I was wondering if anyone could help. I am interested in possibly getting an american agent. I wanted to know 1)if it is worth it while I am still here in UK as may not make a move to USA for a bit 2) where should I look (aiming towards Film and TV)
If anyone can help would appreciate it.
Uk actors are big in the states now so it's a good place to be in terms of work potential .
The biggest barrier will not be your look, talent or anything else but the Green Card. Even if you get a good agent, they can't send you up for stuff unless you can legally work there. I have friends who've been through the same ordeal.
If you do get cast over there, you have to prove that you are the only one who can do the job to that level over all competent American actresses in SAG. So it's a tough call, but not impossible.
It's an expensive trip but I would advise either aiming for an agent here with US contacts or getting seen for that sort of work here. There's a lovely woman on here called Claire Dodin ( French) who did manage to make the jump and is doing very well over there. Search for her on cup or if you can't find her, pm me and I will help. She's wonderful and a lovely helpful person and a good friend.
Ps. I mean if you get cast there without a green card and if you want the job you have to prove you can do it. Not if you're legally allowed to work there
I get asked questions about Los Angeles many times a week by actors so I tell them to do a search on this forum because we've covered the subject extensively with very detailed advise; you'll find it very useful.
As for an agent, it's possible to get it before you have the visa and I would even say advisable because agents make the best sponsors for the visa.
But it's unlikely that you'll be able to get one from the UK. It's also unlikely that you'll get one if you are planning to stay in the UK, they will want to be able to send you to auditions several times a week and therefore for you to live in LA.
What I advise everyone to do is to come to LA for a little while on a "working" holiday. What I mean is for you to come and get a feel for the place, take classes, arrange meetings with agents if you can and then decide if you think you like LA and this is where you want to end up. It works out as an expensive holiday but it will really clarify things in your mind and allow you to see what you need to do.
If the answer is yes, then it will take a lot of struggle and money; but it's possible! :-)
Thanks so much for that guys. I thought It may be a case of actually going to LA, I have a few friends who are doing the same thing now.
I will look into it more and hopefully get some results. appreciate the time you took to reply.
All the best
You wouldn't believe the number of Brit actors who head off over to Lala land and come back 3-4 months later with their tail between their legs and massively in debt!
I really hate to be the harbinger of doom but the reality is chances of you, or any unknown UK actor, breaking through in the states is microscopic particularly as you have not managed to secure an agent here in your own country or have any mainstream credits to back up your Greencard/O1-Visa application.
My advise, for what it's worth is to get yourself a kick ass agent over here first and, with their help, build a solid CV/ reputation over here before splurging your life savings on the Hollywood dream!
I've viewed your reel and also have some criticism there too I'm afraid!! The biggest problem with your most valuable marketing tool, is the people you are acting opposite. You yourself are a solid performer, real and believable! Your scene partners weren't...none of them, which make me, and any prospective CD/agent, think "MMmmm!! Student film!"
By all means set your sights on Hollywood, but you gotta get the packaging of your product (you) rock solid before you go over there or you'll kill any chance of future success stone dead before you've even started.
Thanks for the advice. Finding a American agent was just something I wanted to enquire about. I know my show reel isnt solid at the moment but the productions I have recently been working I hope will ammend that issue. Appreciate your honesty and Know I need to secure an agent here first. Long hard work ahead.
What I think both Louise and Forbes are saying is sound advice- focus on the dream, but it's not the right time . Claire has a very special usp in that she's French which made a huge difference .
Focus on your credits , get the best footage you can and gradually build yourself up here in all mediums including theatre . If life moves you to LA, then great- but you can develop a good career here where well known casting directors could see you for good American films.
All of the above are the reasons why I think it's worth visiting LA for a short time first without hoping to get work.
You may find out that you don't like it, it's not for everyone!
And if you do, then you can come back to the UK with a clear vision of the things you need to work on in order to qualify for the visa and be at the level you need to be to get work over there.
It's a long term commitment, it will take years to have everything in place and a lot of money, so be sure this is what you want first.
On the plus side, when I decided to do this, it gave me clear focus and allowed me to really think of my career as a business to develop. If I had applied the same focus before, I probably would have done better in the UK.
The main reason why actors struggle is because they don't have a thorough, well thought out business plan with a clear vision.
Thank you for the advice. Some points there that i was not aware of. Believe it beat for me to focus here and build a solid reputation and resume . Thanks again
One thing I will add, that I'm sure Louise will back me up on, is that I have seen how seductive the "la dream" is.
I saw an actress go there for a short 2 week holiday , secure a few auditions and come back almost smitten by the promise of work etc.
It's got that appeal everywhere because it feeds into the American dream .
Also, here where a class system exists for even getting castings- ie . A CD won't see you if you have gone to a drama school they hate , or will only see you if you have RADA or Lamda.
Claire battled that discrimination for years here, and was given proper equal footing when she got there. I think the system is more equal there which is why it's so attractive . You don't have to battle the class system as much .
BTW Blake,which CD's only see actor's who have gone to RADA or LAMDA please?
I would like to visit them with my friend 'UZI 9MM' & shoot 'em up!
(Metaphoor saying naturally)
Snobbery feckin winds me up!
Glad Adam Deacon won the BAFTA the other week for best newcomer. It was a public vote; They Always Know Best..(The Audience that is!).
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