What to do When an Agent Asks for Money 

"My name is Rachael and I am a senior in high school. Recently, I
heard about the Wilhelmina Scouting Network. This is an online site
where agents, producers, directors and other industry people can
search for models and actors. I had an interview with one of their
representatives and I was called back because they wanted to work
with me. The only thing is, it costs $995. What should I do?"

Rachel: Put away your checkbook and run like mad.

"Never," acting instructor Reed Kalisher wrote, "ever pay an agent
any money, under any circumstances, for representation, screening,
photographic services or even a class. The only thing an agent is
entitled to is a percentage of your pay as a commission for work
procured with the assistance of that agent." Memorize this advice.

Coach Robert Keniston agreed. "Agents and casting directors barely
have enough time to read their own mail. Do you think they have
time to look online when getting hundreds of submissions a day via
snail mail? Market yourself to the agents that interest you."

So if you want an agent, get some training and a great headshot,
take classes, network, audition, book roles, and work continuously.
There are no shortcuts.

If you are just starting out, you should read up on the business
and learn how to avoid mistakes such as this and how to turn a love
of acting into a career on the stage or in film. A great place to
start is by reading my book, How to Become a Successful Actor:

http://www.actortips.com/products/acting_book_desc.htm

You can also take my FREE Acting Quiz to see where you're at in
your career and figure out your next step. Answer a few quick
questions and it'll identify the steps you must take to get to the
next level:

http://www.actortips.com/steps.htm

Chad Gracia
President, ActorTips 

PS: I still have a few discounted editions of my best-selling book
for actors, Becoming a Successful Actor. It's only $6.95 and it's
available here:

http://www.actortips.com/products/acting_book_desc.htm

 
"Actor Tips" is copyright 2006 by Chad Gracia and ActorTips.com,
Inc. All rights reserved. For more articles on acting, as well as
free monologues and play scripts, subscribe to the newsletter by
visiting http://www.actortips.com