Where do Managers and Agents look for new talent?

Wendy Alane Wright is a Hollywood Talent Manager with WAW Entertainment. Her clients have appeared in numerous national commercials, movies, webisodes, short films, and on television networks such as ABC, NBC, Comedy Central, BIO, Lifetime, plus many more. Previous to being a Manager and a Talent Agent at Burn Down Entertainment, she assisted many high profile Managers, Agents and Publicists in the careers of Neil Patrick Harris, Johnny Galecki, Sarah Michelle Geller, The Four Tops, The Bee Gees, Meatloaf, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Guttenberg, The Cranberries Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, and Neil Diamond. Wendy is also a Recording Artist, Actress, Author and Music Producer all  giving her a 360-degree perspective of the industry.

"Wendy I have a question. Do you have any advice on the iPOP showcases that seem soooo "too good to be true"? I can't imagine any reputable agent in the Los Angeles area is starved for talent and that they would rely on attending these showcases to replenish their stock.  But maybe I am wrong? - Bruce Klimoski

-------

Well Bruce that's a great question. Here is my answer; yes Agents and managers look everywhere for new talent. IPOP and IMTA showcases, acting classes, plays, open calls and workshops. We really do look everywhere for new talent. I know this because I attend tons and tons of events every year and I see top agents and managers at them all the time.

The problem with some of these events that bring in talent from outside of the LA market is that these people don't live in LA, and most of them are not planning on living in LA. They come to LA for a week, or a weekend and show us their headshots, resumes and talent. Of course we get excited about it the good ones and want to sign them and start getting them auditions but the auditions are here in LA. To get that ball rolling we ask 'are you planning on moving here to Los Angeles?' Or " Can you come out here for a 3-4 months block of time?" And the particpants often reply, 'I hadn't thought about it' or "well if you have something I'll move there." But that's not how it works. That just tells us these people in attendance weren't told how it really works.

If you live in Arkansas and we love you and put you on our roster and then we say okay you have an audition next Wednesday, and then you have another one the following Thursday, and then another one next month, how you going to get to them? Are you planning on coming back to LA three times a month? Are you planning to fly in and out every time we have an audition? Seriously, how do you think it works?

The facts are if you don't live in LA, or if you aren't here for a 3-4 month block of time, and we get an addition for you tomorrow in Hollywood the actors who live here are going to be at the audition.  Actors need to live here in order to take advantage of the opportunities that we create here for you. It really doesn't work if you don't live here, or aren't here for at least a 3-4 month block of time. It takes times for casting to get to know you. It may take years of coming out here for 3-4 months before you actually audition for a part that is really right for you and you book it. Success in this business does not happen over night. As much as you wish it would. It's expensive and very, very, VERY competitive. 

Every year hopefuls pay thousands of dollars to come to LA to attend showcases but no one at the showcase companies tell the people that almost every single Agent and Manager in the room is going to ask them to either move here to Los Angeles, or come here for 3 to 4 months at a time. So these participants are always very surprised at the end of their showcase and the participants go from agent to agent, to manager to manager at the call backs, all hearing the same exact thing: Are you planning on moving to Los Angeles or do you plan to be here for 3 to 4 months at a time?

Unfortunately the showcase companies don't tell everyone that unless they live here in LA they can't really get very far. If they told the participants that upfront, these participants would never pay the $5,000 -$14,000 to attend these weeklong showcase events and seminars. I've been to these event and if you have disposable income and these amounts are no hardship for you they are fun. But you will by no mean be guarateed that you walk away with anything more than a few new friend, a couple of seminars, a banquet or two and an exciting week in a beautiful hotel. Most kids don't get representation because most kids aren't trained enough before they attend and must do t move here or come here for 3-4 months block of time every year.

BUT IMTA and IPOP are 100000% legit and certainly not scams. They are very well organized events that give exceptional exposure to talent. They legitimately put talent in the room with MAJOR agents, managers and casting directors. I LOVE that. They people who do decide to move to LA or come here for an extended period of time can do VERY well and even go on to become stars. IMTA and iPOP certainly do their part. But they either accidentally or conveniently left out the fact that we are going to want them to live here in order to work with them.

What I hate is that is is such a waste of time because the people we see don't relocate or get to La for block of time so there isn't much we can do for them. I think we all prefer to find talent that already lives here or is going to make the effort and the expense to come here. If people were told that in advance we would get to see talent that is really prepared to work with us, but then these big companies wouldn't be making all that money off the dream.

Because this question comes up so often I spoke with Casting in the office of a huge hit Disney Show to find out what they think about self-taping.

WENDY:  IS IT A PIPE DREAM FOR PARENTS TO THINK THEY CAN LIVE OUTSIDE OF LOS ANGELES, PUT THEIR KIDS ON TAPE AND BOOK WORK? 

CASTING: It's 90% a pipe dream...however, the reason it's worth it (if the kid has real talent), is that we hope eventually they will make a trip to LA and we can meet them in person. 

WENDY: DO YOU OFTEN GIVE THE JOB TO KIDS OUT OF STATE WHO GO ON TAPE OR IT IS VERY RARE AN OUT OF STATE KID GETS THE JOB?

CASTING:  I've booked 2 people from out of town on work just from their tape, one was an adult on a Lifetime movie and the other is an actress from Florida who is huge now and her talent was so obvious from the very first self tape we got. 

WENDY: DO YOU STILL DO GENERALS?

CASTING: Only if we have a good reason. If I've seen a mediocre kid for a year on tape I'm going to have zero interest in meeting them in person. An actor from a hit TV series we cast on DISNEY had another person who would always tape and you always just loved him, but never wanted the headache of giving him the part since he's from Canada. Also it’s a huge workload for a guest star, but then when the pilot for t his hit show came around it was definitely time to meet him in person. You won't be able to get a general for just anyone, they definitely have to have a star quality or be very special.

WENDY: EVEN THOUGH THE ODDS ARE LOW, DO YOU ENCOURAGE SELF-TAPING?

CASTING: I always encourage self-tapes because I'm dying to find that one where you just can't take your eyes off of them, but it's hard! Even a great self-tape can't beat out a great actor in the room.

WENDY: DO PARENTS NEED TO REALIZE THEIR CHILD WILL WORK MORE IF THEY ARE IN LA?

CASTING: Parents definitely should be aware of the reality of it. They need to come to LA even for a few weeks. It's all about getting to know the talent (especially for kids). They kids might be great for years and not book because there just isn't that one part, them bam, there's 
the part and they book!

To summarize, I say try to get the work anyway you can. If you don't live in LA build your career right where you are. To learn how to do that you need to read these 2 books:

"How To Be A Star Right Where You Are" and "How To Be A Singing Star Right Where You Are." In these books I inform you of exactly what you and your child can do in the state you live in.
 
To get my books visit : http://www.secretsofahollywoodtalentmanager.com
See You On The Red Carpet,

Wendy Alane Wright
The Hollywood Talent Manager

For more helpful Tips watch over 300 +videos on my You Tube Channel SECRETS OF A HOLLYWOOD TALENT MANAGER

15 Ways To Book More Acting Jobs

Wendy Alane Wright is a Hollywood Talent Manager with WAW Entertainment. Her clients have appeared in numerous national commercials, movies, webisodes, short films, and on television networks such as ABC, NBC, Comedy Central, BIO, Lifetime, plus many more. Previous to being a Manager and a Talent Agent at Burn Down Entertainment, she assisted many high profile Managers, Agents and Publicists in the careers of Neil Patrick Harris, Johnny Galecki, Sarah Michelle Geller, The Four Tops, The Bee Gees, Meatloaf, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Guttenberg, The Cranberries Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, and Neil Diamond. Wendy is also a Recording Artist, Actress, Author and Music Producer all  giving her a 360-degree perspective of the industry.

Every Actor has TWO  jobs. 

1) Get well trained. Train. Train. Train. And when you are the best in your class, switch to a class where everyone is better than you  and train until you are the best there too!

2) Be PROACTIVE every day. Book as much work as you can ON YOUR OWN. With or without an Agent or Manager. Agents and Managers are not responsible for building your career...YOU are.

When an actor is proactive and trains intensely, they become very interesting to agents and managers and can often find great representation who can add to their own efforts. The # 1 question I am asked by actors is “How do I book more acting jobs?” The answer is to hustle to find your own work. Introduce yourself to filmmakers, writers, producers, directors. You must get good at selling yourself.  And when you hand industry people your marketing package it should be top notch.

DEMO REEL
Your demo reel should be high quality HD with great sound and lighting; even if it is only 1 scene.  Make sure it is a strong piece of acting; very funny, scary, or even creepy is interesting. The character you are playing should be layered. It may start out with the character seeming like a sweet innocent person, but turns out they are hiding a terrible secret. Have a character Arc. Make sure your demo reel should is no more than 2 minutes, otherwise people will turn it off. 

HEADSHOTS
Your headshots should be professional, well lit, hair and makeup done, and your eyes should be expressing real emotion. Your headshot should also reflect the types of character you are most likely to play.

RESUME
Your resume should be formatted neatly and correctly. Filled with acting and training credits. I like to see 10+ shorts, student films and webseries on an actors resume. That tells me they have been working.

NETWORK
Finally you want to become exceptional at keeping in touch with people, offering your services, and following up using Post Cards, One Sheets and Castability Sheets. Every time you meet someone in the business that you hit it off with or work with add them to your contact book. Then every 3-6 months send them a note telling them what you booked lately and use your postcards, once sheets or castability sheets. Those are more creative and interesting to look at than a letter or an email. Remember to make relationships about what you can GIVE to the relationship, not what you can take from it. Add value.

Here are 15 specific ways you can get MORE acting jobs.

1. Do many Student Films
2. Do many Short Films
3. Produce your own films, shorts, webseries. Don't wait for other to make your career.Submit your projects to festivals.
4. Produce a Play. Cast yourself in it. Rent a Theater. Invite your friend and industry contacts.
5. Network on Kickstarter and Indiegogo to find directors, actors and writers to work with.
6. Backstage; read it every day and submit there.
7. Do tons of Theatre
8. Read Hollywood Reporter, Daily Variety. Look for projects and network.
9. Attend Film Festivals - Stay after films and meet the film makers. Give them your actor business cards and get theirs. Stay in touch, offer your help on their projects.
10. Volunteer with SAG Charity Programs
11. Join Film Making Groups
12. Create Your Own Film Making Group.
13. Attend Targeted CD Workshops
14. Do Stand Up, Join an Improv Troupe
15. Submit yourself every day to Actors Access and La Casting.

If you live outside of the Los Angeles you can benefit greatly from my newest e-book, "How To Become A Star Right Where You Are."

You can purchase it HERE for $10
You do not need to move to LA to become an actor or singer. Times have changed! I'll tell you how:)

Wendy Alane Wright

The Hollywood Talent Manager

www.secrestsofahollywoodtalentmanager.com

I have hundreds of Free You Tube Videos on breaking into show business. Subscribe to my channel and Watch them at: Secrets of a Hollywood Talent Manager

The #1 resource for new actors, e-Book "How To Break Into Show Business; Secrets Of A Hollywood Talent Manager"

Talent Manager Wendy Alane Wright has released her new e-book “How To Break Into Show Business; Secrets Of A Hollywood Talent Manager.” Wendy Alane Wright is a Hollywood Talent Manager with WAW Entertainment. Her clients have appeared in numerous national commercials, movies, webisodes, short films, and on television networks such as ABC, NBC, Comedy Central, BIO, Lifetime, plus many more. Previous to being a Manager and a Talent Agent at Burn Down Entertainment, she assisted many high profile Managers, Agents and Publicists in the careers of Neil Patrick Harris, Johnny Galecki, Sarah Michelle Geller, The Four Tops, The Bee Gees, Meatloaf, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Guttenberg, The Cranberries Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, and Neil Diamond. Wendy is also a Recording Artist, Actress, Author and Music Producer all  giving her a 360-degree perspective of the industry.


“How To Break Into Show Business; Secrets Of A Hollywood Talent Manager” is the #1 resource for new actors filled with critical information to help actors move to the next level of their careers, and the next. It is not a book of generic lists and information anyone can get off the internet. Rather, it is a powerful resource created by a working talent manager who has inside information into what really works to get actors working.

SEE WHAT REAL ACTORS ARE SAYING!!

  "I loved the e-book!! I am soooo happy you made this....honestly...I would've been winging it....and wasted so much money, time, and probably doing circles!!  Your e-book gave me the confidence and tools I need to move forward in making my dream a reality. Thank You!!!!!!- "-Diana Izarry
 

"I just wanted to Thank you. I took your advice on how to market myself to talent agents and follow your advice. Two weeks later, I had three agency interviews and I signed with one of them. God bless you Wendy"  -Tierra Ferra

     Wendy, You can't be for real! I am thrilled with your endless endeavor and drive to share your knowledge with actors around the world. Your book "Secrets Of A Hollywood Talent Manager" has already helped me tremendously to prepare for my move to LA. I can't thank you enough. Like you say in the book, I definitely feel that you are a part of my team. - Patrick J. Thomas, Stuttgart, Germany.



"Wendy thank you so much I'm already obsessed with this book, it's great!" - Dariod

          "Wendy, I have to say that I am a fool no more. It's amazing what being educated can do for a person. You have given me the general outline of what I need to do to start my career and I feel so empowered. Now I know I can make my dream happen because I know the steps I have to take. Thank you very much." (London, England)
-Cherry-Jane Bruce-Baumgarten

"I just finished reading the book. It is an amazing thing you've done for us actors. I didn't know where to start and what to do before. Now I know what my goals are. You deserve all the respect. Have a wonderful day." - Mariuca

       Wendy I just wanted thank you. The book is really good. Now I'm confident on how I have to pursue my career thanks to all information you provided. - Nathan Theis
   
 

"Your advice has made it so much easier to understand areas of the business. Thank you so much again, you have made it that much easier for me to pursue my dream." - Dwight

"This ebook is extremely helpful, and I have already begun to take your advice Wendy." -Misty Vance
 

          "Wendy I absolutely love your book. People really need to know the truth about things and you totally Just lay it out for people the way it is and it's amazing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" -KK Ryder
 

"You're book is well worth the $21. It's the playbook that actors must follow. Its not a magic placebo but will definitely help actors get started on the right path instead of wasting time going down dead end roads." - Vehuel

"Hi Wendy, I just wanted to thank you for your e-book.  I have such a better understanding of what is to come and what is expected of both my child and myself. Avery has gone through 2 of the 3 stages at landing a talent agent. That is because of your expert advice!! We go next week for a face to face meet! We are super stoked and we truly appreciate you and your passion for helping pass along advice to the "newbies"!!! - Thanks again Tara And Avery:)

     "It is the Super Bowl game and you have the play book to the other team. Do you have an advantage? A resounding, "Yes, yes!" That is how I feel looking with my copy of "Secrets of A Hollywood Talent Manager." Wendy, you gave away the store. Thank you for your angel like heart." - Charlz Williams

"Wendy thank you for all these resources you have provided for us (YouTube videos and THE e-Book). You are the manifestation of my 'Law of Attraction' because I stumbled upon your videos as I was searching, mostly unsuccessfully, for a clear and reliable answer to literally all those questions you answer on your videos and in your e-book.  I have been hooked since. THANK YOU A MILLION!" - Deandra

"Wendy we read your "Breaking Your Kids Into Show Business" e-book in its entirety. Thank you very much for making it so detailed! Following your directions, I have meetings with both Howard Talent and First Class Talent to discuss getting our son into modeling and acting." - Shawn

      "Hey Wendy! I bought & read your e-book...so much wonderful information. I currently work in a "non-LA" Market (New England). Many things in your book have ideas that apply universally to any market & preps those considering moving to LA. Kudos!" - MD Violette

Hello actors! I am so excited about my this book and giving you critical insider information I KNOW will help you get working in this business and achieve your dreams. The acting clients on my roster are working booking feature films, commercials, TV, websiodes, theater, short films, music videos, modeling jobs and indie films. That could be you too! If you want your life to be different next year than it is today don't wait another minute to get serious about your acting career. I can help you make it a reality. Now is the time.

Secrets Of A Hollywood Talent Manager is a powerhouse collection of information gathered from my 25+ years of my experience in the entertainment business.  You will receive:

• A list of photographers that 3 different Talent Agencies have personally hand selected and recommend to their clients.

• The names and emails of 9 Commercial Agents who take on new talent.

• Detailed breakdown of which acting classes are most respected by agents and managers, and will make a difference on your resume and help you get more auditions and acing jobs. 

• Which casting directors hire the most actors and cast large amounts of Indie Films, Short Films, Features, and Television Episodics. Casting directors 5 – 10 projects per year. These CDs are much more important for you to meet than those cds doing 1 show or 2 films per year simply because they can offer actors much more opportunity for work. Don't waste time and money barking up the wrong tree. A generic list can’t tell you that but I can.

•  The 3 Casting directors that call people in out of their workshops ALL the time.

• Tips for great Demo Reels, Sizzle Reels, Minilogues and what Casting directors really want to see on them. 

•  The best acting coaches for auditions, and which ones specialize in coaching for Co-Star, Guest Star, and Series Regular roles.

• AND AS A BONUS I will tell you my number one secret about Casting directors workshops so you can get called in for more auditions.

and so much more!!

You DON'T want to be without this book. No new actor should be. Do yourself and your career a favor and buy it today. You will find nothing else like this. I have actually been told by a top manager not to give actors so much information. Are you kidding me? Good thing I have never been one to follow directions.

To Purchase “How To Break Into Show Business; Secrets Of A Hollywood Talent Manager” PURCHASE NOW

WATCH MY VIDEO ABOUT THE e-Book http://youtu.be/Jl3uonCsANk

Subscribe to my Secrets Of A Hollywood Talent Manager TV You Tube Channel with over 200 FREE Videos! And follow me on Twitter @WAW_wendy 

Wendy Alane Wright
WAW Entertainment
Talent Manager
facebook: WAWEntertainment (like us!)
Twitter: WAW _Wendy

52-Week Online Career Mentorship "The Winners Circle"

Step-by-Step 52-Week Online Career Guidance from a Hollywood Talent Manager

Beloved Actors, I am so excited! I have found a way to help make you a success :)


The problem you have, and all beginning actors have is - when you are new, most managers won't take you on because you probably won't make them any money for the first few years. So managers typically look for actors who are already working. But you still need a manager, or someone who can tell you what do you do?

At the beginning of your career, only a handful of lucky actors get a manager. But you still need someone who can help you and guide you...to make sure you get great headshots that pop to casting directors, to help you figure out your type so your headshots will show your type,  to help you figure out which casting directors you should be meeting and where to meet them. You need a manager to teach you how to build you resume up so it will impress casting directors. You need a manager to help you understand how to use online marketing, postcards, actor one-sheets and followup emails with industry people. You need a manager to make sure you write great, professional cover letters, to help you decide when to join SAG-AFTRA, when to stop doing student films, what acting jobs should you be trying to put on your resume, how to get a commercial agent, how to create a demo reel, a sizzle reel and create profiles online that are great and resumes that POP! But you can't get a manager yet, because you aren't going to make them any money. But you still need one.

That is why I created an Online Program to meet every beginning actor's needs. It's called TALENT MANAGER IN YOUR POCKET - A STEP-BY STEP 52 WEEK COURSE. When you sign up for my program I personally guide you for 1 year online making sure you do all the right things to begin your journey as a working actor. It doesn't matter what part of the country you are in, I can help you do everything we just talked about. It is the solution to your catch 22. But this program isn't for everyone. It is only for real actors.

I am a Talent Manager with 25 years experience in the Entertainment Business. Prior to being a Talent Manager, I was a Talent Agent. I have worked in Casting, Production, Network Television and at top Talent Agencies and Public Relation firms. I was also a professional singer and actor so believe me, I know this business inside and out. I know what it takes to work in it. This program is only for serious actors. If this is a hobby forget about it, I can't help you.

As a manager, I usually represent about 25 actors at a time, who are working in film, tv, webisodes, print, indies, shorts, theater, commercials etc. I get my actors agents, they book jobs and they work. But I can't represent every actor that submits to me. This year alone I have received over 2,000 submissions. I can only handle 25 actors at a time. (and even that gets rough) That's why I created an online program to guide every actor who wants professional help advancing their careers.

My online program THE WINNERS CIRCLE - THE WAW ELITE ACTORS CLUB is a  STEP-BY STEP 52 WEEK COURSE that fills the gap- it gives you the direction of a Talent Manager so you aren't guessing what you should be doing, or wasting money and time. Trust me, you need guidance on so many things... you don't know 1/2 of what you are doing. I get so many submission from actors who don't know what they are doing. Every day I look at lousy cover letters, resumes wrongly formatted, headshots that don't work, and demo reels that look so amateuristic. No wonder those actors aren't getting ahead. I hate for you to be in that category sitting with Casting Directors missing out all your amazing talent. But now with my online program, I am so excited, (I really am) I can help every actor who wants professional guidance. Waahooo! And that includes YOU!

WATCH  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAaeMOprpPAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAaeMOprpPA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAaeMOprpPA#sthash.mp93t6LL.dpuf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAaeMOprpPA#sthash.mp93t6LL.dpuf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAaeMOprpPA#sthash.mp93t6LL.dpuf

To sign up now, go to my website WAW Entertainment and join. Choose whether you want to be billed $100 monthly, or $300 every 3 months. By the end of the year you will be miles ahead of where you would have been without it. - See more at: http://secretsofahollywoodtalentmanager.com/talent-manager-in-your-pocket-step-by-step-instructions-for-every-actors-first-year/#sthash.mp93t6LL.dpuf

To sign up now, go to my website WAW Entertainment and join. Choose whether you want to be billed $100 monthly, or $300 every 3 months. By the end of the year you will be miles ahead of where you would have been without it. - See more at: http://secretsofahollywoodtalentmanager.com/talent-manager-in-your-pocket-step-by-step-instructions-for-every-actors-first-year/#sthash.mp93t6LL.dpuf

To sign up now, go to my website WAW Entertainment and join. Choose whether you want to be billed $100 monthly, or $300 every 3 months. By the end of the year you will be miles ahead of where you would have been without it. - See more at: http://secretsofahollywoodtalentmanager.com/talent-manager-in-your-pocket-step-by-step-instructions-for-every-actors-first-year/#sthash.mp93t6LL.dpuf

To sign up now, go to my website WAW Entertainment and join. Choose whether you want to be billed $100 monthly, or $300 every 3 months. By the end of the year you will be miles ahead of where you would have been with out it.

After you have joined THE WINNERS CIRCLE - THE WAW ELITE ACTORS CLUB 
email me at wawentertianment@yahoo.com to set up our first Skype Call. I look forward to speaking to your personally and getting to know you. We can talk about where you are right now in your career -what classes you have already taken, if any, and you can show me your current headshots and resume so I can review them and make changes to your resume to format it correctly. In our Skype conversation, we will also talk about your type, and your online profiles. I will give you immediate advice you can implement right away to get you onto the right path.

I will be giving you all the SAME advice and guidance I give to all my signed actors. GO AHEAD AND SIGN UP TODAY!

The cost is for this 1 year program is only $100 per month!  (That's less that $25 a week for professional guidance.) Compare that to just 1 acting class which costs $295 a month. So obviously, I am making it affordable for every actor who wants the guidance of a talent manager, but they are just to early in their career to attract one. You need a professional guiding you, so here is your opportunity. Just follow my simple monthly instructions for 1 year and step-by-step together we will advance your career.

SO... congratulations on deciding to join the club and work with me.  You will also be receiving a FREE copy of my e-book "Secrets Of A Hollywood Talent Manager" which we will use as a guide through the year, along with tons of helpful tools, audition secrets, workshops you should take, event invitations, and insider tips throughout the year to add to your success!

Having a talent is a gift. Sharing it with the world is privilege. Having someone help you do it is good fortune. I look forward to working with you... if you are serious about doing the work :) 
This is going to be fun.

See you on the Red Carpet,

 

Wendy Alane Wright
Talent Manager
WAW Entertainment
www.secretsofahollywoodtalentmanager.com

How To Network with Casting Directors

Wendy Alane Wright is a Hollywood Talent Manager with WAW Entertainment. Her clients have appeared in numerous national commercials, movies, webisodes, short films, and on television networks such as ABC, NBC, Comedy Central, BIO, Lifetime, plus many more. Previous to being a Manager and a Talent Agent at Burn Down Entertainment, she assisted many high profile Managers, Agents and Publicists in the careers of Neil Patrick Harris, Johnny Galecki, Sarah Michelle Geller, The Four Tops, The Bee Gees, Meatloaf, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Guttenberg, The Cranberries Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, and Neil Diamond. Wendy is also a Recording Artist, Actress, Author and Music Producer all  giving her a 360-degree perspective of the industry.

My #1 Secret! Get Proactive! Stop depending on an agent or manager! Stop chasing auditions and start building relationships with casting directors directly who will call you in when you are right for something. I can't tell you how many times I tell actors this. In order to get parts in TV and Film, casting directors have to know you. It is YOUR job as an actor to make sure casting directors know you. It is also YOUR job to make sure you deliver performances that STAND OUT from all the rest when you are with them.

Stop waiting for managers and agents to make your career. As a manager, and performer myself, I teach my clients how to be proactive in this industry and work to create lasting relationships with casting directors, producers and directors. I am in favor of Casting Director Workshops, Intensives and Seminars. I believe they are a GIFT to today's actors. In the past, the only way you could meet these important people was through an agent. Today, any actor can stand in front of a casting director and prove they are outstanding actors during a Casting Director Workshop. WOW, what an opportunity! People all around the country, the world for that matter, dream of being an actor and here you are right in front of a casting director showing them your talent. Yet, some actors want to complain about having to pay for this chance. This is a business and being in business costs money. These career making, networking opportunities cost between $25-$175. Actors will spend around $3,000 per year on Casting Director Workshops. It is an investment in your business, and an investment in you! You think that is expensive? Research the costs of opening a franchise.

My clients create a Casting Director Target list, that is a list of 10-15 CD's who cast shows my actors are right for. Actors visit the same casting director 3-4 times a year. Meeting with a Casting Director is a great thing. But the goal is not just the one time meeting (1,000s and 1,000's of actors have those) It is to keep in touch every 2-3 months for the next 10 years that makes them someone who will really get to know you, and call you in when you are right for something for years to come. That is the HUGE difference. Whenever you meet a Casting Director you should find out WHAT address they likes things to be send to, and if possible, what month their birthday is. This information should be put into a spreadsheet, or however you arrange info, and used to send them postcards telling them when you book something, inviting them to shows or screenings you are in, happy birthday cards, happy holiday cards. It helps to be in their workshop, intensives, and seminars every 6 months, and the cards should hit their desk every 1-2 months. That is how it works. In 2-3 years they will be very familiar with your name, your face and your work. That is how you professionally "pursue" a casting director to begin building a relationship. This strategy works! It takes 2-3 years and it effectively creates productive relationships with casting directors that are very valuable.

With these connections, actors can approach agents and managers with something to offer because they already have relationships with casting directors. This makes it easier for reps to pitch and helps convince agents to take on newer people. Some actors feel they should be able to walk right to the top. They don't understand they have to pay their dues and work their way to the top. They have to prove over time that they have talent, perseverance and the right attitude to succeed. I manage about 25 people at any given time. I have 3 very successful clients who pay the bills, and more. Because of them, I have the luxury, and honor, of taking on brand new actors right out of the gate and developing them. These "newbies" are anxious, excited and want everything right now. It is tiring sometimes dealing with it, but, they are the whole reason I am a manager. They have a dream and I can help them make it reality. They have passion and talent and I have the knowledge and experience in this business that they lack. Some of them take direction right away, others are not that easy.

In today's business, actors have to learn how to market and sell themselves on a continuous basis, branding their name like any other business. A good manager will teach them how to do that. My job is to guide actors to build these relationships, whether their agent is "working for them" or not. These relationships are critical to their success. The bottom line is casting directors have to KNOW you if you want to work in television and film. When new actors come to Los Angeles they don't know any casting directors, but they want to get on tv tomorrow. (sigh)

At WAW ENTERTAINMENT I am developing well-rounded actors who are establishing long term relationships with industry pros. My actors strive to train with the best acting teachers, highly develop their audition skills, understand their type, have strong resumes, great headshots, and concise, powerful demo reels. They study how the business works, how to market themselves professionally, and how to meet the demands expected of them. This is my approach to management. In 3-5 years my clients will be at the top of their game. I have met actors who have been here for 14 years and still haven't figured any of this out. It's a sad waste of talent, but actors often self-sabotage and are their own worse enemy.

Another problem when actors "chase the auditions" is they make getting the job hyper-critical. One veteran Casting Director Bonnie Gillespie says, "when actors bring mental "junk" into the room with them, they make everyone uncomfortable. When we watch actors try to get the role and see how high they make the stakes for that experience, it's not fun to watch. We want to see actors playing off one another, (or the reader) enjoying the process and simply showing off their goods for an appreciative group."

As a talent manager I work very hard helping my clients understand the big picture so they can lose their desperation and just enjoy the process and journey of being an actor.

You can read more about CD Target Lists from the following links:

How To Make Casting Director Workshops Work For You.

Gearing Up For Pilot Season! Be Specific.....

How To Navigate The Casting Director Workshops Dilemma.

Casting Director Workshops: Casting Director Strategy for Actors.

Some History: Kevin E. West founded The Actors’ Network on 5/1/91 and much of what you see talked about these days throughout Hollywood he pioneered. The concept of a target audience is not new, but actors had not really actively pursued their day-to-day business with a “target list” mindset much prior to the creation of The Actor's Network. Focusing on target lists is a necessary tool in the fragmented world of being an actor in the 21st century. Kevin West offers a workshop to help actors create a casting director target list that makes their approach more effective. He shows how to adjust the lists over time, how to select a target list that makes approach effective, what TV shows are more easily targeted, what shows are best for you given type and resume, why are less successful shows a GREAT reason to target them and when and why would you add or delete a casting director from your list in film or TV. Check him out!

I also HIGHLY suggest actors take workshops with MARK ATTBERRY to learn how to be working a actor. He helps to define type, and select Casting Directors that are casting your type!

AUDITIONS
Understand this, a Casting Director may receive thousands of submission for one role. They may call in 100 actors and only chose one. I urge actors to stop chasing auditions intending to get a specific role, and commit to becoming a great actor. Train, train, train. Do theater work, indie films, and self-produced projects. Stay focused on the work. Great work will speak volumes.

Read this from Valerie Adami,  Dir. Weist Barron NYC.  -
"Actors are understandably angry and frustrated. Unfortunately nothing can change simple facts. Ever since the industry became so irresistibly glamorous a few decades ago hundreds of thousands of young hopefuls having been trying to find a way to their big break. Every year Colleges, conservatories and private acting schools are training leagues of talented newcomers to enter a business already saturated with talented professionals.

Managers and Agents cannot rep thousands of actors, nor can a casting office see all the actors submitted for a project. Walls have gone up. There are no more 'open call' days at agencies. Mailings are mostly futile. Referrals can work, sometimes. Actually being seen in a showcase has always been the most effective marketing tool. So it was only a matter of time until entrepreneurs got the idea of creating 'pay to meets'. For a certain amount of money you are guaranteed face time with an industry professional. 

Has this business gotten out of hand. You bet. Guests are requiring $400 to $500 (or more) to teach a two or three hour workshop. Newcomers with little training or experience clutter workshops bringing down the quality of the event for everyone. Do some guests come just for the money? Yes. Do most actors get no results? Yes. Do a small number of actors get a positive result? Yes. That's the carrot that keeps the machine turning. 

Is there a better solution? Possibly. Make your own work. Create your own web series. Produce your own film. Do hundreds of shows at UCB. Become a Stand-Up. Produce your one-person show. Become an on-line casting junkie. Create a YouTube video and hope it goes viral. Pursue celebrities and ask them to mentor you. Drive your family and friends crazy begging for money for your projects on Kick-starter. The truly horrible truth? This business costs money. Money for classes, photos, unions. Money for wardrobe, for transportation. Money for websites for demos. Actors will also work for little or no money just in the hope of making a contact. Is there anything that can stop the madness. If you think of anything please let me know. This is a business of Dreams. In our business Dreams cost, time, energy and yes money. - Valerie Adami Dir. Weist Barron NYC.

I quote Valerie Adami because I agree with her 1000%. Workshops are just 1 way of starting a relationship with a casting director. It does not take the place of being proactive by creating your own materials, doing theater, auditioning like crazy, networking with producers and directors. You have to hustle in their business and I suggest you use every avenue that is available to you.

That's it for now! Follow your dreams, follow your heart...and let nothing stand in your way.

Follow me on twitter for more valuable advice @wendyalane1

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MONTHLY WAW "WINNER'S CIRCLE" WORKSHOPS
Every month I offer a workshop called, “The Winner's Circle" for brand new actors which will help you begin to understand the business and start to develop a plan of action for your success. I teach it along with several important industry friends of mine including a top Theatrical Agent, Commercial Agent, Casting Director, Headshot Photographer, WorkingActor and including Reel Producer. You will learn so much information in this workshop from top people in the business who are all committed to your success! I have been coaching actors for years, and I know new actors need a mentor and professional guidance, so if you are new to this business I highly recommend this workshop. It will give you the "inside" information you need and it will put you miles ahead of the hundreds of other newcomers that arrive in L.A. every year. At the end of this 4-hour seminar with us you will have a game plan for success. The cost is $179 and it's worth every penny. Visit my website and sign up today for the next workshop. email wawentertainment@yahoo.com for more info.

If you liked this information leave a comment! Follow me on Twitter @WAW_wendy Wendy Alane Wright Smith Talent Manager WAW ENTERTAINMENT wawentertainment@yahoo.com

Where do I take Casting Director Workshops? (This post has 1,671 views)

Wendy Alane Wright is a Hollywood Talent Manager with WAW Entertainment. Her clients have appeared in numerous national commercials, movies, webisodes, short films, and on television networks such as ABC, NBC, Comedy Central, BIO, Lifetime, plus many more. Previous to being a Manager and a Talent Agent at Burn Down Entertainment, she assisted many high profile Managers, Agents and Publicists in the careers of Neil Patrick Harris, Johnny Galecki, Sarah Michelle Geller, The Four Tops, The Bee Gees, Meatloaf, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Guttenberg, The Cranberries Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, and Neil Diamond. Wendy is also a Recording Artist, Actress, Author and Music Producer all  giving her a 360-degree perspective of the industry.

Taking Casting Director Workshops is one of the approaches Actors can take when starting to build those all important long term relationships with Casting Directors. It is important for CD's to become familiar with you and your work. But don't start taking these until you have had some acting classes! I suggest you take on-camera/audition classes, acting classes and cold reading classes BEFORE you show your face in front of casting directors. You want them to see you at your best and doing great work, right? Don't practice in front of Casting Directors. That's what acting classes are for. That being said here is a comprehensive list of locations you can take CD workshops for easy reference.

This list was written by Bonnie Gillespie and originally published by Actors Access at http://more.showfax.com/columns/avoice/archives/000275.html

Act Now: “Act Now offers three-week classes with the same casting director and the classes are fairly evenly priced with other workshops (working out to about $50/night) but my manager was on my case because she doesn’t feel that I’m meeting enough CDs since each class is almost a month long.” “Every one of the CDs I’ve met at Act Now has called me in and Dana Olson recently called me directly and booked me for an U5 on Passions.” “They have consultants that call to let me know which workshops are going on.”

Actors Alliance (NY): “I chose Actors Alliance because they are very discerning about both the level of talent allowed in through auditions and the level of honest interest from CDs in actually meeting talent with the intent of possible future contact.” “I’ve gotten so much info and insight from most of the sessions I’ve attended that it has been worth it.” “Also in New York, I’ve heard great things about the workshops run by Bob Lambert. I know a few people who have booked U5s on All My Children from his workshop alone.”

Actors Co-Op Group: “I love Actors Co-Op Group because I get cold reading practice with very good scenes brought in by CDs and the level of our group is very high. I get to begin long-term relationships on which this whole wacky biz is based for $95/four-pack (nonunion actors pay more) and it’s fully tax-deductible. I know they’re not for everyone, but I’ve enjoyed our workshop so much!”

ActorSite: “I was informed, going in, that without a satisfactory audition with ActorSite, I couldn’t become a member. I was not given a sales pitch or induced in any way to join. I feel that attending workshops along with the other things that are available as a member have been well worth the cost.”

ITA (In the Act): “ITA offers discounts to members for referrals who are accepted (since an audition is required).” “In one year, I have gotten ten auditions that are a direct result of having met CDs through the ITA workshops.”

One on One: “Of the auditions I’ve gotten as a result of meeting CDs at One on One, so far I have booked three jobs.” “They audition actors and not everyone is accepted." One On One in New York.

Reel Pros: “I think the best way to judge is by the talent in the room. Reel Pros has good actors doing good work.”

SAG CAP — Casting Access Program (NY and LA): “I’ve only been doing SAG workshops for a few months, but I’ve learned quite a lot. CDs are just people. My cold reading skills are getting better. I’m gaining confidence.” “The NY SAG CAP session I recently attended was well worth it.” “I am fortunate enough to be a member of both SAG and AFTRA. These unions have opportunities for their members to attend free workshops. Although there are restrictions on how often you can attend the performance workshops, I think any actor would benefit by taking advantage of these wonderful workshops from their first day in the union!”

MORE CD WORKSHOPS

I am going to add few more.

ACTORS WESTActorsWest is committed to helping the working actor in their efforts at opening doors to casting directors, producers, managers and agents! No monthly fees or dues! You only pay when you attend an intensive, class or workshop. Located in North Hollywood, California. 

HOLLYWOOD ACTING WORKSHOPWe offer professional-level On-Camera Acting Classes, Casting Director Workshops, Talent Agent Showcases & Manager Showcases. No membership fees at the Hollywood Acting Workshop!! All actors are able to attend any workshop at any time, without being members.

ACTORS CONNECTIONSince 1991, Actors Connection has been OPENING DOORS to NY's top agents, casting directors, personal managers and print agents! Offers over 150 seminars, classes and special events a month, we offer the working actor an extraordinary opportunity. Whether you're seeking representation, focusing on new areas of the acting business, striving to improve your auditioning skills, or simply networking, Actors Connection provides you with ALL of the necessary tools for success in today's acting market!

Actors AdvantageSafe environment for actors to recreate the audition process and learn to feel comfortable making creative choices. They bring in top Casting Directors, Agents and Managers.

To make it easy check out Workshop Guru. It is a website that lists all the casting director workshops that are currently happening in LA. So instead of going to several different sites to find workshops, it is all on one site. You can search by casting director, or by their casting office, and the great thing is that actors can anonymously post reviews about the workshops. http://theworkshopguru.com/

TALENT MANAGER TIP:
Visit their websites or email some or all the following workshop locations and ask to be put on their email list which will allow you to receive CD workshop notices right in your inbox!

The Bridge info@actingbridge.com,
Actors Advantage Showcase actorsadvantageshowcase@gmail.com,
Talent To Go info4talenttogo@yahoo.com,
Actor's Key actorskey@gmail.com,
GoGo Acting Workshops gogoacting@yahoo.com,
Connect Studios LA gogoacting@yahoo.com,
The Casting Network info@CastingNetworkLA.com,
Act Now actnow4u@aol.com,
 Dominion Entertainment info@dominionentertainment.biz,
Actors West actorswest@gmail.com,
ITA Productions staff@itaproductions.com,
 Actorsite Workshop actorsite.support@gmail.com,
Reel Pros reelpros@mindspring.com,
Actor's Artistry actorsartistry@gmail.com,
The Collective Studio Los Angeles thecollectivestudiola@gmail.com,
Seenwork seenwork@aol.com,
Actor's Key West actorskeywest@gmail.com,
House of Actors houseofactors@gmail.com,
The Actors Company info@theactorscompanyla.com,
Actors Creative Workshop info@actorscreativeworkshop.com,

WHAT ARE AUDITIONS REALLY FOR? Talent Manager Tip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc7_oxWSD8g

Here is a great take on Casting Director workshops from Valerie Adami, Dir. Weist Barron in NYC.

Actors are understandably angry and frustrated. Unfortunately nothing can change simple facts. Ever since the industry became so irresistibly glamorous a few decades ago hundreds of thousands of young hopefuls having been trying to find a way to their big break. Every year Colleges, conservatories and private acting schools are training leagues of talented newcomers to enter a business already saturated with talented professionals.

Managers and Agents cannot rep thousands of actors, nor can a casting office see all the actors submitted for a project. Walls have gone up. There are no more 'open call' days at agencies. Mailings are mostly futile. Referrals can work, sometimes. Actually being seen in a showcase has always been the most effective marketing tool. So it was only a matter of time until entrepreneurs got the idea of creating 'pay to meets'. For a certain amount of money you are guaranteed face time with an industry professional. 

Has this business gotten out of hand. You bet. Guests are requiring $400 to $500 (or more) to teach a two or three hour workshop. Newcomers with little training or experience clutter workshops bringing down the quality of the event for everyone. Do some guests come just for the money? Yes. Do most actors get no results? Yes. Do a small number of actors get a positive result? Yes. That's the carrot that keeps the machine turning. 

Is there a better solution? Possibly. Make your own work. Create your own web series. Produce your own film. Do hundreds of shows at UCB. Become a Stand-Up. Produce your one-person show. Become an on-line casting junkie. Create a YouTube video and hope it goes viral. Pursue celebrities and ask them to mentor you. Drive your family and friends crazy begging for money for your projects on Kick-starter. The truly horrible truth? This business costs money. Money for classes, photos, unions. Money for wardrobe, for transportation. Money for websites for demos. Actors will also work for little or no money just in the hope of making a contact. Is there anything that can stop the madness. If you think of anything please let me know. This is a business of Dreams. In our business Dreams cost, time, energy and yes money. - Valerie Adami Dir. Weist Barron NYC.

---------------------

So there you go! I agree with Valerie. Make your own breaks. Do great work and get noticed from that. All actors should understand CD Workshops are PART of the bigger picture. Actors need to get training, theater experience, work in commercials short films and student films, as well as create your own material: webseries, theater and short films. Workshops are simply ONE way of STARTING a relationship with a CD that grows over time.- Good luck! - Wendy

For more helpful insider information, read my other Blogs, follow me on Twitter @wendyalane1 and like me on facebook. I love meeting new people! Actors, if you want to submit to me at WAW Entertainment go ahead and send your Headshot, Resume, Demo, La Casting and Actors Access links to wawentertainment@yahoo.com

Keep following your dreams!

FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE!
Get 3 FREE chapters of my new book "Secrets Of A Hollywood Talent Manager." It includes my secret list of the most important casting directors that you should meet! Just sign up below.

Sign up now for 3 FREE chapters of my new book "Secrets Of A Hollywood Talent Manager!"

Name:

Email:

We respect your email privacy

Email Marketing by AWeber

MONTHLY WAW "WINNER'S CIRCLE" WORKSHOPS
Every month I offer a workshop called, “The Winner's Circle" for brand new actors which will help you begin to understand the business and start to develop a plan of action for your success. I teach it along with several important industry friends of mine including a top Theatrical Agent, Commercial Agent, Casting Director, Headshot Photographer, WorkingActor and including Reel Producer. You will learn so much information in this workshop from top people in the business who are all committed to your success! I have been coaching actors for years, and I know new actors need a mentor and professional guidance, so if you are new to this business I highly recommend this workshop. It will give you the "inside" information you need and it will put you miles ahead of the hundreds of other newcomers that arrive in L.A. every year. At the end of this 4-hour seminar with us you will have a game plan for success. The cost is $179 and it's worth every penny. Visit my website and sign up today for the next workshop. email wawentertainment@yahoo.com for more info.

If you liked this information leave a comment!
Subscribe to my Secrets Of A Hollywood Talent Manager TV You Tube Channel with over 200 FREE Videos! And follow me on Twitter @WAW_wendy