New Year, New Agency?

Do you have representation but still don’t feel like your career is taking off? Often aspiring singers, dancers, actors and models are so excited to sign with an agency, but then the experience leaves much to be desired. There are many reasons why clients are dismayed by their relationship with their agency. Perhaps they are not being sent on auditions frequently or at all. Maybe, especially if they signed with a smaller agency, they don’t feel as though they are getting the personal attention that they expected or were promised.

Are you unhappy with your agent, but you’re simply not sure if you should leave the agency? Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you feel that your agent or manager has a strong knowledge of the business?
• Does your agent or manager have good relationships with casting directors, producers and directors? Or is your agent actively trying to develop these kinds of relationships?
• Does your agent send you out on auditions that you are well suited for?
• Does your agent believe in you?
• Is your agent or manager a skilled negotiator?
• Is your agent or manager trustworthy?
• Does your agent or manager make sure that you’re paid in a timely manner?

If you’ve answered no to several of these questions, then it’s probably time to start exploring other agencies. There’s nothing wrong with exploring your options if you’re unhappy with your representation, as long as you aren’t bound by contractual obligations. But it’s very important that no matter what, you try to leave your old agency without burning any bridges.

Before you do anything else, let your agent or manager know that you’re unhappy. Give him or her a chance to turn things around. Perhaps you somehow got lost in the shuffle and your agent just needed a nudge to give you the additional attention you deserve. If that doesn’t work and you’re still unhappy, be sure to tell your agent that you’re exploring other options before you begin contacting other agents. It’s a small world out there and you don’t want to be perceived by your old agent or a potential new agent as dishonest.

If in the end you part ways, it’s important to be as polite and respectful as possible. Don’t give your old agent any reason to say anything negative about you to others in the industry. Be sure to thank your old agent for the opportunity and any assistance they’ve given you.

If you’re looking for a new agent in your area, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and click on our 'Talent Resources' page to view the tons of agents in our database. Good luck!

How To Tell Your Parents You Want To Be A Model

If you’ve decided that you want to be a model, but don’t think your parents will be thrilled – you’re not alone. It can be difficult to tell your parents that you want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, especially if you think they’d rather you embark on a more traditional career path.

Here are a few tips for sharing your new dream with your parents and getting their support!

• Come up with a list of reasons why you’d make a great model. And don’t just focus on the physical. Height and a strong looks are great reasons, but a desire to travel, cultivate contacts in the fashion industry and be on the cutting edge of industry trends are good too. Really spend some time brainstorming and be creative!

• Research the industry so that you’ll be prepared to answer any questions your parents may have. It’s important that you’re able to discuss both the pros and the cons of the industry so that they know you’ve looked at your chosen career from every angle – not just the most glamorous aspects of it.

• Come up with a plan for how you intend to break into the industry to illustrate your ambition and initiative. For example, joining Star Search Casting is a great way to begin getting exposure and start regularly researching opportunities in fashion and entertainment. That shows genuine interest and dedication.

• Set up a day and time to talk to your parents and present the information to them professionally and maturely. And don’t do all of the talking. Be sure to give them an opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions. Don’t worry! By being prepared, you can help to steer them away from any negative perceptions they may have about the industry, or your chosen career path.

Ready to explore some really great casting opportunities for models? Visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com. By making a list of all of the opportunities you find that would be perfect for you will also show your parents that you have a really great chance at succeeding in the industry!