I was an actor in the agency, which was operating under a different name. I took over the agency from my own agent when he retired from the industry. I then changed the name and expanded the agency's outreach area and the roster itself.
As a teenager, I was volunteering at a local community television station. My friends and I began to make music videos and short films. Eventually I was getting hired and paid money (not a lot) to edit other people's scripts and footage.
Haven't taught for 28 years as a High School Acting Teacher, I thought that my days of being a teacher/parent were over, but I realize that working with adult actors is not that far removed from working with teens. I still have to remind actors to do their homework and get their tapes in on time.
When I am sharing feedback about self-tapes. As a Director and an Acting Teacher, I enjoy helping my actors improve their craft through different choices, and always focusing on finding the 'real' within the imaginary circumstances.
I wake up, try and do a little exercise (bike or lift weights), then I get working on breakdowns and answering emails. I spend the bulk of my day doing the same, as well as conversing with production coordinators and my own actors, and those interested in being part of the agency. I usually rush through lunch, work diligently all afternoon, and try and have all t's crossed and i's dotted before breaking for supper. I take some hours off to relax, but I go back onto my computer before heading to bed to check for any new breakdowns, and any emails. I live this life every day 5 days a week, with variations on the weekend. Teaching was not as hard as being an Agent. Truth.
It isn't so much a habit, as it is a skill. Years of being a teacher and taking a great deal of notes on performance have served me well in this career, post retirement from teaching. My organization skills are off the charts. If you excuse the business metaphor of a time before electronic communication, I touch paper once, meaning I see a task that needs doing and I do it. Procrastination has never been a part of my work experience.
I once believed that if I work hard for people, they will work hard for me. That isn't true. Some people will respect the tremendous effort you put in and others will be driven by their ego to believe you aren't doing enough for them. I have learned that some actors are hobbyists and others are professionals. Some play the role of an actor, and some are truly skilled.
People don't realize how good an actor I was before I became an agent, and so, when I offer them feedback on their tapes, they second guess me, as though I am just the bean counter and not an artist. I am well trained as an actor and very well read and intelligent about the concepts of film and television and the art of story-telling.
I am an avid biker and I ride 50 km a day. I am also heavily (pardon the pun) into lifting weights. These two activities keep my stress level down and I enjoy doing them. I also like to travel, and I have a trusted friend I call upon to work the agency for me when I truly need a break from all of it.
My definition of success is having my actors book roles, but, even more importantly, grow as artists. I feel a tremendous sense of pride watching a Bit-Part Novice novice move up to being a Supporting Player, and sometimes a Lead. The teacher in me never gets tired of watching a person succeed or better themselves.
I am very hands-on. I try and provide meaningful feedback to my actors for their self-tapes and their actual acting footage from production. Their continued development as performers in incredibly important to me. I see myself as a coach as well as an agent.
I have no time for hobbyists, or people who just want to be on set to get a selfie with the Lead. I have no time for people who do not understand that acting is a craft, and that you have to continually take courses and do workshops to hone your instrument. People who imagine they will be celebrities over night drive me crazy.
I take care of people. I may criticize their work, but it always comes from a true desire to help someone become the best they can be. I watch out for people being taken advantage of. I stay on top of on-set danger and antics that are unprofessional. I want to protect people from some of the terrible actions and persons that are part of this industry.
Because I have been a Director, I look for versatility and the ability to shift gears within a performance. A person who comes with a prescribed, manufactured delivery or process is the kind of actor I want to represent. I am strong believer in the Meisner Technique, so I am continually pushing my actors to not over-act or play false moments, unless the script calls for that type of melodrama.
I do not have a team. It is me who runs this show. I have one assistant who works for me when I need to get away. I am the juggler of the agency universe. I solicit opinions about improvement to the agency from my closest artistic friends, some of whom are the actors in the agency.
Expansion to a larger market. The original agency was very localized, and I fostered relationships with outside Casting Directors that have provided opportunities for my actors.
It will consume a great deal of your time, so make sure the people in your family and your closest friends understand and support your decision. You will lose friends and lovers if you do not have this conversation.
I would quickly invest money in casting platforms and a studio workshop where I could meet with actors and hold conversations and classes, with guest instructors, to continually build rapport and develop their abilities as professionals.
My predecessor, Jim Calarco, had a vision of making an agency with local actors, and he provided excellent opportunities and fostered relationships with production companies that I have been able to reap the benefits of. I took his baby and made it bigger and grander, but I never forgot the human touch that was part of Jim's vision.
I consistently use Excel for tracking, Adobe for contract-type work, and iMovie for demo creation.
"Right For The Role" by John Frank Levy.
I love my office, with my television monitor and access to all my books.
Location doesn't beget talent. You can be from Hicksville and played make-believe in your backyard and still be as talented as a name in Metropolis.
I wish they understood the incredible amount of hours that go into it.
I thoroughly enjoy watching actors become better at their chosen craft.
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