Approaching Agentss

[Zack!]

What's the best way to approach agents?

Is there an "Industry Standard" in the variety arts corresponding to the actor's headshot and resume?

Do you need a video?

What should a promotional kit contain?

--Zack

[Brian R Wilson]

Hey Zack,

As a performer and agent here's my input...

The best way to approach an agent is to send them your press stuff. The industry standard - comparable to the head shot and resume, for variety artists is a portfolio, or pamphlet accompanied by a video. Also acceptible are CDROM's with press materials and video included, or the swanky smooth website with video and bio on it. A video is a necessity.

Agent's generally like recieving hard copy press kits. Something that they can hand around a table to show their respective clients - or something that they can scan in and use in their own mailings and promotions. Back up your act with a good press blurb (at least a creative paragraph) explaining your show, and at least one great picture. Newspaper clippings, letters from corporate clients extolling your virtues and additional photographs are all the icing on the cake that will get you hired. A business card is also important - and often overlooked. I have a listing of business cards that I often check when looking for an act. Be sure to add your location, tour plans or home town to the materials. Where you are geographically located is also quite important.

Your promotional video should be between 3 - 6 minutes long, and highlight the best parts of your act. Sell your act with your video.

I despise getting photocopied black and white pieces of paper in the mail. Contain your clippings, write ups, etc in a portfolio, or have a pamphlet made. Send one or two copies of your pamphlet out - not 500, unless you have a previous specified arrangement with the agent.

After sending a press kit to an agent follow up with a phonecall or an email. Make sure that they got the kit, ask if they think that they can use your talents. Also specify what type of work you're looking for. At the very least get their input on your press materials - what they liked, what they didn't like, etc.

Hope that helps,
Check out my websites at

www.cowguys.com
www.orbitalent.ca

[Robnut]

When approaching agents, I find the following to be indispensible.

Most agents are or were performers at one time or another. If possible hire them for a gig and bill them as 'special guests'. If your gig doesn't pay particularly well, do book them other gigs and buy them Subway or other such foods of convenience. Try to work in such terms as 'international' and 'stars' when referring to them. Then, just when they're feeling great about the gig, have them sleep in a tent in your backyard. If in Canada aim for late May because the snow will be just disappearing then. Rememeber the more rural the better. I recommend 30 minutes minimum outside the nearest city center. Coyotes won't normally attack humans but their baying at the moon in a remote locale can be disturbing. Oh and be sure to light a large fire near their mostly flame resistent tent. Plying them with good Canadian beer doesn't hurt either.

I find this really gets the phone a ringin'.

Good Luck,

Robin Chestnut

P.S. Brian, do you want to fill in any details that I've missed?