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.
On Louise's note about living over there, be ready for your wallet to feel the pressure because everything there is expensive and I mean expensive! (coming from someone who lives in London). But you should definitely go to get a feel for the place just as has been mentioned before, it's what I plan to do in a few years if I get some decent work and a decent portfolio.
Take over a shedload of CVs and headshots when you do make the move though even if only for the short term, and never leave the house without them because the place is literally crawling with industry professionals you just need to get talking to the locals and you never know who you might bump into! Maybe even get some business cards printed and set up a website to make yourself look extra-professional. The competition is ridiculously stiff but, as they say, if you can make it there you can make it anywhere.
(on a side note about the CVs, Steven Spielberg was a regular at the Starbucks where I work last Chrostmas, such a bummer I wasn't working there yet. Here's hoping for next year!)
I have a view!! Simply put...I thik if you have not made it in the UK....or when I say "made it" ....if you are not armed with a very good CV of main-stream film and TV credits...I think you would be beaten from the off? It would just be a very dear Holiday with dashed hopes....if you can financially afford to do that go for it of course.
I know quite a few actors who have gone to seek work in LA and each had their dreams dashed with endless broken promises and assurances…and or the visa and green card complications.
Personally…I'm not convinced your current showreel sells you as well as it could...USA or UK that will apply...for the reasons Forbes pointed out. It starts with a pointless montage for a start....35 seconds of the editors cleverness says zilch about you? A busy casting director trying to review several actors reels for short listing would get bored with that for a start! It's not so much that its a student film look in certain scenes...its just badly acted with some suss script by some of the others in the scenes opposite you which hinders you too. It also needs cutting down heaps. The sound on certain scenes is also a bit suss! Sorry to be blunt…Granted it is what it is....but I always remind actors with reels or wanting me to shoot scenes and edit reels... "you only get one chance to make a first impression!" You're a gorgeous looking actress....I checked out the pics....and yet you don't seem to have that same look avail to see in the reel which is a shame I think.
I'd invest in a decent reel (no I am not just plugging my services…just giving you sound advice I hope!) ….as well as all sorts of other marketing tools….inc a great website and spend your money (a great deal less required than going to LA for a few weeks) and try and get a higher profile agent…with more mainstream credits and work over here before giving LA your financial all!
I do appreciate this is advice that you might be a bit feeling a bit down after reading….but I'm like the others on here...just offering a realistic view…& trying to save you valuable dosh. At the end of the day….just accumulate as much advice as you can before investing lots of time and money into a "dream" If it were down to talent and or as easy as ….they love British actors in LA….we'd all be out there!! Or to be boring and to put it another way: Walk before you can run.
Whatever you decide though…..I wish you every success and good fortune.
Does that get a LIKE or a HATE button push?
PS: BTW I think its great an agent like Louise takes the time to come on here and gives sound "as it is" advice…wish more industry pro's did that!
Thank you mark for the advice. Fully taken on board and will ammend show reel wen i get new material which will be better. Appreciate it. You def get a like
I am in the process of applying for an Irish passport (my parents are Irish) so I can go into the Green Card Lottery next time I go the US. I know the chances of winning are slim along with the chances of getting an agent in LA (I don't even have one here) but a girl can dream :-)
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