Can it be done without an agent?

Hi, Stacey.
I've got about 90 percent of my work without having an Agent. I've had several Agents over the years, and the majority of the work that I've got through them is commercials. I get work through Mandy, Starnow and Facebook and through word of mouth. Work isn't easy to come by - you need to be super proactive and have a good show reel and head shots, as they are the most important tools in your box.
Good Luck with it all!
Sue

• 4 years ago
• 1

Depends on what you mean by ‘it’? Become a working tv film actress? No, but maybe if you know casting and producers then maybe.

But if you mean just getting work as a performer then absolutely.

Biggest problem in this industry is actors not being honest with themselves about the work they want to do.

• 4 years ago
• 2

Hi Stacey
I hope you're well, the best you can do for now is build up your CV. For now apply yourself through Spotlight and through Mandy. Get Working again and hopefully when you build up your CV you will have the confidence to apply for those agents you want and you deserve.
very best of luck

• 4 years ago
• 3

Good for you Stacey. Same as you after an 18yr break. From my experience, there is work, but its a numbers game.. I've stuck to Mandy & SL with ok success.. submitting for my age range at least 3-4 times a day. Now have an agent, and they see jobs that unrep'd actors don't see on SL, quality roles. I would submitted to agents based in/around London via recommendation & Mandy open agents tool. Great piece in "Bait" by the way.

• 4 years ago
• 4

Thanks Dylan :)

How are you finding 3 or 4 jobs a day to apply for? I’m lucky if I see one a day that fits my age range.

• 4 years ago
• 5

Thanks everyone. I’m not fussed about fame and fortune but I’d like to be working.

• 4 years ago
• 6

Hi Stacey,

The difficulty in being self-represented is that agents see many breakdowns which do not get sent to self-rep actors. I agree that no agent is probably better than a useless one, especially when you do get a job and don't have to pay anyone commission.

• 4 years ago
• 7

Hey Stacey..
Mandy - I do stretch the age range a bit.. sometimes works. FB groups, twitter. On top of that proactive agent for the SL stuff (most I don't see) and nudge them on the ones I do. Sometimes Backstage.. but rare. It can get manic.. Had a message yesterday afternoon asking if free to film today.. we all know its right place right time and being available .. but defo hit it hard getting an agent.. it makes a bit of difference how your treated as well.

• 4 years ago
• 8

I’m averaging a rejection a day. Not good for the old self confidence...

• 4 years ago
• 9

Hi Stacey, I'm in the same boat, but keeping pretty busy. Not earning a great deal! But getting the odd job here and there. Like Dylan says, it's a numbers game. I'm on Spotlight, StarNow, Backstage, Casting Networks and Mandy. And I got my last two bookings from Facebook! I'm going to be looking at doing some medical role play as I think that can boost the earnings. Other actors I know do murder mystery stuff and/or site-specific, which can build the coffers too. Check with the Cornwall media students, too. I was offered a student film in Cornwall recently (paid) and bowed out, agreeing with the director that it would be cheaper and easier for them to get a local actor. I'm guessing there isn't a huge amount of work in your area, but the good news is that there won't be a huge amount of actors either! So, at least the averages are good that you'll get something.

• 4 years ago
• 10

Thanks Gerry, I’m in Falmouth and I know the film degree tutors. I even contacted them to say I’m available for student films but they’ve not offered me anything yet. I’m starting to get a bit paranoid

• 4 years ago
• 11

It’ll come. And you can bet everyone will want you at once! Feast or famine! :)

• 4 years ago
• 12

Hope so. I'm not getting any younger after all...

• 4 years ago
• 13