The Successful Talent: Tips for the Actor & Model

MEETING A NEW AGENT?

Commercial Print Instructor, Scott Powers provides us with an inside look of what to expect from an Agents' Office.

[Agent offices] come in all sizes and shapes.  Just like agents, actually!

Some agent's offices give off a friendly vibe, others just cold.  Some are professionally organized, others outdo a college dorm room.  Don't let any negativity or weirdness impact on you.  Always think:  happy, bouncy perky.  You're the talent.  Again, rise above the fray.  Some offices seem to be out of control, especially if they're working on last-minute castings.  Don't get caught up in the chaos; keep your cool, your focus.  Remember if you're kept waiting, don't get upset -- at least visibly.  Waiting means that office is really busy with casting and that's where you want to be!  If you walk into an office and they have all the time in the world to chat with you, you may have a great meeting, but the volume of work coming out of that office may not be want you want.

But what is going on while you are present doesn't tell all.  Note that the commercial side of an office tends to be more hectic with bookings for the next day; the legit side can be more peaceful, working on castings done for upcoming projects, not necessarily so time sensitive.  Same office, split personalities.

An interesting observation:  some offices in our industry do not, or no longer, have air conditioning.  [They just] can't afford it.  Keep this in mind during the spring/summer months.  Refrain from the cliché actions of fanning one's self with your headshot, looking inconvenienced or staring like a silent Friedrich, whose compressor died three years ago.  Just think, YOU don't work there every day!'''

This is your chance to make a great first impression within a matter of minutes.  Are you setting the stage for a profitable relationship?

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Four Simple Ways to Book More Work!

FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO BOOK MORE WORK!

What can you do to book more jobs?  Every talent asks this question and although a lot is dictated by outside variable and other decision makers, some of the easiest things a talent can do are frequently overlooked or dismissed as unimportant.  You are already working on your skill set, building your resume or reel, and developing a bigger network of contacts.  What else matters?

Here is a list of simple things that successful talent do on a daily basis that set them apart from their peers:

1.)  Pick up the phone.  The talent on The Avenue's roster who book the most work consistently answer the phone when the agency calls.  It may sound trite, but being able to access a talent quickly means being able to respond to the client more quickly -- and in many cases, the early bird books the job.  Case in point, last week I called a talent and left a message early in the morning.  I didn't hear back from the talent until very late that night.  The job had already been booked and the late caller not only lost the opportunity, but lost a little of my confidence.  As an agent, we want to know to that we can count on the talent to do their part of our partnership, so the talent who readily respond are always going to be our go-to pick when we are in a pinch!

2.) Follow directions.  You always follow directions right?  Of course, you do!  Well, you mean to anyway.  Best intentions aren't good enough when it comes to following directions.  As an independent contractor, you have many different clients asking for similiar things with different details.  Should you bring 1 headshot or 3.  Did you wear black pants when you were supposed to wear khaki?  Can the CD count on you to listen and then nail their direction in front of the director?  I recently witnessed a well-meaning and very talented actor submit a taped audition for a big role.  The audition was phenomenal, but the file was not sent according to the directions that had been given.  Casting did not realize the tape was there until after the role had already been cast.  A very sad day for the talent who nailed the audition and was never even considered for the part -- and now has created the impression with casting that he/she can't follow directions. 

3.)  Be able to submit a taped audition from home -- immediately!  Our digital age is exciting and has opened up opportunity to a lot of actors outside of the biggest markets.  Those who are self-reliant and respond quickly are booking work all over the place!  The talent who rely on another person, another person's technology or expertise, or even someone they hire for help are missing the boat.  Sure, your agent may be willing to tape you, but do you really WANT them spending time burning down audition tapes?  No, they should be working to get you more opportunities!  Self taping has become so simple that every home has access to some sort of video recording and computer burning device.  It may vary from person to person, but the end result is the same.  The talent who don't make excuses and figure out a way to make it work are the talent who are working.  They are also the talent who the agent is going to call first and when under pressure or time deadlines.  Don't you want to be that first call?

4.)  Be willing.  This is an industry of unknowns.  Models are doing taped submissions for jobs today as often as actors are.  The models who are willing to try working with a video camera instead of a still camera are the models who are working.  And the added bonus is that a lot of them are booking jobs that pay residual, which means they are making a lot more money than they have in the past.  Being flexible and willing to try something that you

Sometimes your bottom line profit is about more than your abilities as a model or actor.  In this high drama industry, everyone is looking for the easiest way to keep their set functional and friendly.  Are you making their life easier and giving yourself an advantage?

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WHO IS THAT GUY?

It is The Avenue's own Isaiah Stratton in AT&T's latest commercial campaign.  Click below to see!

Isaiah is currently working as a principal character in a new movie shooting in North Carolina, so keep a sharp eye out for more on.

 

 

TED TALK WITH SUPERMODEL CAMERON RUSSELL

In this TED talk by Supermodel Cameron Russell, we get to live from the model's point of view the true power of beauty and the entertainment industry.  Her disarming appeal and approach will win you over!   Think that modeling is the career path for you? 

 

Supermodel Cameron Russell has graced the cover of Vogue and launched the Victoria's Secret runway during her career, but those are just some of her accomplishments.  Russell began modeling at 16 years of age under the eye of Ford Models.  She is currently housed with Elite.  Her most notable credits include runway fashion shows for designers including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Versace, Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren, Victoria's Secret, and Diane von Fürstenberg.

She majored in economics and political science at Columbia University.  She is involved in charitable organizations and gives her time as a model to give back to her community.

 

 

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ONE OF ATLANTA'S TOP TEN

Recently The Avenue's Quentin Plair was honored as one of Atlanta's "Top 10 People in the Film Business You've Probably Never Heard Of But Should".  Quentin has spent the last year building strong relationships with powerful casting directors and is repeatedly asked into their casting rooms.  From an agent's perspective, Quentin is reliable, easy to work with, and goes out of his way to make sure he does his part, allowing the agency to continue putting it's full force efforts behind his endeavors!

Written by Darla Clarkson: Posted on Monday, December 31, 2012 8:03 AM

So this is the time of year to make lists...things I'm going to do differently in the next year, people I want to work with, things I want to accomplish, etc. But, I thought I would take a few minutes and list some of the people I know in the film business who you may or may not know, but you need to! These are quality people who do their job extraordinarily well and give Atlanta a good name in the film game:

Quentin Plair, Actor

It is so rare to find that combination of good looks, acting chops and the ability to cry on queue that Quentin deserves mention here. I think he is a true undiscovered talent in the industry and you will be seeing more of him very soon. His IMDB is pretty sparse, but after having worked with him on two different projects, I can tell you he is a complete professional and has all the right stuff to go ALL the way!

To view the full article, visit No Fear Blogs.

THE BIG WINNERS!

Each year, The Avenue Agency gives away valuable prizes to the talent who have set themselves apart from their peers in some way.  There are those who are brave enough to be competitive at the holiday party games, as mentioned in earlier blogs.  But more importantly, there are the hand full of talent who go the extra mile to give 100% to their career.  These talent are known to submit requested materials without having to be asked.  They frequently track details on their opportunities and approach their craft as an organized business professional.  They have the initiative to seek out advice and support their skill set with great marketing materials.  They do not offer excuses when things don't go their way.  These talent not only bring value to our partnership, but they also bring peace of mind to me as an agent when pitching them.

Some have worked for years and finally seen their preparation met with opportunity as they reap the rewards of success.  Others came on board ready to go from the start and were quick out of the gate.  The annual MVPs may change from year to year as we cannot honor ALL of the special partnerships at one time, but their work ethic and determination are consistent across each year.   I'm so thankful to announce the winners and MVPs on The Avenue's roster in 2012:

Emily Landham will receive a free one hour personal training session with Jennifer McCoy, BS ACSM, of One Body. One Life. Health Fitness Specialists & Personal Trainers (to contact Jennifer, email jennifer@body1life.com)!  Emily's earlier year was wrought with challenges when she broke her foot while giving back to her community on set for a non profit, but she still finished strong ending the year with multiple feature films, industrials, and a principal role in BET's The Game!

Joel Diggs will receive a complimentary three look modeling photoshoot with photographer Michael Gomez.  Joel came onto The Avenue's roster with a strong presence and has shown commitment and follow-through that put him among the top money earners in his demographic.

Steve Caviness will receive a complimentary space in acting coach Caroline Locorriere's The Actor's Studio in Nashville, TN.  Steve started 2012 traveling for an ad campaign that padded pockets and kept him busy in the new year.  He showed that he knows how to build relationships, as clients continue to come back to him and ask for him by name.

Rusty Whitener will receive a complimentary two look actor's headshot session from Michael Gomez.  Rusty took a hiatus in the first half of the year as his Christy Award winning novel was made into a movie.  In the latter part of 2012, he showed his strength and presence by booking principal roles in the hit series "Nashville", and leading roles in several movies to be released in 2013-2014.

Stephanie Gamonet will receive a complimentary 30 minute private coaching via skype with Casting Director and coach Holly Allen (a $60 value).  Stephanie's dedication and persistence are proof that hard work does pay off!  The past year saw her book the lead female role in a feature film as well as a national commercial spot!

Diana Moseley was 2012's child MVP and will receive a complimentary "Acting in Commercials" workshop with acting coach and working actor, Alan Dysert, of The Actor's School (a $125 value).  Diana was quickly welcomed into the market when she started, but this year faced her most challenging role -- playing a tomboy.  She'd rather be in pink dresses, but says "it wasn't so bad."

Alice Raver will receive a complimentary 60 minute massage from massage therapist to the country stars, Deanna Porterfield, of Balance Massage.  Alice's incredible flexibility and focus has brought her business of acting to a new level in 2012 by booking commercials, print work, and feature film roles.

Jared Carter will receive a free one hour personal training session with Jennifer McCoy, BS ACSM, of One Body. One Life. Health Fitness Specialists & Personal Trainers (to contact Jennifer, email jennifer@body1life.com)!  Jared has maintained an established career for years alongside The Avenue.  His most exciting role in 2012 was playing David Byrne in the movie CBGB (set to be released in 2013), alongside legendary actor Alan Rickman.  Getting his picture and an interview in the Rolling Stone wasn't so bad, either!

Congratulations to our recipients in 2012.  The Avenue is excited about helping invest in your career to continue your success into 2013!  Contact Melinda via email for details on how to go about collecting your prize.  Were you not one of the celebrated MVPs?  Stay focused in 2013 and be sure to schedule your End-of-Year Review so Melinda can give you personalized attention and help you set goals for the new year!

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2012 Holiday Party!

MOVIE AND TV QUOTES

One of the games set up at this years holiday party for The Avenue's talent and clients was to identify the movie, tv series, or game show quote.  There were 27 brave souls who participated and turned in their answers to win a mystery prize.  This year, age was no factor.   Eight year olds competed with forty year olds, much to their disadvantage.  (Usually we have a kids division, but somehow that didn't happen in the party chaos this year -- so kudos to the courageous and undaunted kids!)

From left to right, actor Byron Herlong; agent/director Melinda Eisnaugle; and actress Katie Groshong at The Avenue's 2012 holiday party.

For me as an agent, I have to share that I was highly amused by some of the answers and creative ideas.  For one, I was suprised at how many people couldn't come up with the actual title to quote #14.  Answers were close, but rarely correct.  Can you?  I was also suprised how many entries under the age of 12 knew the quote from #15.  (I'm thinking someone had help from a grown-up!)  The unanswerable quotes include:  #4, #6, #17, #20, #22, #30, #34, #35, #39, #40, #44-47.  If you can help, leave your answer below.  No one -- not one person -- was able to answer #35, #39, and #40.  Can you?

Below were the quotes for those we missed that evening.  Can you beat our winners without cheating?

1.  "I love Lamp!"

2.  "Shake & Bake!"

3.  "I ate his liver with some fava beans and nice chianti."

4.  "Somewhere out there are four terrible fathers I wish I could thanks for this great night."

5.  "You know what that makes you?  Lollygaggers!"

6.  "I think this boy's cheese done slid off his cracker."

7.  " LIfe moves pretty fast.  If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

8.  "I shall call him squishy and he shall be mine.  He shall be my squishy.  Come here squishy!"

9.  "We can stay up all night swapping manly stories and in the morning, I'm making waffles."

10.  "They may take our live, but they'll never take our freedom!"

11.  "There's no crying in baseball!"

12.  "To infinity, and beyond!"

13.  "As if!"

14.  "Why so serious?"

15.  "This is Sparta!"

16.  "With great power comes great responsibility."

17.  "You threaten my son, you threaten me."

18.  "I'm already pregnant, so what other shenanigans can I get myself into?"

19.  "I'm pretty sure there's a lot more to life than being really really ridiculously good looking, and I plan on finding out what that is."

20.  "I hid under your porch because I love you."

21.  "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

22.  "I was wondering if you would like to join me in my quarters this night for some toast."

23.  "May the odds be ever in your favor."

24.  "Werewolves have enemies?"

25.  "What we've got here is failure to communicate."

26.  "You call that a knife?  This is a knife!"

27.  "Remember who you are."

28.  "'Let me frank' . . . 'Can I still be Garth?'"

29.  "Basic principles - there are none."

30.  "Winner, winner, chicken dinner!"

31.  "No soup for you!"

32.  "Aw, tartar sauce!"

33.  "You can kiss my decision as it's walking out the door."

34.  "Don't talk to me like that.  You look like a turtle who lost his shell."

35.  "I sometimes eat goldfish from the bottom of the diaper bag."

36.  "Bam!"

37.  "Book'em Dano!"

38.  "Come on down!"

39.  "Here it is . . . the moment of Zen!"

40.  "I wish I were Einstein cause then I'd invent a time machine and go back to when you were nice!"

41.  "Eat my shorts!"

42.  "Save the cheerleader, save the world!"

43.  "Bazinga!"

44.  "I'm an early bird, and I'm a night owl, so I'm wise and I have worms."

45.  "'Hey' can mean anything.  It can mean yes; it can mean maybe; it could mean no; it could mean next week.  The bottom line is you have to understand me to understand 'hey'."

46.  "It's a beautiful day to save lives.  Let's have some fun!"

47.  "Have you ever liked someone so much you just wanna lock yourself in your room, turn on sad music, and cry?"

Our exhaustive list of quotes came from contributors Deanna Porterfield and Byron Herlong.  Thank you both for the effort you put into making a great party all the more fun and adding the air of friendly competition! 

So we have chosen the highest child score and highest adult score as this year's winners.  Our child winner will receive a free space in Steve Flanigan's 10 week Actor's Workshop.  Our adult winner will receive a free 30 minute private skype coaching session with Casting Director Holly Allen.  Check back on Wednesday to find out who our winners are and where these quotes came from. 

In the meantime, see if you can beat our winners by leaving as many answers as you can below in a comment!

2012 HOLIDAY PARTY!

This year's holiday party was a blast.  We celebrated a roster of talent who had amazing years, break-through moments, and of course, of MVP money makers!

A special thanks to the generous professionals who donated their services for prizes this year, including:

1. Michael Gomez Photography, who donated a free 2 look headshot shoot and a 3 look full modeling portfolio shoot. (Check out WestLight Studios on Facebook.)
2. Alan Dysert, who gave a free commercial workshop class. (To work with Alan, visit The Actor's School.)
3. Caroline Locorriere, who opened a spot on her wait list for her scene study workshop at the Actor's Studio in Nashville. (to work with Caroline, visit www.nashvilleactingstudio.com)
4. Holly Allen, [Casting Director, Actor, and Coach] who donated a free 30 minute skype coaching for audition prep.
5. Steve Flanigan, who opened a spot in his 12 week acting workshop class.
6. Deanna Porterfield of Balance Massage gave two free 60 minute massages to relax those nervous & tense muscles. (To relax with Deanna, contact Balance Massage on facebook.)
7. Jennifer McCoy BS ACSM, personal trainer at One Body One Life, who agreed to work with two talent for free 30 minute training sessions. (To work with Jennifer, email her at jennifer@body1life.com.)

The Avenue Agency's talent who stood out this year include Alice Raver, Holly Allen, Stephanie Gamonet, Emily Landham, Diana Moseley, Jared Carter, Steve Caviness, Rusty Whitener, David Ditmore.  Each one of these talent stood out as a high money earner, had a break through that brought them to the next level in their career, or booked a major project, so keep an eye out for them on your favorite tv shows and moves yet to be released!

Check back for updates on who the lucky winners of our holiday party prizes will be!

Thank you to each talent, producer, director, freelance staff member and industry professional who graced us with their presence this past weekend.  We look forward to another great year in 2013 with each of you!

The Avenue Agency's David Ditmore and Stephanie Gamonet.

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THE GATE KEEPER

Before you storm the castle with swords ablazing, do know who guards the gate?  He or she is more than you might give them worth!  Who is the gate keeper, you ask?  He or she is the person you go through in order to get in contact with the actual person you are seeking.  This might be a coach, a casting director, an agent, a director, or someone at an ad agency.   That person answering the phone, responding to emails, or setting appointments can be your best friend or worst enemy.  Usually, that choice is up to you!

We encounter gate keepers in our every day life, which is a great forum for practice.  If you trip up and lose your temper, it's better done with a postal worker than with someone that might hold the power to help move your career forward.  Keep in mind that whomever you are first exposed to when seeking someone's attention, they are not just a receptionist or assistant.  Anyone who has ever had an assistant or similar help can tell you how important that person becomes to the employers' daily success.  In sales, one of the first things we are taught is how to communicate with our friend, the gate keeper.

An industry professional shared this story with me recently:  My assistant was out on leave temporarily, so I was answering her emails.  One of them was from [names will be spared, so we'll call him/her Tracy].  The email was very hateful and demanding about why they hadn't been able to set an appointment with me.  The emailer accused my assistant of being incompetent. 

Of course, this simple action put Tracy immediately in bad graces with his/her hopeful new relationship.  If and when they ever meet, every action afterward will be tainted with the reminder that Tracy lacked tact and professionalism.  If they never get to meet, it will only be Tracy's own fault.  Sadly, Tracy probably won't ever know why.

We all tend to be on our best behavior with those people with whom we want to maintain a positive relationship and show our best face.  Sadly, we don't always share that same respect with their staff and helpers.  Change your perspective to approaching those who can help your career -- right along with their entire staff and circle of acquaintances -- with the utmost respect.  A friendly gate keeper on your side can ease the transition to getting what you really want in the end!

WEARING YOUR GAME FACE

Did you know actors and models are hired on the most subjective criteria?  No one can ever guess what will determine a decision-maker's mind, but there are some things you can do to swing luck in your direction!  So the question is . . . do you have your game face on?

 

Here's a career tip from a Casting Director which some smart actors use with proven results, but which every actor can employ to their benefit:

To start, assume you're being sent out for an audition.  Your role reads:  happy, approachable, perky.    Can you walk into a room with a big smile.  Do you look perfect; like a winner?  Do you have a good "aura"; are you able to send out positive vibes? Do you turn heads?

That's your "role" as an actor.  You assume this role when you walk out the door that morning.  No thunderclouds over your head (with a permanent bolt of lightening).  You stay in character throughout the day, wherever you go, whatever you do, whomever you meet.  (Do you know how to walk down the street?  REALLY walk down the street?  Stars do - they practiced doing "it."  And everybody gravitates toward them - wanting to be in their aura.)

Keep in mind that you run into "the industry" on street corners, in subways, in the supermarket, in the most unexpected places.  Don't let them catch you out of character, looking disheveled or like you're having a bad day.  It can be a potential deal breaker, sooner or later.  We're always on stage.  Not to mention the emotional weight of being in a funk and then trying to get out of it for the few minutes you are in the casting room!  Energy is more often felt than we realize in subjective and emotional industries especially.  It isn't something you can force or pretend -- it's either there or it's not.

You step out of character only when you return home, if you choose.  Then (and only then) you may assume your evil twin, descend into that terminal depression, morph into a slug, whatever.  But at that point, it's OK.

Tomorrow, repeat steps above if you need to practice this character more.  In this case, it might even make you a more likeable person, build your network, and you could even find new friends! 

Thank you.  And the world will thank you, too.   Not to mention how many more jobs you'll magically get!