Now that you have your financial situation in order, got yourself into a GREAT class and got some GREAT headshots we can get down to bizness. Showbiz that is.

Helpful advice to remember while you are first starting out is that this is a business. It’s not called SHOW-ART or SHOW-FEELINGS – it’s SHOWBIZ! I want to stress this point because it took so long in the beginning for me to get my head around the business side of things. I came out here thinking how could the casting directors NOT be fighting each other over me, I played Hamlet in Hamlet at the Repertory Theater back home! Hello?!?! I soon found out so did tons of other actors back in their hometown. This truly is the Superbowl of acting and you’re going to have to step up your game. Especially, soon as you realize that the part doesn’t always go to the most talented actor. Or that there wasn’t even an audition for the cast of that whole film or series that you love – they were all offers! It’s a business and sometimes – most of the times – it is not fair. The game and rules have all changed. Fortunately, for us…there are no rules.

‘Til this day, even when I think I have it figured out, new things about the “biz” reveal themselves to me that I wish I’d known years before! Starting with assembling a TEAM of people who believe in your dream almost as much as you do: Agent, Manager, Acting Teacher/Coach. You’ll probably change a few of the players while you’re here – it’s normal and just part of the way it works.

BUILDING YOUR TEAM

AGENT

Three months after being out here I landed my first agent. And although I’ve changed agents a few times, I found that it really was not as hard to get an agent in L.A. as I had heard it would be. Now, I tell you this not to say, “Oh, look at me I got an agent quickly!” Not even close. On the contrary, I want you to beware. What I soon found out about my amazing luck with my amazing agent that I got through a mass unsolicited mailing was that it really was not an agency. Well, I guess it was. It was not a “GOOD” agency I should say. No one had ever heard of them and I soon found out that casting directors did not open their submissions. Here’s what I’m getting at: I was desperate, eager and green. I did not care who the agent was, only that I had an agent. This is NO WAY to start building your team of people.

Be careful when you start seeking representation. Treat it like any other relationship you are just getting into, because it is a relationship. You wouldn’t choose a spouse out of desperation would you??? Don’t pick an agent out of desperation either. If your spider senses go off, it’s probably right – run! This may sound CRAZY, but, at the beginning level, they need you just as much as you need them. If you are in the initial interview process and you don’t like them – don’t sign with them. And NEVER sign a two year contract! EVER!

Here’s the exception to what I’ve just said: Don’t be afraid to take one step backwards that will eventually push you two steps forward. Some relationships are just experience, but you just need to know when to hold’em and know when to fold’em. Example, when I first started out, one of the agencies I first signed with was not that amazing, but they were all that was opening the door. We quickly outgrew each other and I moved on to a better agent. Remembering that every experience is a learning experience will get you far.

The How TO:

Sam french is going to become your best friend when you first get into town. There’s a lot of GOOD information in that store on how to get an agent. But, I’ve found getting a good agent does not work with spending tons of money on mailings and send outs. Or showing up to their offices and lying and saying so & so told you to stop by. Although it may seem very productive, the majority of the agents you are going to want to get with are not going to happen through a mailing. That’s just been my experience thus far. Referrals and workshops (if you can get them to come), I have found are the best avenues and I wish I knew this from the get-go. Since you’re new out here you are probably thinking how am I going to get a referral? Friends, classmates, teachers, co-workers are a great place to start.

Manager:

There is going to be a lot of discussion on whether or not you need a manager. Some will say do not get a manager until you have a career to manage. Or why give a manager 10-15% when you have an agent already commissioning 10%? Or if you get a manager you will make your agent mad and they might drop you. And the list goes on. The main thing to remember at all times is that you are in control of your career and business (YOU, inc) and you need to do what feels right. My personal route, took me to a manager. I had been beating my head up against a wall trying to figure out the next step in achieving my goal and a manager was it. Although these people ARE NOT babysitters, a manager was able to provide the personal attention I needed to move forward. My manager was more hands on with my career. Again, something I really benefited from in the beginning. I can’t stress enough the importance of choosing someone you vibe with as a manager. Someone who’ll take your calls and/or return you emails.

Now, I’d be negligent if I didn’t touch quickly on etiquette with these folks. I’ll say it again, at the end of the day this is a BUSINESS. There will be some that will tell you that you need to stay in your representations face all the time; therefore calling or emailing everyday just to let them know you are still here. Or showing up at their offices just to say hello once a week. Here’s what I say, MODERATION is key. Where I do think you do not, I repeat do not, want to become the silent person on their roster, you also don’t want to be the nag. Figure out what works for the relationship you’ve just entered. Focus on making their job easier, making them money, thus making you money. Your job does not stop just because you’ve landed an agent or manager. In a way, it actually JUST GOT STARTED. I have to say that my bookings within the last year have been a 50/50 split between the relationships I’ve built and auditions they’ve gotten me. Help them help you. Make it SO hard NOT to notice you. How do you do that? By staying in class, coaching when you have an audition, meeting people, etc.

As always, I’d love to hear from you. Please send me a comment if you are charmed to do so. Facebook & Twitter (@dajuanjohnson) work well too.