Having representation as an actor has its benefits.  A talent agent (or rep) connects actors to auditions for paid acting jobs.  This is very important as many casting directors won't see actors who are not represented.  And, casting directors most often go straight to the source (agencies) as the most direct route for access to a large pool of experienced and talented actors.  The agency has typically screened the actors and is essentially giving actors he/she represents a stamp of approval to the casting director.

But agents can also serve to negotiate pay for actors, make sure union rules are being adhered to on set and generally advocating for the fair treatment of actors throughout the production.  If you are represented by a talent agency (have a signed contract) and a production contacts you directly, please protect your career by informing your agent.  There are protocols and chains of command to be followed in the casting process–tried and true ways to keep everyone above and below the line happy.

Probably the most difficult part of an actor's life is waiting to hear how an audition went. 
Guess what.  It's hard for the talent agents too! 

MP Talent has a "drop everything" policy.  Rest assured that when one of our actors books an audition or lands a job, we drop everything to let that actor know.  It gives us joy to do so–kind of like delivering flowers.  The reverse is true, however, when we have to deliver news that an actor has been released from a hold on a job.  But collectively, think how far we have come as an industry since this time last year; we weren't even booking auditions.

This growth takes tenacity, perseverance, hard work and time.  We are all doing what we can to put our name on the film industry map.  Keep up your DESIRE to continue to make this happen!

Be well.

Malinda, Calin and Chris–the MP Talent Team

It's happening actors.  Work is coming this way. 

Be prepared by keeping your acting tools fresh and your marketing tools (headshot and resume) up to date.

Carry your 8×10 color headshot and resume with you all the time.  Keep them in your trunk.  Always take them to an audition.

I'm working on an affordable source for headshot reproduction.  Paul at Holland Litho in Zeeland is working some numbers for us.  This is part of the infrastructure of the film industry that needs to be built.  See how it trickles to other businesses? 

Continue to be patient as Chris and I figure out systems to make things run even more efficiently.  This is new for all of us.  We are learning and growing together.  We welcome constructive feedback.

Stay positive!

Malinda

That is the question. 

Michigan's film community is still growing.  A lot of bigger budget feature films are being made on the east side of the state because the infrastructure to support those productions is more established.  But, smaller budget and locally produced projects are happening in West Michigan.

On the production side, crew members face the same obstacles above the line talent do when trying to find jobs: not enough resume credits and not a union member, so better luck next time.  So how does an actor handle this catch 22? 

Work, work, work and work some more.  Whether you move to LA, Chicago or New York, the advice would be the same.  You need to build your resume by taking as many acting jobs as possible.  This shouldn't be a burden for you because acting is your love.  (If it isn't your love, find something else right now.)  Audition for student films: GVSU, Cornerstone University and Compass Film Academy have film/video programs that require their students to make films–get in one, or several.  You'll learn what it's like to be on a set.  You'll probably get a copy of the finished production to add to your demo reel.  Audition for a local community theatre: Actors' Theatre, GR Civic Theatre, Master Arts Theatre, Heritage Theatre, Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids, Dog Story Theatre.  Stage acting teaches you how to work as an actor, how to create a character, how to analyze a script, how to discipline yourself, how to think on your feet … I could go on.  Take a class:   Keep your craft fresh.  Learn from other actors and trained instructors. 

Add all that to your resume.  Once you feel you've built a substantial body of work, then you can consider joining an actor's union like SAG, AFTRA or AEA.  Once you do join a union you have the benefit of their support and legal services.  However, you are no longer eligible for many non-union projects that abound in our area thus minimizing your chances for work here. 

As our film community grows, more union work will become available.  We are on the cusp, but it will take time and collaboration among all of the crew, actors, artists, community members to make West Michigan known in the production industry as the go-to place for movies, television, commercials … Support one another so we each become stronger in our offerings.  For instance, the more actors I place in jobs, the more credible MP Talent is within the industry.  That means productions coming to town will consider MP Talent as the one-stop source for actors. 

MP Talent is here to cultivate, connect and coach. 

Tags: audition, MP Talent, SAG

Dear Actors,

In order to make acting your business you must have the proper tools of the trade: a current, full-color headshot and a professional looking resume.

No agent can do anything to sell you to a casting director without a headshot or resume.  Invest your time and energy and getting both.

Your headshot should look like you.  When you walk into the audition the casting director should know right away who you are.  If not, bye bye.

Your resume should be clean and organized.  Put your on-camera work on top.  Don't use dates and don't use anything more than a few years old unless it was a blockbuster hit. 

Treat this job hunt just like you would a "day" job search.  If you want to be taken seriously and work like a professional, act like one.  An agent, a casting director and a producer are all potential employers–be professional.

Sincerely,

A Talent Rep who wants to connect you with a job!

MP Talent is CULTIVATING actors.  We are teaching actors the business of acting.  It is a PR/Marketing job to be an actor.  An actor who wants to work must have the proper tools of the trade: a full-color head shot that looks like you and an updated resume.  An actor who gets work is one who keeps his/her craft fresh by taking classes, rehearsing and performing in plays, joining improv groups and watching other good actors perform on stage and screen.

MP Talent is CONNECTING actors.  We have done the networking for you.  We know and have relationships with the key casting directors in Michigan.  We know who they are looking for and when.  We continue to build relationships within the production industry to find our actors work. 

MP Talent is COACHING actors.  We are teachers.  We believe acting is a craft and can help our talent pool and your production enhance performance quality with one-on-one actor coaching and rehearsing.

Tags: actor coaching, casting directors

February Four: Classes at MP Talent Class 1: Hollywood–Should I Stay or Should I Go? Is it necessary to go to Hollywood to have a career in “the business,” or can you create Hollywood where you are? February 20, 2010 1- 2 p.m. Class 2: The Art of Comedy Comedy ain’t no laughing matter! What it takes to be a successful writer, actor or comedian! February 20, 2010 3-4 p.m. Class 3: Headshots and Resumes An actor’s calling card. If it’s not right, you will always be wrong. February 27, 2010 1-2 p.m. Class 4: How to Audition On-Camera Tips on how to land that job! February 27, 2010 3-4 p.m. The film industry is beginning to flourish in West Michigan. Now is your chance to become an active participant in the industry. It is recommended that anyone who is interested, eager to get started performing on-camera and hasn’t already done some sort of film work, take these classes. Classes will be held the last two Saturdays in February at MP Talent 40 Monroe Center, Suite 201 Each class size is limited to the first 30 people to register! Registration deadline is Feb. 15. Classes are 1 hour in length and cost $20 each. *Sign up for all 4 and the price is $70! (That’s a savings of $10!) Payments can be made by check and should accompany your registration form. (Coming to the website soon.) You can pay on site with cash or check on the day of class, but you must register in advance. Email administrator@mptalentagency.com for a registration form. We are pleased to have T. SMITH as the instructor. T. Smith has been a writer and producer for 18 years. He has written, produced and developed shows for: The Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, NBC, ABC, TBS, TV ONE, BET and UPN. T has also been a casting assistant with Reuben Cannon and Associates. T is a playwright, stand-up comedian and entertainment consultant and speaker.

In Character Stretch, you will be guided in creating a character based on analysis of the playwright’s story and the environment around him/her. This isn’t your average acting class; you will be working with an individual monologue, no out of class partner work. No pressure – just fun! So what are you waiting for? If you are interested please contact us online at www.grct.org or by phone 222-6653. We hope to hear from you soon as we need to close registration, Monday morning Jan. 11th. Character Stretch 10 Tuesdays: Jan 12-March 16 7:00-9:00pm Instructor: Malinda Petersen

Headshots are the actor’s calling card. You must have a good headshot your agent can use to market you to casting directors. Simple tips:

• find a photographer with rates within your budget–there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a huge photo layout
• find a photographer you’ll enjoy having take your picture
• know your type as an actor–have 2-3 different headshots that represent you in your type i.e., professional, girl next door, seductive
• get full body and close-up shots
• your headshot needs to look like you–if you walk into an audition and the casting director wonders who you are, you’re in trouble
• look directly into the camera
• dress simply–little jewelry
• have fun and relax during the photo session–think of things that make you happy so you’ll smile
• when your proof sheet is given to you, consult friends, enemies and your agent on which shots to choose
• You’ll need the shots digitally (jpg) and hard copy
• Next time: tips on choosing the headshots you want to reproduce