Very True. I have 2nd degree connections with big time people, but Im just afraid what to ask them for. Everyone says you have nothing to loose, but maybe asking that one person may just loose you 12 other connections. My professor (Richard Brown; movies 101 @ NYU) knows everyone in the industry. I recently asked him to simply watch a film I made and he never did. I also asked him if he knows anyone who is casting, and he told me he is not good with connections. He knows, and grew up with people such as Harvey Wienstien but can't simply see if I fit in one of his up coming films.
Ive also recently been trying to contact the producers of the upcoming 20th Century Fox movie "The Barefoot Bandit". I would love to play the role of scott H. Moor. Ive been following his story from the beginning. After contacted agent, after agent I got no luck.
Also, I recently been making films myself. I haven't acted in a project for 4 months or so. I would love to get a chance to get involved with something soon. If anyone is interested, please view my IMDb. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4107529/
I am currently also looking for an agent. Fabio Caetano
Hi Fabio, I can see your frustration. Let's look at this from a few different angles. It is surely a disappointment that Richard Brown did not watch your film. If you were looking for a critique and you still want him to see the film, ask again. There is nothing wrong with being persistent. That...
Expand commentHi Fabio, I can see your frustration. Let's look at this from a few different angles. It is surely a disappointment that Richard Brown did not watch your film. If you were looking for a critique and you still want him to see the film, ask again. There is nothing wrong with being persistent. That being said, let's look at his connection to Harvey Weinstein. Does he know Mr. Weinstein or does he KNOW Mr. Weinstein? There's a difference. Your professor may simply not be in a position to be able to refer someone to Harvey Weinstein. That guy is HUGE and he surely does not spend his days looking for the next big thing, nor does he want or need to be contacted by the thousands of people he knows about this filmmaker or that actor, etc. I'm not trying to disuade you, I'm trying to show you a very realistic viewpoint. Also consider that Mr. Weinstein probably has his preferred methods and "go to people" if and when he is looking for new talent. I'm willing to put good money on it that your professor is not one of those "go to people". Also consider that maybe your professor does not get involved with suggesting industry talent. Some people are like that for whatever reason. If it were me, I'd pull Richard Brown aside and ask him point blank if he can get your face, project, etc. in front of Harvey Weinstein. Don't ever be afraid to be blunt....at least that way you'll have your answer.
Now let's look at agents. Do you have a strong demo reel? I see you are on IMDb and you have a pro account. This is a good thing. You should continue to seek out an agent. It looks like you are primarily acting at this point? Get your ducks in a row, first. Have the strongest demo reel made and ready to go. Research a half a dozen (or more) agencies in your nearest large town (or region). Then, research those agencies. Who do they represent? What kinds of jobs are they getting for their talent? Are they recognized and in good standing with SAG and AFTRA? What is the agency's rating with the BBB? What is their track record for placing talent? Have they ever represented high-level or well known people in the industry? DO. YOUR. RESEARCH. Ask tough questions and dig. I say this becaus there are a lot of shady agencies out there. On the flip side, don't expect that you are just going to waltz in to William Morris Endeavor, either. Start locally or regionally.
Once you have narrowed down the field to reputable agencies that seem like a good fit for you personally, you want to review their submission procedures. They are often posted somewhere on the website. Don't call an agency 100 times when they ONLY consider new talent via email, etc. Just make sure you understand their game. Then, when you send in your photo/resume/reel, direct it to the agent that you feel you may want to work with, if this is an option. Follow-up. Then follow-up again. You have credits. You will find an agent. But YOU have to find the agent. Don't expect an agent to just find you.
I don't know you Fabio and I'm going to just tell you what I tell talent all the time.... This is an insanely tough industry. It will chew you up and spit you out. It doesn't care about you. You have to have thick skin and be willing to follow up on EVERYTHING. This business owes you nothing and will give you nothing. Be prepared to work hard at every turn and look at every contact, every project as an opportunity. Often, you have to create your own opportunities.
I hope I've given you a few things to think about. In this business, I'm not an optimist. I'm not a pessimist. I'm a realist. You have to be able to keep a positive attitude but understand what is really going on within the industry. I wish you much success.
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