VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[mcm]

I got that response from someone I contacted recently who is in one of my niche markets, and they asked if I was listed with any of the local agents.

I can imagine the reasons for this: streamlining of operations, quality control, as well as That's the Way We've Always Done it. I'm sure it's simpler than dealing with individual talent. Normally I would walk away and knock on the next door, yet I feel that, since this is a niche to which I bring something unique, maybe I shouldn't just lie down and play dead.

For whatever reason, talent agencies aren't interested in me, so I'm my own agent. Thus, this particular contact in a somewhat specalised niche is not technically interested in me either. I'm wondering, is there an effective response to this, or is this a dead end? Sure, I'm not represented, but I'm not chopped liver either. This niche is something for which I'm uniquely suited (I might say to them), and I'm offering them something the agencies don't have (again, I'm trying to sell them [not you] )

You pros who have seen it all - what do you do?

[Bruce]

If you REALLY want to work with these people, I guess you should try and get a local agent. But maybe they're folks you don't want to work with, too.

I do know that video and film production companies work mostly with casting and talent agents. They have too many people to see and don't want to negotiate with anyone one-to-one. Also, there's a layer of service and protection for both parties when an agent's in the middle, so maybe they're more comfortable with that arrangement.

I wouldn't sweat it, unless you consider it a fun challenge to get in with them.

B
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

[asnively]

What kind of feedback do you get from agencies? I can't imagine them not wanting you.
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Rehab information

[Dan-O]

Heck, here's your opportunity to get in with an agent, if you want to. Simply, use the client to open the door. "They want to work with me, however I need an agent." What local agent would turn away free money. You already did the hard part and the agent gets to reap a percentage of the rewards.

[asnively]

[Philip Banks]

In Mary's case and for the rest of us, we don't know what we don't know. I see no point in trying to convince someone of something who clearly does not want to be convinced. A polite "no thank you" is precisely that.

Approach an agent - Sorry our books are full.

Don La Fontaine approaches the same agent, would the response be the same?

Approach a production company - We only book voices through talent agents.

Your talent agent approaches a production company - We prefer to deal direct.

Let's assume the niche market is video production companies. I did a Google search "medical video production company USA" it found 11,100,000. Let's reject 99% of them as pointless. That leaves 111,000 potential customers. With that in mind, why waste time on 1 "no thank you"? It makes good marketing sense to approach everyone else before going back over old ground.

Would an agent throw good money away? How much? One gig a month at $500? Let's say the agent received 15% commission, that $75 per month. Who would want to sign with that agent?

There is an important PR point here too. Producers talk to one another and they also talk to agents. Someone to whom thay have said no won't let go. There is a danger in being thought a pest or so desparate for work that ..........................

Not a reputation any of us should have.

[anthonyVO]

Arrr, just go after the rest o' the easy "yes, maams" and keep this one company on yer postcard list. Keep yer name in their faces. Maybe someone from their ship will go t' your website and listen t' your demo.

Let's be Real - if they think you be perfect for a project, then do you verily think they be goin' t' pass you up because you don't have an agent? Please! Tis' all BS. But for some reason they told you that, so "thanks for your time" and mo'e on, but lea'e a trail o' your scent so they know whar t' find you.

-Anthony
A pence for an old man o'de sea?

[Dave]

Well that's a new one...I've been turned down a couple of times for work as a result of the client NOT wanted to go through my agent.
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. If at first you don't succeed, then bomb disposal probably isn't for you.

[Bill]

It's simply an easy response when they don't want to be bothered. keep them on your list and update them periodically. arggh and then meebe yer ship will come in!

[anthonyVO]

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[Bill]

aye! matey,

(hoping this actually posts, I've tried to post in gear 5 ties now and the server is not connecting.... weird.