Hi Folks,
I have just auditioned and been offered a place on the books of an agent. Having read their terms and conditions I see that they want me to pay them a commission on work that I find for myself, albeit at a reduced rate. As a matter of principal I will thank them and decline (I'm so polite).
My concern is that this might be standard practice and that I will hit this barrier every time I try to get an agent. It sounds a good deal for them because I already have regular TIE and other bread an butter work that is money in the bank for them and of course thay can guarantee me nothing.
Is this common practice?
NOt at all....I just think that all us actors tend to traipse around our agents..I did and dont want to anymore..they work for US!!!! No offence at all!
:)
Thanks for your comments joe & blake. I'm glad I started this thread it's been interesting to get such a cross section of views.
For my part having come into the profession below bottom rung three years ago I have come across so many organisations that are happy to take your money and do nothing for you.You know the category I mean, extra agencies charging registration fees who never give you work and resent your calls, On line directories that charge good money and dont vet their clients so that casting directors would not entertain the site and many many other examples. This has obviously made me wary of any organisation that takes anything other than a straight & justified commission.
I can see where you guys are coming from in terms of personal management. I suppose if an organisation invests its time and money in your career and bleeds its knuckles knocking doors for you they should have an expectation of you being available for the work otherwise their credibility falters as does their income, hence charges for self found work.
So what is coming across is that this seems to be relatively standard practice. I think I have decided however that with the portfolio of work that I have i.e Acting/music/video production,that personal management is not for me, also as an experienced ex salesman, I suppose I enjoy the hunt and challenge of finding work myself (is he mad you say, try selling high level call entre solutions for a living,selling your own performance skills is relatively easy and fun-I did say relatively) So I think I will decline this agents kind offer untill such times as I decide that, or if, Acting is the only thing i want to do with rest of my working life (remember i'm an old person)
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