How To Write A Great Cover Letter to Managers and Agents (This post has 10,225 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.

 
Your 1st Meeting With A Talent Manager

You have talent. You know there is something unique and special about you and you want to share it with the world. Go for it! If you believe you are ready for a Talent Manager, start contacting us. I am always looking for people just like you to encourage, motivate and help in their careers. If you live in Los Angeles go to Samuel French Bookstore on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, or online, and get the book "Personal Managers" by Keith Wolfe and start sending out your headshots, resumes and cover letters. I often receive submissions from talent in the mail or by email. I look at all submissions that come in. I look at the picture first to see who is contacting me. I read the letter next, review the resume and watch or listen to the demo last.

SENDING PICTURES TO POTENTIAL MANAGERS
If a potential client contacts me with pictures taken in the living room or kitchen I am not impressed. They should know that a picture is worth a thousand words and the movie business is all about pictures. It shows me they don't understand that. Not a good first impression. If you have professional pictures great, send them. If not send pictures that show you off well, on a plain background. Not in front of a car, or from a distance hiking a mountain. Just an up close shot that shows your amazing personality, eyes, smile with nothing featured in the background. Don't wear a hat, or sunglasses. You are what is important. Go outside stand 5 feet in front of a plain wall and have a friend take some pictures of you smiling, being serious and having fun. Don't worry, if can send those if you don't have professional shots. Everyone has to start somewhere. But be aware, most managers are going to want you to be further along in your development before they would consider taking you on. So get into a great acting class, take some audition/cold reading classes and definitely take an actor marketing class or seminar first if you can. Dallas Travers offers great online marketing classes so wherever you live you can start to understand the business.

WHAT TO SAY IN YOUR COVER LETTER
In your cover letter be professional. I have received some really stupid cover letters. "I am from Aruba. I want to be in the movies with Will Smith. If you will do it for free I want you to manage me." Seriously? I've also seen, "Here is my headshot and resume." Yes, that was it.


These are ACTUAL cover letters I have received. Here is what NOT do.

AN EXAMPLE OF A POOR COVER LETTER

'I am currently under the instruction of Jeff Alan-Lee, who has trained the likes of Shia LaBeouf and Scarlet Johannson. I have been in desperate need for agent representation for a while now and have been yearning to work. Admittedly, on top of my acting talent, I am continually increasing in skill under Mr. Alan-Lee's instruction. However my talents do not stop at acting. I have a very nice voice and am more than capable of doing voice-over, as well as print. Whatever you need me to do, I can do, my acting skill is simply my most prominent though. If your agency represents me, I WILL BOOK JOBS. Thank you for considering me and I hope to see you soon. Marcus Simpey"

I see the word "desperate" and I am immediately put off. I see the guarantee of booking jobs and I know that nobody can guarantee that. If he says he can, then he doesn't understand how this business works and how many good out of work actors there are. I don't need nonsensical promises. I need down-to-earth professionals. He is not ready for me.

ANOTHER POOR COVER LETTER AND RESUME

"I am a young actress seeking representation, and I am very serious about acting and I hope you find interest in me. My resume and headshots are attached. I am still working on my reels but if needed ASAP please let me know! Caroyln Sheed"

Objectives
Film, Television, Media internship, Business Education
Lake High School (May 21, 2011)
HS Diploma
Currently attending University of Oklahoma

Experience
Extra for “Get Loud” music video
Assemblies of God National Youth Ministries (faf.ag.org)
Performed and competed in Small Sr. Vocal Ensemble category.
Competitive Cheer (April 2008-April 2011)
Excite Gym & Cheer (excitegym.com)
Competed and won 6 National titles for Large Sr. Level 2 team.

Skills
Highly reliable, strong administrative and organizational skills
Focused writer and photographer
Ambitious, professional, committed to excellence
Sociable, personable, can communicate easily with a wide variety of personalities Dance (Hip-hop, Jazz, Modern)

There are many things that make this a lousy cover letter. First, is this girl applying for a job? She mentions her objective for an internship, her business education and lists her strong administrative and organizational skills. I am an acting manager, does she realize that? At the same time she says "I am very serious about acting." However, there is no acting on her resume! I see cheer, dance, vocals, but no acting. She is in college so she is probably about 19 or 20 years old. In all her years, has she ever been in a play and actually acted? There are no plays in elementary school, high school, college or community theater. How serious about acting is this person, really? Where are the acting classes where she has learned to act? No, I won't even take the time to respond to this person. She may be very talented, but she has no idea who she is, what she wants or how to present to the industry. In this day and age of Google anyone can look up samples of acting resumes and create one.

The ONLY way either Carolyn or Marcus can overcome their lousy cover letters or resumes is if their Demo blows me out of the water. Their acting or singing has to be so good I am willing to drop everything and get them into my office before someone else snatches them up. 9 out of 10 times that won't be the case. But if it is, I will invest my time and teach them how to write a cover letter and create a resume because their talent is so strong it can sell itself. Don't bother sending in a demo that isn't your absolute best performance. Mediocre work on a demo just means you still need more training and local experience. Go get it.

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HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF A GOOD COVER LETTER. Here is what you should do!

Hello,

My name is Mali Serez. I am looking for representation. Currently, I have a recurring role a series of Verizon Wireless commercials. I have also been cast as a lead in a new TV series "High Street Hills" and recently received a call back for the Steven King/John Mellencamp musical "Ghost Brothers Of Darkland County." I am training with Doug Warhit for cold reading and Judy Kain for commercials.

I have attached a headshot, resume, Actors Access and La Casting Links for your review. If you feel I would be a good fit for you and your company, I would like to schedule a meeting.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
Mali Serez

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What makes this cover letter work is that it is professional. No personal comments or pleading. It give me easy access to his video, pictures and resume. He also states briefly what he has been doing and is currently working on, showing me is is making things happen for himself. He has made a good first impression. But it all comes down to talent. Does he have any? If Mali doesn't attached a demo reel how do I know?

With today's high tech gadgets, artists can create great looking and sounding demos to present to managers. Why contact a manager without media? They need to see your eyes, the way you move and sound. If you are using your iPhone to create a demo make sure it is well lit. You don't want your media working against you. Keep it short and sweet and show only your best. Most artists know they need a website that showcases their talent, has pictures, demos and resumes to make it easy for reps and talent buyers to see all of their materials in one place. Amateurs typically do not have a website. A good manager will likely improve your website, but you have to start somewhere.

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR 1st MEETING
So let's say you get past the first contact and I like your headshot, resume or demo reel and you get a meeting! You should be prepared to talk about what YOU have been doing to create your career so far. If you are over 8 years old, I expect to hear that you have been doing theater in your community, at your school or college. That you have been taking acting classes and learning how to act. When you come in for your first meeting you should have energy. I want to see your personality. You should also be relaxed enough to be yourself. In our conversation, I want to hear what your goals are, where you would like to be in 5 years? What kind of roles you want to play if you are an actor. And if you are a singer you should be ready to sing live for me, and or have a tape or video of you singing that I can listen to.

People who say they want to be an actor but are not acting anywhere I do not take seriously. People who say they want to be a singer but are not out there singing anywhere I do not take seriously. A person who really wants a career as a singer or an actor will be sharing their talents whereever they can and not waiting for a manager or agent to create opportunities for them.

I get excited by everyone's dreams, but I take on clients who are already doing something on their own to make them happen. It's that kind of initiative that creates the energy to make things happen in this world. Even after an artist is a client of mine, they should be pounding the pavement to get their own auditions, find locations to sing, working with music producers, work with student filmmakers anything to gain experience, skill and express their craft. Yes, I will guide them in how to do that professionally and with focus, but the energy to propel forward needs to come from You!

Getting representation is a two-way street. You are interviewing potential managers as much as they are interviewing you. Who do they represent? Do they understand your type and how to best market it? Are they excited about your talent? Can they tell you what is unique about you, because that is what they are going to be selling? Do you feel comfortable with them? Make sure a they do not represent anyone like you. You want your manager to be pushing you for the roles you are right for, not other people. Ask if they have had success with their other clients, and if so, what? Are their clients getting out on auditions? Is the potential manager professional and do they present themselves well? Remember they are representing you. Your manager is one of the most important members on your team. They are a reflection of you and the choices you make about your career. They need to be able to communicate well with agents, producers and casting directors. Don't be afraid to walk away from any person or situation you don't feel right about. Go with your gut! Make sure you are clear about what they expect from you and what you expect from them.

So if everything goes well in your initial interview they will ask to represent you. Congratulations you now have a manager! You will be asked to sign a 2-3 year contract. There should always an out clause that states "In the event that you do not obtain a bonafide offer of employment from a responsible employer during a period of time in excess of six (6) consecutive months, during all of which said time I shall be ready, able, willing and available to accept employment, either party hereto shall have the right to terminate this contract by notice in writing sent to the other via registered or certified mail." This is a business relationship that can be severed if either party does not fulfill their end of the agreement. Have them explain the contract to you and answer any questions you may have. You also have the right to take the contract with you to review it and have someone else review it too. Remember managers work on commission only. They make 15-20% commission only from the work you do. You are never to pay upfront fees for representation.

Now that you have a manager be willing to work hard, be on time, be professional, take direction and get them all the top level media and marketing materials they need. A good manager will be doing everything they can to get you ahead. Enjoy that support. You are going to need it!

To help your manager you should be informed about how the business works. So you need to read this 110-page e-Book filled with insider information to help you become a working actor.

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Wendy Alane Wright Smith
Talent Manager
WAW ENTERTAINMENT
wawentertainment@yahoo.com

What Does A Talent Manager Do? Do I Need One?

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.

I am the President and Owner of WAW Entertainment, a boutique talent management firm in Los Angeles. We represent actors, comedians, models and singers for TV, Film, Commercials, Webisodes and Theater for both Union and Non Union. We only represent outstanding talent. Once I have decided that you are going to be a great fit for my management company and the contracts are signed, we get to work. And boy do we have a lot of work to do! I am going to walk you through the steps we take the first 3 years. This is what we give every new client we sign so they know what we will be guiding them to do.

Actors out there - if you have talent, drive, passion and can really act you too can follow this blueprint for success and get started working in the industry. If you never quit, you WILL become a working actor.

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YEAR ONE

First, we get our clients set up on Actors Access and LA Casting. Actors Access lists mostly Theatrical breakdowns and LA Casting lists mostly Commercial breakdowns. As time goes on we may add Now Casting and Casting Frontier. Everywhere acting jobs are listed you should be looking. We suggest every actor subscribe to Backstage.com

We have our clients fill out their online casting profile questions thoroughly and upload Pics and Resume. Kids need Work Permits and Coogan Accounts set up. Passports are needed for all clients.

Next, we have clients take new Headshots, if, and as needed. This is your MOST important tool. Investment here is crucial to your success. There are lots of great photographers out there. Count on paying about $300-$500 for good headshots. Here are some of the many Photographers I work with and love. For Adults: Michael Helms, Kevyn Major Howard. For Kids: JBC Images , Linda Vanoff or Juls Megill. For Teens: Keli Squires Taylor Photography (keeps them looking young) AFFORDABLE RETOUCHING: Julie Wittner REPRODUCTIONS: Argentum Photo Lab, Ray’s Photo Lab

LEARN ABOUT THE BUSINESSWe have our clients start to get familiar with how the business works by suggesting they read industry books i.e. “Hit The Ground Running,” by Carolynne Barry; “Self Management For The Actor” by Bonnie Gillespie; "How To Book Acting Jobs in TV & Film," by Cathy Reinking. If you don't take the time to read these books cover to cover, you are not serious about being a working actor. Instead you have a hobby. Read the Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety to see what is happening in Hollywood, who the players are, and what deals are being made.

We also encourage clients to attend show business seminars as often as they can. There is so much to learn about this business. An actor is starting their own business. In essence actors are like mini-corporations. Starting a business without understanding how their business will work is dumb. Actors have a lot of time between jobs. It should be used to improve their craft and learn about the business.

OBTAINING ACTING WORKWAW helps clients to build up their resume, gain experience and get acting jobs. Our goal is to help clients become strong actors that will gain the attention of casting directors, producers, commercial and theatrical agents. Our beginning actors act in Student Films, Non Union TV, Film, Commercials, Music Videos, Features, Theater and Shorts to get experience and footage for the acting reel. Our clients will audition endlessly. Actors act and they audition even more. If you are not loving this, you need to get into another business, and I need to get another client, ha!.

INCREASE TRAINING / BUILD RESUME WITH CREDITS WAW helps client increase their training and build their resume by suggesting appropriate training classes based on client’s individual needs. With each class or job booked, clients update their resume with the new training and acting work.

We have our clients sign up for top Commercial Training Classes with:
Judy Kain at "Keep It Real"
Carolyn Barry
Francine Selkirk
Killian McHugh
Stuart K Robinson
Terry Berland.

We suggest exceptional On-Camera Audition Techniques Classes with:
Doug Warhit, Melissa Skoff, Margie Haber.

For Kids Training: Actorsite, Tracy Martin Kids Koaching (Auditioning), Weiss Baron Hill (Commercials) For Teens: Helen Anzalone
ACTING COACHES: Cameron Thor: 818-991-0880 Michael Woolsen: 323-933-7133
Singing Training: Terri Weiss, Suzanne Kiechle skiechle@aol.com

END OF YEAR 1 PROGRESS REPORTThis is a very rewarding and highly competitive business. WAW continually monitors how hard clients are working for their careers, the efforts they make, and continue to determine if their actions are in line with what they “say” they want to achieve. As long as they are, WAW continues working with the client. If they are serious about building their career, this year will have proven that, and we continue on to the next phase. On the other hand, if actor has not been fighting hard for their place in this business, we reevaluate our relationship with the client. We drop clients who have not demonstrated 100% commitment to advancing their careers, or who have been lax in following our very specific suggestions. There is no reason to waste anymore time together. The reality is there are many talented actors out there who want to have a spot on our limited roster.

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YEAR TWO

DEMO REELSWe guide our client in assembling their 1st demo reel. Options: 1) Actor can collect footage from projects they have completed. 2) Shoot a scene with an independent producer/ production company i.e. Daniel Scherl. 3) They can use a scene from an acting class, i.e.Margie Haber’s class – she uses great HD footage.

MORE ACTING TRAININGWAW requests actors to continue training and get into well know Acting Classes that castings director respect such as; Playhouse West, Ruskin, Groundlings, UCB. Helping our clients become the best actor they can be is our goal. As expected, (and often required) by agents, and casting directors, we keep our actors in audition training classes, have them study deeper acting Methods to keep them sharp and make sure they are ready for all opportunities. Every actor needs to learn how to MASTER the audition room. This usually takes years, and is an ongoing process. Getting into the room is one thing, getting the job is another. Training as an actor NEVER ends. You will be doing it your entire a career. And if you are not always training people, in this business will have a hard time taking you seriously, because the good ones always are.

Some actors complain, "It seems like all my managers does is suggest training." Listen closely actors, your training is everything. In order to deal with the weekly rigors of a television series or the demands of film and the expectations of all of the people involved with a project where they have invested their time, millions of dollars, and energy into their vision, you must be at the top of your game. And if you get hired and they see you aren't you will be replaced. It is my job to make sure this doesn't happen to you. It is also my job to make sure that the casting directors recommend you to the producers and directors, who recommend you to be approved by the Network. You have a tall ladder to climb and I want you to to be successful on every rung. Your training is your foundation and will carry you through this process. Without it, you will be replaced by better trained actors who can handle it. Yes, this is business driven by creativity but at the top levels, it is all about the money.

GETTING A COMMERCIAL AGENTWhen our actors are ready, we begin to submit their Heashots/Resume to Commercial Agents we know. WAW helps clients obtain a Commercial Agent. This will likely be their 1st agent and will give them experience in the real world of acting. Commercial jobs can be very lucrative which will help you pay for all your other acting related expenses. Commercial auditions will also help you practice your new and improved commercial audition skills and give you on set experience.

Once clients are signed to a Commercial Agent, we assist the agent with whatever they need i.e. we confirm bookings, help reach clients, answer incoming producer or casting questions. WAW also serves as a liason between agent and client, and assists with solving problems, answering questions, ensuring payment, explaining numerous aspects of the business as work becomes more frequent. Our relationship with your agent should not take the place of your relationship with your agent. You can still send them thank you notes, and updates on jobs you have booked and plays you will be in. We will guide you though to make sure you are not annoying your agent. There are specific things they hate.

Our actors continue to update their online profiles with class info, new headshots or more looks as needed by agent. We also continue to add footage to the demo reel as we go and upload clips to online casting sites.

CASTING DIRECTOR WORKSHOPSWAW helps our clients build relationships with Casting Directors through regular auditioning, and also their participation in workshops at various locations including: Actors West, AIA, Actors Key, Hollywood Acting Workshop, and numerous others. We help our clients create a target CD list and narrow their focus. Clients pick 5-10 shows they would be right for and them take workshops with the Casting Directors that cast the shows on their list. Workshops are perfect for allowing the CD to get familiar with your face and your work. Building these relationships is crucial and we show you how to manage the relationship in a professional and consistent way. We know what they like and how they like to be approached. We also know what ticks them off and what you should avoid doing.

WAW helps client determine their type. Through the acting classes and commercial training actors begin to understand that they have a type and what the kinds of roles they want to play and are suited for. As they figure this out their Headshots will change. Now that the actors know who they are their headshots need to reflect the kinds of roles they are suited to play. Headshots inform CD's how an actor wants to be cast. They are not pretty pictures!

IMPORTANT BONUSOn this exciting Hollywood adventure, as managers by now we likely have also become a friend, in my case a second mother, a motivator, counselor, a support system, celebrating with you and wiping tears as needed, answering never ending questions, helping you stay positive, focused and on track. I believe in you and want you to be successful! A manager like me is a great asset to have on your team.

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YEAR THREE

GETTING A THEATRICAL AGENTBy the end of year 2 or beginning of year 3, you are probably ready to start approaching a good theatrical agent. Believe me, they do not want to see you before you are ready. Often they will not give you a second chance to make an impression. So approaching an agent at the right time is crucial. I won't let it happen until I know you are ready and that you have what they are really looking for. To my amazement most actors walk in my door day one and think they already have what it takes, that they are special, and they are enough just the way they are. Well yes, of course, you are special but agents look for more than that. Agents expect that I have prepared you for them and weeded out those who are not ready. That is what they count on managers for. They don't have time to do that so they count on managers to do it for them. A manager's recommendation can go a long way, opening doors for you that you typically can not open yourself.

We are very well connected in the industry. When a client has proven their commitment to the craft, have consistently shown up on time for meetings and auditions, given us everything we need to work with including headshots and demo reels, behaved professionally, and we are 100% confident that we can count on you to represent WAW at the higher levels, WAW will submit you to agents we know personally. But know this, putting my reputation on the line for you will only happen if you have proven yourself worthy of this beyond a shadow of a doubt.

At the same time, WAW has clients regularly attending Agent Showcases as an additional way to start meeting theatrical agents, allowing them to become familiar with you, and your work. Rarely, we have clients submit their own Headshots/Resumes/Demo Reels to other appropriate theatrical agents that we suggest.

Once a Theatrical Agent is obtained, WAW assists the agent with whatever they needs to be successful with our client. WAW facilitates communications between agent and clients to confirm bookings, contact actors, answer agent, producer and casting director questions. We are now in business with your agent and we are a team. One of my jobs as your talent manager is to make your agent's job easier. I also will suggest when to replace them if they are not doing their job. And our actor continues to make changes to their online profiles, adding each job they book, class they attend, new headshots/more looks as agent need. I say this again because you would be surprised how many actors forget to update their resumes with new skills they have learned, jobs they have booked or classes they have taken. Agents hate this!

AUDITION COACHING
WAW offers suggestion about who to coach with, and ensures clients are getting coached for auditions as needed. We want our clients to truly be able to deliver their best in the audition room. Coaches we love are Gloria Garayua, Kimberly Crandall, Rod Rowland, and Josh Latzer.

WORKING MORE REGULARLY By year 4 and beyond – we can likely refer to what you are doing as a “CAREER!” Congratulations. You did it! And it took years. It does 99% of the time, for 99% of the actors.

Of course, there are exceptions 1% of the time...you could get really lucky and book a role as a series regular in your 1st year. At which we will jump up and down. But back to reality. over the years as your acting work picks up, and it does because you’ve built relationships with CDs and your booking is strong due years of auditioning, working as an actor, preparing and training - WAW and our clients BOTH have more responsibilities. With each client’s growing success, WAW is also coordinating press, interviews, audition and acting work schedules, interfacing with producers, directors, studios, record labels, products, publicists, selecting projects, reading scripts, attending premieres, producing projects, referring accountants and attorneys…and so much more.

You have been blessed with talent and you will be rewarded for your hard work. And WAW is rewarded for our hard work, not only financially, but spiritually, creatively and emotionally as we watch our clients succeed in sharing their gifts and talents with the world.

We are excited, and truly honored to be a part of our client's journeys!

Now you see how we get our clients working. We have a system that works. The only thing that is needed is an actors talent, tenacity, positive attitude and endless effort with a willingness to do whatever it takes to make their dreams come true.

Good Luck!

If you liked this information and found it helpful leave a comment! I love to hear from new people.

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 Smith
Talent Manager
WAW ENTERTAINMENT
wawentertainment@yahoo.com

How Can I Get A Talent Manager?

You can get a Talent Manager in several ways. Here are three ways:
1) Attend Showcases for Managers.
2) Ask other actors who their Managers are and ask for a referral.
3) Purchase the book at Samuel Frenchs in (Hollywood or online, "The Right Manager" by Keith Wolfe and start making tons of phone calls and sending emails.

As a Talent Manager I receive submissions from people everyday who want to be actors. I say it this way because not all people who submit are actors. They want to be, but many of them aren't yet. They can't all act. I open emails and snail mail with pictures and resumes and it never ceases to amaze me how wanna be actors put so little thought into these all important 1st impressions.

I recently got a headshot from a guy in his 20's with a really great look. His cover letter to me said among other things, "I am currently seeking a commercial or theatrical agent for representation." First I am a manger, not an agent. But I can get him an agent when he is ready if I believe in his talent, like his attitude and choose to take him on as a client. Next I followed the link to his LA Casting site and there was no demo attached. Not a single piece of footage was attached to anything. So how can I see if he can act?

I called this actor and asked if he would please email me a demo from any of the 5 films on his resume, or a scene, or any footage he may have of his acting. He sent back a link that did not work when I clicked it. Great 1st impression. (Actors please check that the link works before you send it.) He also sent one audition video he did for the role of a thug. He said "Most of the projects I have done, I have not received copies for. I hope this suffices." Well it was something, so I watched the audition video.

I liked his look, I liked the body language, his facial expressions and reactions were good, but, his eyes did not mean anything he said. He was acting like he meant what he was saying, but he did not live it. He was not believable. He was not ready to meet an agent. Now I have to determine if I think there is enough potential for me to work with him to get him ready. So I flip over his resume to see where he has trained and there are only four items listed: MN TV & Film On Camera Technique, AIA Studios Scene Study Analysis, 310 Studios Commercial Workshop and Entertainment Studios Improvisation. Do you see the problem here?

There are no acting classes, he has not trained as an actor! Seriously? He did not study at any school for acting. He did not go to college and get a degree in acting. So where did he learn his craft and what makes him think he can act? That is like a Doctor that hasn't been trained as a Doctor. Would you ever hire him?

By looking at his resume, I can see exactly what he has been up to. He has simply taken a few 1 day workshops. Yet in his cover letter informs me he thinks he is ready to have an agent. I see this all the time. Listen up actors, I would never use my relationships and connections with agents to send them an untrained actor. I would look like a fool, and agents would hate me. "Actors" like this have no possibility of competing with trained actors. Agents trust my opinion because I only send them great actors, who are well trained and who are ready! My relationship with the agents I know are crucial I will never put these relationships in jeopardy for anyone. One of our top jobs as Managers is to weed out these kind of people for Agents.

Now here is where it gets funny. I have to call the actor and tell him he can't act. Well I don't say it that way. Instead I say, "I love your look, I think you have potential but I had a few problems with the scene I watched. Your energy was great, expressions wonderful, but I did not believe you. There was no truth in your eyes."

At this point, actors either get defensive and give me attitude, saying I don't know what I am talking about and thank me for my time. Good luck I say and believe me, I am grateful I don't have to waste anymore time with that actor. Or they accept the feedback. Maybe they even agree and ask what they should do. That is the answer I am looking for. That is a sign they may be willing to take my direction. Great because that is what our entire relationship will be based on. For this actor specifically, I will suggest a class with Margie Haber who teaches actors to "live" the moment and not "act out" the moment. That is what he needs. Will he take my advice? Who knows.

Another one of my jobs as a talent manager is to develop actors to get them to the point where they would be good enough for an agent. It is all about doing good acting work. You have to be a good or great actor. Period. If you do exceptional work people will notice. If you want to be an actor you primary goal is to become the best you can be at it. That requires lots of training with quality teachers. If you have a degree in college you are still not done training. You have only had institutional training. not professional training. Often recent college grads with Theater degrees in hand get bent out of shape when you tell them that. Thank you for your time they say. Listen up college grads professional acting training is the same reason Doctors have internships after their schooling. You need time to learn from working professionals. It is very different. If you don't take a managers word for it you will find out yourself.

So I spend some of my time weeding through tons of headshots to determine which actors are serious by the amount of training they have had, the plays they have done and the non-union work they have gotten on their own. I get excited by every actors dream, but it is only feasible for me to work with actors who are committed to being great actors, who have a positive attitude and are willing to take direction.

To find a Talent Manager that is right for you in LA go to Samuel French Bookstore on Sunset Boulevard or online and purchase the $12 book "Personal Managers" by Keith Wolfe. It lists most managers in LA and the types of clients they work with. Go through it with a highlighter and mark the ones that are open to submissions from your type. Hopefully you know what your type is, but that will be another discussion. Be careful selecting a manager. Managers do not have to be licensed like Talent Agents so there are scam artists out there. You should never pay upfront fees for any manager. Managers are supposed to take 15%-20% commission on what your book. Also, you should be given a list of various photographers and teachers to work with. Avoid managers who have a training, photo, representation package. They are often not legit.
When contacting a manager you really need to have your stuff together. Your cover letter should be professional. It should include your headshot, resume and demo reel. If you don't have a demo reel, it should include some kind of footage of you acting so we can get a taste of what you can do. Record a scene or a monologue on your iPhone and send that. Make sure it is well lit so we can actually see you. At least it is something. If you really can act, don't worry about sending professional film if you don't have it. We can tell by what you send where you are in your career. But if the acting is good that is all we care about.

Your headshot should be professional but if it isn't, we will look still review them. We are looking for energy, a sparkle in your eye, charisma, truth, for emotion in the pictures. My daughter's first headshot at 5 years old was a picture I took and she booked off of it all the time. It captured an attitude and an intensity she had. It cost $0. Once we have signed you and are starting to get you out on auditions, you will likely need new headshots then. So don't let that stop you from reaching out to a manager. We can help you get the right headshots when the time is right.

Always be polite and friendly. We don't owe you anything. There are thousands of actors right behind you looking for their chance every year. If you have an attitude of entitlement, or your ego proceeds you into the room, we quickly remove you from our presence. We are looking for humble, talented, hardworking actors. Confidence is fine, arrogance is not. It won't work on the set with directors and it won't work with your representatives. Our job as managers is to weed that kind of actor out so as not to burden the rest of our industry with them.

Be enthusiastic, upbeat and speak positively about yourself and your passion for acting. Don't worry, if you are lying, we will figure that out by what you have done on your resume. Which reminds me to tell you, keep your resume 100% truthful because sometimes we do call your teachers to see what they think about your acting ability. Remember, we are investing a lot of time into your career and we don't get paid until you are good enough to book the work.

It amazes me when actors say, "I don't know about paying 15% of what I make." Really? You don't make anything yet. Geez. And when you do start making money it will be because we spent 2 years getting you ready to.

It also stuns me when actors don't want to sign a 2 or 3 year contract. They say, "that's a long time, can't we just do 6 months." No we can't. Why on earth would I invest 6 months of my time developing you for free so you can walk away with advances skills and give some other representative the benefit of my hard work? Realistically, it takes 2 - 3 years to really start working in this town. That is what it takes to get you going. If I spend that kind of time with you, working for free, it is because I believe in you and believe that you have the ability to be a profitable actor in the future. I want a piece of that pie.

But, that is not the reason I do this job. I love discovering new talent and getting them on TV and into Films. Nothing makes me happier than to see actors succeed at their dreams. I love on that adrenaline every day. However, this is also a business and you are a mini corporation. I am one of your investors so of course I want to see a return on my investment. Oh by the way, I also have to like you personally because we are going to be spending a lot of time together.

Lastly, one of the biggest things managers look in an actor is the ability to take direction. If you sign with a manager, be prepared to take a lot of direction. We have a lot to do to get you ready for a career as a actor. We are like Med School for an actor. You will have to work hard, but by the time you have completed "my curriculum" you will be ready.

Well that's that. Now you see what it takes to contact a manager and make a good impression. The fact is MOST actors just starting out are NOT ready for a talent manager, because you are not ready for us to sell yet to casting directors. A manager helps makes an actor competitive with actors who have been here longer. I have a 52-Week Course "Talent Manager In Your Pocket - Step by Step Instructions For Every Actor's First Year." This course gets actors ready for a manager.

Learn all about my 52-Week Course and watch the VIDEO here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwMGlTmmidM

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If you are ready to join the other smart actors who are receiving my 52-week program "Talent Manager In Your Pocket - Step by Step Instructions For Every Actor's First Year" and you are ready to take your career to the next level then...JOIN ME TODAY! The 52 Week program is only $295. For less than 1 month of acting classes you will receive one whole year of personal guidance from a Hollywood Talent Manager. By the end of the year, you will be miles ahead of the competition and I told you would happy with the price. It may go up in the next year or two, but for now that's what it is.

So if you are ready:

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Wendy Alane Wright Smith
Talent Manager
WAW ENTERTAINMENT
wawentertainment@yahoo.com