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Joniv Contributor IV
Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 128 Location: Windsor, CT
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Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 8:09 pm Post subject: Approached by an agent |
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I got a call from an agent who would like to sign me. I’ve always worked without one, but would like to give it a go. I’ve heard that working through an agent is how to get the bigger paying jobs. I’d be grateful if those of you who work with an agent would share any advice with me for making this decision. THANKS! _________________ Joni Lambert
www.jonilambert.com |
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Deirdre Czarina Emeritus
Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 13016 Location: East Jesus, Maine
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Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 8:40 pm Post subject: |
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Don't sign an exclusive contract. _________________ DBCooperVO.com |
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dhouston67 VO-BB Intarwebz Glossary Administrator
Joined: 01 Aug 2005 Posts: 1166 Location: Right next door to Sandra Bullock. No, really.
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Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 9:00 pm Post subject: |
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Do some investigating. Are they legitimate? (This doesn't have to mean "huge", just reputable.) Do they rep other bona vide voice talents, and are they regularly getting calls for VO talent? Check voicebank.net to see if they're listed there.
If they've contacted you in response to your queries, you may already have this info. If not, it's a good idea to find out. _________________ Great Voice. Great Choice. For Voice Talking and stuff.
http://davidhoustonvoice.com
Do That Voice! - The DHV Blog
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asnively Triple G
Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Posts: 3204 Location: Los Angeles
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Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 10:11 pm Post subject: |
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Brief tangent-- This is a great concept/title for a TV show. Imagine: "Approached by an Agent," kind of like "Touched by an Angel" only...different.
_________________
marijuana plant
Last edited by asnively on Tue Feb 24, 2009 2:31 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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mcm Smart Kitteh
Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Posts: 2600 Location: w. MA, USA
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Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 4:17 am Post subject: |
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Don't sign if they're asking for money from you.
Some might charge a relatively small fee to list you on a website. Some people find that acceptable. Not sure why.
If all these points check out, then congratulations! |
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Joniv Contributor IV
Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 128 Location: Windsor, CT
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Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 7:12 am Post subject: |
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Thanks, Everyone! So far this agency seems to fit all the criteria you've set. I also checked with the BBB and they're clean there, too.
I'll keep you posted!
By the way, MCM, Great looking dog! _________________ Joni Lambert
www.jonilambert.com |
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mcm Smart Kitteh
Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Posts: 2600 Location: w. MA, USA
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Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 7:22 am Post subject: |
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Joniv wrote: | By the way, MCM, Great looking dog! |
Thank-you
He has been approached by several agents already. |
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Pam The Thirteenth Floor
Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 1311 Location: Chicago, Il
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Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 8:51 am Post subject: |
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BTW-agents are licensed by each state so their charter extends only to the state line as they are considered employment agencies. Agree with the non-exclusive within the state but also know you can have 52 agents if you so desire. _________________ Pam Tierney
www.pamtierneyvo.com
imdb profile http://imdb.com/name/nm1941932/
Now what did I come in here for? |
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Joniv Contributor IV
Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 128 Location: Windsor, CT
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Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 9:10 am Post subject: |
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Thanks, Pam. I'd never heard that before. _________________ Joni Lambert
www.jonilambert.com |
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Pam The Thirteenth Floor
Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 1311 Location: Chicago, Il
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Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 12:13 pm Post subject: |
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Of course that is including the territories of Puerto Rico and Guam since I can't seem to recall we only have 50 states, not 52 like a deck of cards. _________________ Pam Tierney
www.pamtierneyvo.com
imdb profile http://imdb.com/name/nm1941932/
Now what did I come in here for? |
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bobsouer Frequent Flyer
Joined: 15 Jul 2006 Posts: 9882 Location: Pittsburgh, PA
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Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 12:35 pm Post subject: |
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mcm wrote: | Some might charge a relatively small fee to list you on a website. Some people find that acceptable. Not sure why. |
Mary,
To very briefly respond to this thought, my agents in Pittsburgh and Cleveland (two offices of the same agency) charge me a single fee of $125 per year for listing me on their website and to cover duplication and distrubtion costs for their House (CD) reel.
While I don't prefer to pay this fee, I'm actually quite happy to do so. These folks have not only provided me opportunities to audition for some really serious work (national TV and Radio AFTRA/SAG comercials), they've booked me for tens of thousands of dollars of work without having to audition by pointing potentials clients to my demo on their site or their CD. In other words, I look at that $125 as just another advertising expense.
On the other hand, if they weren't getting me work (through auditions from which I've been cast as well as directly) I wouldn't be quite so sanguine about paying this money. (Of course, I wouldn't have to pay it for very many years if I wasn't being cast, because they clear out the "deadwood" from their roster every few years.)
Please understand, I'm just pointing out why I am OK with paying said fee. YMMV. _________________ Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
ISDN, Source Connect, phone patch |
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