Does anyone have any recommendations for agencies that represent 'new and emerging' actors? Basically agents that aren't 100% strict on having a Spotlight profile already.
I didn't attend university and I am struggling to gain credited acting experience as Mandy & other sites seem to be mainly short films or student projects. I have had agencies tell me to contact them again once I'm on Spotlight. It just seems like I need a Spotlight profile to get representation but I need representation to get a Spotlight profile.
Any advice on the best ways to source auditions/opportunities in order to earn a Spotlight profile or any agents that will help you towards this will be really helpful.
Hi guys,I'm in exactly same position so to read all this post as really helped!
We must keep going!
And we are creatives at the end of the day so we must be creative with our applications, thanx guys Jo xx
I have to concur with Kerri on the training isn’t everything message!
I have been acting (on stage) since I was four years old, but after stopping to attend University (not to study Acting- as I thought it would be beneficial to have a back up) and then after a time away, I have only recently returned to my Acting ambitions. I am luckily enough that I have now signed with an agent- unfortunately my agent gets castings through Spotlight, and although they have said they can submit me for auditions because they will just contact the listed CD directly- they did say I needed to get myself on Spotlight too. And in order for me to do that I need to get the opportunities to audition for the roles they’ve Will accept credit on :/
I’ve done several short films, all lead roles, a couple of featured (bit player) parts etc in TV films, none of which count towards credits suitable for Spotlight ;( It’s basically the same as graduating from Uni, Having spent 4 years getting a degree and then jobs advertised wanted the Degree AND 5 years experience, which I couldn’t possibly have/get, without being hired first!
I can understand the exclusivity of Spotlight & Equity membership- but access into this industry is hard enough- this is another hoop that limits those who may be more naturally talented rather than “trained”
I totally hear you Chanley! This is exactly my beef. I spent 10 years 'training' at a youth theatre which has a fantastic reputation for churning out soap stars, musicians and creatives. This doesn't count....I then spent a decade working in Entertainments, first as a bluecoat at a holiday park followed by 9 years at sea working as Cruise Staff taking care of all the passengers daily and nightly entertainment schedules. Since returning to theatre in 2015 I have had paid roles in online ads. voiceover, promos, educational videos and theatre etc but I am still 'not worthy'. I find this so frustrating and unfair! I wil call them tormorw having submitted my 3rd application and I am going to use my persuasive powers as best I can! I wish you luck and success. Waht makes it frustrating also is that I am double award winning so I know I can do this.....
I just filled in the application, up to the payment page anyways, just to see if there was any loopholes (the hard & fast with the truth mentioned by previous persons post) and other than saying that the student short films were “Films” or even “DVD” in the production type- Had I finished, would they have called that out?! Cause technically I have DVD copies of my work lol
When it asked for agent, mine’s already listed in their directory, you’d think that would count for something, cause agents (and if on there) audition and scout their talent too!
I wish you luck with your 3rd application, you know what they say, 3rd times the charm...
Of course training isnt everything but is something that is respected in the eys of most working professionals in this industry, look the working actors in this country at places like The National Theatre, RSC and The West End, 95% of the time they have trained at a well respected school.
Training is not just about what you learn there, although I don't undstand how people could pick these things up at a university or a youth theatre, but its about branding as well. Casting directors have very little time to select who they want to bring in and are looking for either accredited training especailly when you are just starting out and they don't know your work and you don't have recognisable credits.
Top agents are the same they are looking for brand names that they know they can push/sell.
This industry like any has rules and regualtions its a craft after all and they have to be followed I agree that there is ways around not training at an accredited school but it makes the profession even more of an up hill battle to get into the important rooms.
Heyyyy! I am celebrating this weekend!! I am in Spotlight!! Finally - I have worked relentlessly for this and I am so happy!! Thanks everyone, for your input I wish you all luck and love.
I’d like to make a post on this topic. You don’t need spotlight, you don’t need Mandy. What you need is credits, specifically good credits. If you have this, an agent can take you without spotlight and other things blah blah. I suggest not viewing spotlight as a way to get credits because they simply don’t give you the access to the right jobs. Those are going to just agents and also just seeing them is often not good enough. Really there is only about 20/30 agents out of the 1500 plus registered ones that are able to get you the work because it really is just a business of who you know.
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