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May 1995, Week 2

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Subject:
From:
hanemann <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Film and TV Studies Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 11 May 1995 16:42:24 CDT
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----------------------------Original message----------------------------
 
 
On Wed, 10 May 1995, Carrie Robinson wrote:
 
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Hi Folks!
>
> I have a student who wants to get into television commercials; he doesn't
> have an agent; he is in the Atlanta area.  Does he need an agent?
> What sort of advice should I give this guy?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> Carol L. Robinson
> DST-English
> Middle Georgia College
> "What a waste it is to lose one's mind, or not ot have a mind is
> being very wasteful.  How true that is." -- Dan Quayle
>
      First of all, he needs a little training. See if you can find a
local, on camera, commercial workshop. These can be a little expensive, but
if it helps to keep him from losing a job through inexperience, it can pay
for itself very quickly. He also needs to stop running to the refrigerator
when the commercials come on and actually study what's being done.
      Secondly, he needs a good professional headshot. Single shot, no
composites for TV work, with his experience text on the back. Don't be
dismayed if this is a little thin. Everybody starts out tabula rasa. Just
leave a nice space in it so he can type in his experience as it comes along.
      Now he's ready to approach an agent. Have him send a headshot to
all the agents in the area via snail mail. Don't call or walk in
initially. Two weeks after these go out, if he hasn't received a reply,
call the agents, remind them that he sent his resume, and ask if he might
set up an appointment. Agents can be a little snooty initially. But, the
fact is, they need a constant supply of new faces. Local commercials
(where he most probably will start) only pay two or three hundred dollars
apiece. Talent quickly becomes overexposed in the area and the agent
needs a new face, so there are entry level opportunities. Only after he
has built up his resume, or gets very lucky, will he be considered for
regional or national commercials paying, potentially, tens of thousands
of dollars.
     Most commercials are bought for thirteen week contracts. If the
client wishes to continue running it, he must pay the talent for another
thirteen week contract. Never, never, never agree to a forever buyout.
Some clients run their ads perpetually and the talent is so overexposed
that no-one else wants to use him.
     Hope this helps.
                            Danny.
P.S. Atlanta is probably a pretty good market to start. If you
have any more questions, feel free to e-mail me directly.

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