Paying to Find An Agent

A reader asks:

I want to know if I can find an agent by paying? And if yes what website would you consider?

My answer:

Thanks for the question. I'm going to contradict myself but here it goes. Generally it's bad news if an agent asks for money when they first meet you whether its to be in their bogus talent book or insist you have headshots taken by a friend of their's (where you pay the agent the money for the headshot--lots of agents can refer people to good photographers where you just deal with the photographer). I would steer clear of these types. They are bogus.

There are however places like Actors Connection in New York where you can pay to meet an agent. Usually this costs about $30 for a "seminar." You shouldn't go into these things thinking you are going to walk out with an agent but rather that you are expanding your network of people you can contact with career updates. Actors Connection's website is www.actorsconnection.com

There are other similar places where you can pay to meet an agent or casting director. Youg et five minutes to read sides, do a monologue, or chit chat. I think this is sleazy but you do get to meet the agent face to face and ask them questions. This is the only instance where I would pay to meet an agent.

Unfortunately, the best way to pay for an agent is to buy research materials, do you homeowrk, find out which agents are looking for what, and keep in contact via mail as to what you're doing.

There is no website where you can plop down $300 and wwalk away with an agent and if there were it would be a scam (a very profitable scam). Agents gain their street cred by the quality of talent they represent. If they started representing people because they could pay a fee, casting directors aren't going to waste their time auditioning their clients.

If you're deadset on getting an agent (as you should be) I would use a multi-pronged approach. If you're in new York, I'd check out actors connection. I'd get Ross Reports and mail your headshot and resume to every agent in their who interests you. If the agent's listing says no dropoffs or visits, drop by their office and quickly and politely drop off a headshot. Keep track of who you've sent your headshot to and every month or so send them updates as to what shows you are and any callbacks you have recieved.

Ross Reports is a little magazine that lists agents and casting directors in New York, LA, and some other cities.

Thanks for your question and good luck!

Jeremiah