Getting on TV Shows. Acting Agents, Anyone?

[TonyWDA]

I'm interested in getting on channels like Disney Channel, Nick, or just maybe any other good live action show network. I've taken acting classes for a good 2-3 years now. And since I animate, which takes a good deal of acting, I think I'm ready - not to toot my own horn.

But does anyone here know any good agents, address, or websites that offer good talent agents? I'm familiar as to WHAT to do to get in contact with agents, but I can't find any good ones, is all.

Any ideas?

[Vermin Friends]

I'm interested in getting on channels like Disney Channel. I've taken acting classes for a good 2-3 years now. And since I animate, which takes a good deal of acting, I think I'm ready.

But does anyone here know any good agents, address, or websites that offer good talent agents? I'm familiar as to WHAT to do to get in contact with agents, but I can't find any good ones, is all.

Any ideas?

Honestly, I don't think you need to be able to act to get on Disney Channel. Just be skinny, have long hair, and be able to sing! That's sums up the current Disney Channel rather well, don't you think?

But seriously speaking, if you're as good an actor as you say you are, I think you're too good for Disney Channel.

[TonyWDA]

I'm interested in getting on channels like Disney Channel. I've taken acting classes for a good 2-3 years now. And since I animate, which takes a good deal of acting, I think I'm ready.

But does anyone here know any good agents, address, or websites that offer good talent agents? I'm familiar as to WHAT to do to get in contact with agents, but I can't find any good ones, is all.

Any ideas?

Honestly, I don't think you need to be able to act to get on Disney Channel. Just be skinny, have long hair, and be able to sing! That's sums up the current Disney Channel rather well, don't you think?

But seriously speaking, if you're as good an actor as you say you are, I think you're too good for Disney Channel.

LOL, you think? Still, I'm not saying I'm the best though, but just have a good amount of experience is all. But thanks.

[Mr. Toad]

What is your experience exactly. It seems to me if you did have relevant experience you would know how to get one. Fifteen years ago after I had two extra appearances on X-Files and Highlander I had multiple cards from agents. Not what I wanted to do with my life so I didnt use them. If you had experience with that or community acting groups the necessary contacts would already be made.

[TonyWDA]

What is your experience exactly. It seems to me if you did have relevant experience you would know how to get one. Fifteen years ago after I had two extra appearances on X-Files and Highlander I had multiple cards from agents. Not what I wanted to do with my life so I didnt use them. If you had experience with that or community acting groups the necessary contacts would already be made.

Well, I've taken classes for a good 2-3 years, and I've been on about two TV Spots quite some time ago. And as I mentioned on the first post, since I animate, which does require some good acting experience, not to toot my own horn, I feel I've got at least SOME good experience.

[dvdjunkie]

You need to be seen by someone. Get yourself to LA and get on a game show like "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader" or "Crosswords" or one that you can show yourself off on.

You need to be seen. Get a copy of Variety magazine and look for open casting calls for TV pilots and things like that. You don't need an agent to get started. After you are seen, if you have the talent, they will be getting a hold of you.

Most agents won't touch an unknown unless you are related to someone in the business, and then they will take a chance (a small one at that) and find something for you that won't hurt their reputation if you fail.

You just need to get seen. Look in your local theater groups for casting calls. And, most of all, if you are serious, don't give up. It won't be easy, but it will be very rewarding.

[TonyWDA]

You need to be seen by someone. Get yourself to LA and get on a game show like "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader" or "Crosswords" or one that you can show yourself off on.

You need to be seen. Get a copy of Variety magazine and look for open casting calls for TV pilots and things like that. You don't need an agent to get started. After you are seen, if you have the talent, they will be getting a hold of you.

Most agents won't touch an unknown unless you are related to someone in the business, and then they will take a chance (a small one at that) and find something for you that won't hurt their reputation if you fail.

You just need to get seen. Look in your local theater groups for casting calls. And, most of all, if you are serious, don't give up. It won't be easy, but it will be very rewarding.

Thanks! So really, I should be the one looking out for these casting calls and auditions and whatnot? Not some other agent. I a good way though, it'll give me some excitement looking for opportunities, lol.

[Mr. Toad]

Tony - absolutely, you should be looking out for casting calls and such. I am not sure about the game show route. Who did that work for besides Kristie Alley? Even if they are looking for extras. If you can start networking with some of the more experienced extras, especially if they are ones with a credit or two under their belt.

Can any of your acting profs not give you any advice?

Watch out with agents too. A lot of them are scams. Ask who their clients are? Ask what percentage have work? What percentage have credits? Get them to name several and ask if you can use some of them as references. At all costs avoid agents with large up front fees. A small fee for head shots and such is OK but the really good ones will not even charge for that because they know they are going to make money off of you to the tune of up to a third of earnings.

[TonyWDA]

Tony - absolutely, you should be looking out for casting calls and such. I am not sure about the game show route. Who did that work for besides Kristie Alley? Even if they are looking for extras. If you can start networking with some of the more experienced extras, especially if they are ones with a credit or two under their belt.

Can any of your acting profs not give you any advice?

Watch out with agents too. A lot of them are scams. Ask who their clients are? Ask what percentage have work? What percentage have credits? Get them to name several and ask if you can use some of them as references. At all costs avoid agents with large up front fees. A small fee for head shots and such is OK but the really good ones will not even charge for that because they know they are going to make money off of you to the tune of up to a third of earnings.

Thanks! And so true about the agents and such. That's why I'm hesitant on getting one.