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AGENTS Conspiracy Revealed: The 'Insider Clique' That Blocks You From Obtaining Agents February 5, 2014  By Tom DheereVoice Actor Recently, I received this question: "Is there is an insider clique that prevents some voice talent from obtaining an agent that gets you work, not just auditions?"My answer: Yes, there is! And the conspiracy is massive. I have a manager and multiple agents. Sometimes I have to audition for a gig, sometimes I book gigs from the client listening to my demo. I get more direct bookings from the representation that I have a stronger relationship with. Not because we’re drinking buddies, or they like my face and don’t like yours, but because I have proven over a long, long period of time (some almost a decade) that I can represent them well. They submit me without an audition because they know I can deliver the goods when I’m in the booth. By "the goods” I mean I show up early, I’m fun to work with, I take direction well, and the clients always get what they need. If you want to call an "insider clique” a group of professionals who, after many years of working together, have developed a relationship of trust based on consistently positive results and minimal stress, then fine. It’s a conspiracy that people want to work with other people they like and trust that get results. Call the FBI. JOIN THE 'CLIQUE' Stop obsessing over getting representation. You do not need an agent right out of the gate to be a successful voice talent. Agents almost never represent unproven talent. If you’re an aspiring talent, don’t worry about getting an agent anytime soon. There are literally dozens of casting sites and thousands of production companies, ad agencies, and recording studios you can find online to get work. Develop your skills, hone your marketing skills, build relationships, so that in a few years you’ll be so freaking awesome that agents can’t ignore you! But beware: doing so brings you into that 'insider clique." ------------------ ABOUT TOM Tom Dheere is an 18-year veteran of the voice over industry who has narrated thousands of projects for clients in over a dozen countries. He is also a voice over business consultant, content programmer for the Voiceover Café podcast, coach at Edge Studio, was marketing consultant for the Voice Over Virtual online conference, and is writing and producing a comic book. Email: tom@tomdheere.com Web: www.tomdheere.com |
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Excellent advice - and well written (when is your book coming out?). Thanks!
Jason