun or what their hobbies are. I want to see that they’re well-rounded and have other interests outside the acting realm. It’s important for me to get a feel for what they’re passionate about and I can tell right away from their response if they’re comfortable being put on the spot and can handle their own when engaging with someone they just met on topics they weren’t prepared for.
Once I get a sense for the actors interests, I will then follow up by asking what makes them want to get into the acting business. Why do you want to be in front of the camera? Now is where I get to learn how bad they really want this. Their response allows me to discover what motivates them, how they see themselves connecting to this industry and what their goals are that they envision accomplishing.
To be honest, part of the reasoning behind asking that question is also because I want to hear that this is something the child wants and not the parent. I need to make sure that the child is committed and possesses the values to strive and succeed in this business before the parent does.
Ultimately, it’s the child that is going to be brought in these casting rooms and given scripts of dialogue so what’s most important is that they truly have a passion for this. Like in any sport, this business is super competitive and tough but it also needs to be fun. For that reason, I want to confirm that it’s something they really want to do because if it’s not, they’re going to burn out real quick.
Some other questions I like asking are what they feel their strengths and weaknesses are? What type of roles do they see themselves nailing and that are in their wheelhouse? Do they prefer comedic material or more dramatic content? What would be the ideal type of character that they envision booking and playing?
These all provide me with a background of what kind of projects and roles I should be submitting them for and which opportunities might look like the best fit.
Of course, for any youth actor, it’s just as important to interview the parent as it is the child. It’s so crucial that my vision and outlook for the talent are in alignment with the parent and that we share the same desires, goals and game plan .
So what are my red flags with parents in an interview? Let’s go over a few.
-Interrupting the child, talking over them or not letting them speak…
It’s so important I have a natural interaction and engagement with your child so a parent should never feel they have to force answers out of them or make them say something just to try and please the agent.
-Putting added stress and pressure on the child…
Similar to my previous point. I can tell when a child is trying too hard to say or do something just to satisfy their parent in an interview. It’s ok if they stumble explaining something or having a hard time answering a question. They’re kids and trust me, we understand. The last thing I want is for them to have extra nerves because they are afraid to mess up.
-Speaking poorly of past reps or bringing up multiple different agencies you’ve had experiences with…
I have no problem with a parent explaining why it didn’t work out with a previous agency. In fact, it’s important for me to know. If I have a child in to meet with me that just left an agency, I want to know what wasn’t working and how I can service them better. It helps for me to get background on the situation and understand if their exit was justified and makes sense. It’s beneficial to be aware of what they expect to be different or improve in seeking a change of scenery. I’m curious to know if I can provide an upgrade or an added component that was missing to the coverage they had previously.
What I don’t want to hear, however, is bad-mouthing of people. If a parent is talking poorly of others what might they say if things don’t work out with me? Similarly, if a parent is describing how they have jumped from one agency to the other and bringing up multiple different places they’ve already been a part of, it can be rather alarming. It’s understandable that there could be certain circumstances where for whatever reason it doesn’t work out somewhere. However, the hopping around of agencies shows a potential lack of patience and loyalty which can create unneeded pressure and stress on the agent that quite frankly, is just not worth taking on most of the time.
-Looking at my IMDB and comparing to other actors on the roster..
Let’s focus on you and your child. I have no issue with someone doing their research on a representative they are meeting with. In fact, I encourage it. However, If a parent is bringing up other specific actors by name that I represent and comparing their child with them it shows to me a sense of insecurity and lack of trust. It shouldn’t matter what others on my roster look like or have done. What is relevant is if I feel I can do a good job for your child and try to get them out there the best I can.
-Level of commitment worries
I always find it a red flag when I schedule an in-person meeting and a parent responds by asking if they can do a different time because the one I gave is when the height of traffic is. Umm, you do realize the amount of traffic you’re going to have to sit through regularly when going on auditions if I sign your child, right? If you can’t handle battling traffic for one agent interview then how can I trust that you’ll be fine with driving to Santa Monica on a Friday afternoon for a last minute casting. The reality is that the parent of the actor is the chauffeur and it’s important when considering a talent that I’m confident with their flexibility and willingness to drive around town for auditions, a lot of times with not a lot of notice.
So what questions should an actor or parent ask an agent in an interview?
I think what’s most important is that there is a genuine comfortability and natural rapport between you and the rep. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Where do you see my child fitting in on your roster? Do you think my child’s headshot is strong enough? What do we need to know about the commitment and what can we do to make sure we are totally prepared for what’s ahead? How can we help make your job easier?
These are all great questions that show me you are motivated and want to do everything you can to give your child the best opportunity possible to succeed.
What’s the number question that you shouldn’t ask?
It’s one that I get in so many of my interviews and it’s a big pet peeve…
“So how many clients do you have?”
With all due respect, how many clients I represent is none of your business and should never be something you ask an agent. The reason being is it really doesn’t matter. If I take on your child that means I feel passionate and motivated to work as hard as I can on their behalf. I don’t care if there are 2,000 other actors on my list (there’s not but let’s go with it), if I’m investing the time and energy into representing your child that means there’s nothing I won’t do to try and get them in every door possible to the best of my ability, regardless of how many actors I have on my roster.
Lastly, what happens after the interview, the follow up, is just as vital. Many times after I interview a talent I will follow-up by sending a practice self-tape scene for them to do. The reason for that is so I can get a sense of their skill in front of the camera but also, part of it that factors in is to gage how committed they are with their career by following through on it. Same with when I send instructions for online accounts. If it takes months to follow through on these things then it shows me a lack of commitment, organization and seriousness about getting started in this business.
My final piece of advice to actors is to always be yourself in an interview. Don’t pretend to be someone your not because we will read right through it. Have confidence in who you are as a person. Believe and have faith that you are a valuable asset to any company.
Trust me, if you do…so will we.