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DEAR BONNIE
You ask... and Bonnie tells!
Just send an email to
ActorsBON AT actorsbone.com
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An Interesting Pickle
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Dear Bonnie,
My manager has a few very notable clients, and then there's someone like
me. She tells me, "even though you're in a few films with one lead at Sundance 2001, and two of them are nominated for indie spirit awards, you won't be seen by agents
[and I guess casting directors too] until you land a job."
Hello, Catch-22!
Although I have no blockbusters behind me, my resume is strong with film and some TV
(New York work) and I have video to prove it. I've gotten everything on my own
(aside from the four national network commercials this year). I've read others' insights on what an unknown, working actor should try, and my hands feel loosely tied.
Should I sit back, type and send short letters to CD's, NOT send letters to agents, and hope a
CD "gets it" then brings me in where I ultimately book a role (in LA) so a "strong agency" sees I will make them money? Or is my manager snowing me?
I'm from the east, after all.
Thank you,
-Christopher
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Dear Christopher,
Hmm... interesting pickle you're in. I can only give you an example of what happened to a friend of mine in a similar situation a couple of years ago. He was sick of getting all his own work and having his theatrical agent tell him there was just no way to get him sent out on commercials "at his level" -- and he had good credits! So, he got together his two-look postcards (done litho by
ABC Pictures for about $100 per 1000) and sent one to each commercial CD and provided his theatrical agent's contact info only.
Well... the agent starts getting calls from commercial CDs, ready to see him for this role and that role. Agent calls my buddy and says, "Well, you've got guts, going around me... but you got yourself some work... and kept me in on it... so, I'll sign you across the board."
Boom! He's working more now
than ever.
Risky move, but it worked for him. So... I guess my advice is... try getting your manager some commissionable work (yes, you'll be doing all the work... again) and then see what she says.
March is not the time to try and land an agent anyway. It's pilot season, which means they are all currently focused on their roster of clients, not taking on new ones.
Now, if, in a few months, your manager is still discouraging you from getting an agent, I'd consider going ahead and submitting to agents anyway. Email me again after trying the mass postcard mailing and let me know how that went. CDs (generally) love postcards, so go for it!
Keep doing good work -- and thanks for writing.
- Bon
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Intuition on High
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Dear Bonnie,
I have read your comments on Scientology's involvement with the seminars that are held there. I inquired about being addressed with these issues and was assured that they did not wish to convert me or teach me abut their religion. I was however offered for the film to be shown. If I do the course offered, should I be concerned about the religion part of Scientology being introduced into the course?
Thank you for your time,
-Beatrix
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Dear Beatrix,
I would just go into any situation, wherever it is hosted, with my intuition on high. There are many, many places where actors spend money to further their craft, and it is always a risk as to how much each workshop or event or seminar is worth. I would say, if you ever have a feeling that you are not getting what you paid for, move on, rather than trying to stay longer to see if it suddenly becomes worthwhile. It's usually pretty easy to tell in the first few moments whether or not something is right for you. Just be aware and you'll do just fine.
Good luck to you, and thanks for writing.
- Bon
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Not to Sound Cheesy
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Dear Bonnie,
I just wanted to send you a quick note thanking
you for a great discussion on Saturday at AIA. In case you were wondering, I'm the guy who asked about
"Feedback." I guess the follow up question was not clear. I wanted to find a balance between getting feedback from CDs without having to jeopardize your relationship with them. I guess, with everything, it can be done through relationships and proper communication.
I really enjoy your column in Back Stage West
and am an avid fan (Although I did not want to say it publicly without sounding... cheesy). The information that you gave us is not only helpful but special. Keep up the excellent work and I'll hopefully see you again.
Sincerely,
- Aaron,
Future Working Actor
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Dear Aaron,
Thanks so much for taking the time to write to me. I love what I do (both writing for and talking with actors), so it's always a bonus to be thanked for doing what I love.
I would say, as far as feedback goes, try to get it from sources other than CDs right now. During
the February-March pilot season, even CDs who aren't doing pilots themselves feel the stress of the schedule. So, if you are in a class or doing plays, working with others in the industry, ask for feedback from those folks right now. You'll get some info that you can learn from as well as maintain your relationships with casting professionals (without taxing them right now).
Hope that helps! Thanks again for being a fan! We all
need those, right? ;)
Take care, and keep doing good work!
- Bon
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