On Getting an Agent

Lately, I've been flooded with emails from friends of friends as well as actors I've never met regarding getting an agent and moving to LA. So, here are some of my random thoughts on getting an agent in today's (recession-affected) environment:

1. If you're not a pro at what you do, stay where you are and get better before moving to LA. Even for those of us who have shows/credit under our belts (and this includes actors WAY more experienced than me), getting and keeping an agent in this climate is next to impossible. Agencies are FIRING half (or more) of their clients who aren't making them the big bucks just to keep their doors open. It is SOOOOO hard to get an agent here now (I was without one for THREE YEARS), and that's just the truth. At least from my point of view.

Something to consider: the only reason I have my current agent is because I do sketch comedy/improv (Second City, I.O.), I write (with show credits on my resume) and I am a host/entertainment reporter (E! News, Sirius radio). Most actors only have one main skill, so I challenge you to develop more. MANY more, to make yourself attractive to agents.

2. Okay, so you're in LA already and you need an agent. I personally can't help you. Let me just say that first :-) However, you never know who can. Ask EVERY actor you know what their agents look for, you may find one that would be interested in setting up a meeting with you. The other option is to get a manager who can refer you to an agent. How do you do this? Again, network and send in pictures/reels. But cold mailing and calling is rarely successful, since these places are inundated with them. Try to make a personal contact at a networking event, through others in the business, etc.

3. You want to come to LA for a few weeks to "test it out." To me, this is silly. How would you ever know what it's like out here in that amount of time? If you feel you're ready -- JUST MOVE. If you're not -- DON'T! It's really that simple. I've never understood why people come to LA "for pilot season" and then go back home. Casting directors don't know you and they won't after you leave. I moved to LA 6 years ago to work 10 years to become an "overnight success." That's how I've always thought about it, but I also recognize that everyone's story is different.

At the end of the day, that's what you have to know. You have to be here (IN LA) to do the work and you can't ask any actor for advice since everyone forges their own path completely differently. But you also have to know that no one is unique like you and there eventually is room for all of us. You just have to stick it out and never give up!