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

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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

How Agents REALLY See Actors

Its important for Actors to learn how agents really see them. Now hold on to your egos this may sting. Agents see actors as dispensable and replaceable commodities. Unfortunate or whatever it doesn't matter, its the fact. Agents sign actors to see if they will make them any money, period. If they do they will continue to have an agent. If they don't, they will be dropped. That's how it works. 

If an actor makes an agency a LOT of money they become the most important people on any Agency's roster. This is a business about making money. Making money on the talent of creative people and projects, but making money nonetheless. Most decisions in this business are based on who is going to bring in the most money. Where the money is the people follow. 

Newcomers are very naive to that fact so they often go into agency and manager interviews with pipe dreams and "great talk" trying to convince agents to believe that they are serious, that they will go the distance. But we know from experience that about 50% of actors quit trying after their 1st year. They all sound very committed in the first meeting but they fall off the wagon for many of the same reasons.

Here are 12 common reasons:

1) Actors don't have enough money 
2) Don't know how to network 
3) Rejection sucks. 
4) They can't handle the pressure
5) It's not happening fast enough 
6) They skimp on their marketing materials selling themselves short 
7) They wait for other people to make their breaks 
8) They are lazy, entitled or have egos that derail them 
9) They don't train their talent 
10) They have unrealistic expectations 
11) FEAR, FEAR, FEAR
12) Simply afraid of the HARD work it really takes

SOME AGENTS are fantastic and when you have a great agent who is well connected and YOU are at the top of your game great opportunities can be had. There are also horrible agents that only waste your time. I always say a COMBINATION of a great agent and creating your own projects is a powerful way to get things done in this industry. But to get a great agent you need to be the best in your age group, type, category etc. Medicocre is usually not good enough.

 Train your talent. Get yourself jobs. Network and stay in touch with the people you meet along the way. Work hard. Find ways to give and not take. Make genuine friends in the industry. People hire who they know, admire and like.

Be likeable.

Wendy Alane Wright
The Hollywood Talent Manager
http://www.secretsofahollywoodtalentmanager.com

To learn more about how the business really works, do yourself a favor, GET EDUCATED.

How Do I Become A Famous Actor?

Actors don't realize that they way to become a success in the acting business is to keep working, building your resume and connections. It takes years of never quitting to get established. And after you are established, it takes years of never quitting to STAY established. Denzel Washington isn't the success he is by doing one film. There is a very definite way to success in this business. If its going to happen it will likely happen like this:


You do a play, then another play, then another play, then a role in a webseries, then a small role in a student film, then a bigger role in student film, then maybe the lead in a student film, and another play. You do another webseries, then a small role in a short film, then 3 small roles in short films, then a role in a webseries, then a small TV co-star role, then a webseries, then a few small roles in student films, then maybe the lead in a student film, another play, another webseries, then a small role in a short film. Then you book another small TV role, then a lead in short film, a small role in a feature film, a small TV co-star role, a recurring role in a TV pilot, another play, a guest star on a TV show, roles in 3 more short films, a bigger role in a feature film, a play, a series regular for 1 year in a TV show which gets cancelled, a play, 2 more short films, roles in a couple of feature films, you book another small TV role, then a lead in short film, a small role in a feature film, a small TV co-star role, a recurring role in a TV pilot....GET IT?

You are creating a life. The life of an actor. The destination is the work. The journey is the work. Trying to make a living at it is the goal. If you get more than that you are simply... lucky.

Most successful actors aren't thinking about becoming famous. They are thinking about getting paid enough money to pay the bills so they can do what they love doing. Fame is not the goal. Working as an actor is.

Wendy Alane Wright
The Hollywood Talent Manager
http://www.secretsofahollywoodtalentmanager.com

DO I NEED A DEGREE IN ACTING?

TODAY'S ACTOR QUESTION: SHOULD I GET A BFA in ACTING? 

HERE IS MY ANSWER: The younger you get into the business the easier it is. Kids ages 4-18 have the easiest time breaking through. As you get older it gets more difficult. Your training and being an EXCEPTIONAL actor is the leverage you need to beat out the competition and get the jobs. You have to be the best in your age category and type. Most actors needs exceptional training to become great actors. Some are natural born talent with no training. What is the TRUTH about your skill level? You must get honest with yourself.

Whether you get a degree in Acting, or not doesn't determine your skill level. Hard work and training with excellent teachers in -or outside- of a Degree Program is very necessary for most actors. Some actors train in degree programs and are technically good actors but have no understanding about how the business work so they never make it.  Others have strong Business and Networking skills and aren't the best of actors but they understand how the game is played and they are well liked. They often work.

An Alternative Degree idea is a Degree in Business as this is Show BUSINESS and understanding business is a MUST in this business for SURE. No one can tell you what path your life is going to take or where you are going to get your acting jobs from. You may produce and star in your own short films or webseries or feature and win awards of never get noticed. 

You can get a degree in Theater and still not work much. You can have no degree and work a lot. Nothing is set in STONE. There are exceptions to every rule. I have seen actors win or fail with and without degrees. This business is based on LUCK, Preparation, timing, talent, training, charisma, and the ability to take directions and give people what they need. Team work, perseverance and an unwillingness to quit are your best assets. 

There is a lot to learn at film school, things that will make you great at your craft and the technique of film making. I just suggest if you do go to film school keep auditioning for short films and try to meet casting directors and build relationships even while you are in school. Submit to projects through Backstage and Actors Access and Casting Networks. Don't wait until you graduate to start your acting career. This business is always easier to get into the younger you are, Also use the resources and students around you to collaborate on every single project you can and create your demo reel and a webseries with YOU in them. Get the degree if you want it, but don't wait until you have the degree to start building your resume and contacts. Do short films, go on auditions, network with filmmakers and casting directors. It's the journey. 

I interviewed Actress Tierra Peters who sharec her experience, "Everybody is different and they need to figure out what is right for them. After high school, I got my degree in Acting, and for me, it was the right thing. I wouldn't change it for the world. In those 4 years, I learned independence, commitment, drive, how to deal with rejection, work ethic and a hustler's mentality. I accredit all of those skills to my college days. I personally wasn't ready to make the jump from high school to L.A. College was a nice transitioning period for me. However, I know some people who were ready to tackle Los Angeles right out of high school. So it really is a personal choice that everyone has to make for themselves. But regardless of if you are in LA, college, or a small town, you should also be creating, and building your resume. Just because you are in a small town town doesn't mean you have to think small.

I agree with Tierra, You have to determine what is right for you. Pray and ask your higher power what His Plan is for YOU. The answers will come from within if you know how to be quiet in mediation and listen.  

Stay close to me!

Http://www.secretsofahollywoodtalentmanager.com/


Wendy Alane Wright
Talent Manager
WAW Entertainment

11 Steps To Prepare your Kids for Commercials. Advice from a Talent Manager.

This morning I met with one of those excited parents who want to get their kids into show business for modeling and commercials. She carried her 4-year old daughter Lila into my office and the mother said, “This is Lila, say hello to Wendy.” The child refused to look up or say hello to me. They sit down and the mom asks her daughter to say hello to me again. Lila refuses.

Great start. I can already tell this doesn’t work, but I indulge her and ask the mom, “So what can I do for you?” Mom replies, “My daughter did a glitter photo thing with my friend and I wanted to see if we can get her into print work.

Well first of all,” I said, “I need to see if your daughter wants to be here. And I need to ask her some simple questions and have her answer them. That way I can hear how she talks and see her expressions. I also need to see if she can follow directions because on the set of a commercial or photo shoot she will get lots of directions from people other than mom that she absolutely has to follow.”

So the mom sets the child down off her lap and into a chair next to me. She turns her daughter to face me and I ask sweet little Lila 3 simple questions – How old are you? Do you like having your picture taken? What is your favorite color?

Before, during and after each question, Lila fought to get out of the chair, worm her way to the floor, whine, turn her back to me, and completely avoid talking. The mom put her back in the chair several times, told her to sit still, answer Wendy her etc. Of course, the child was having none of that.

I said to the mom, “She isn’t ready.”

During the rest of the conversation I had with the mother the child was argumentative, wouldn’t listen to what her mother said and the sweet mother laughed her daughter’s behavior off and didn’t make her daughter follow any of her own directions. Hmmmm. My assessment- Lila is a very pretty, precocious, energetic, and a stubborn child. I can see she has a great look and cute personality but at this time she is unmanageable and out of control.  Her mother doesn’t know how to discipline her or enforce what she says. I asked if it was her only child and it is. I assumed that.

Her mom still wants to know what she can do to get her daughter into commercials if indeed she is going to pursue this.

So many parents think their child is ready for show business. It is just not true so I gave her the facts. The kind of children we are looking for have the basics: They can look you in the eye and say hello, proceed to a chair they have been asked to sit in, and answer simple questions politely. The ones we really love do all of that with enthusiasm. Then when we ask them to stand up and move in front of the camera to a spot on the floor with an X – of course they can do that too.

11 STEPS TO PREP YOUR CHILDREN AT HOME FOR COMMERCIALS & PRINT WORK

I sent this mother home with 11 steps she can take to prepare her child for work in Print and Commercials. You can do these too!

1) ARRANGE MOCK PHOTO SHOOTS. Take your own child’s picture. Tell your child you are going to do a “photo shoot” today. Set out 2 outfits, have your child help pick their favorites. Go outside to the side of your house. Put your child in front of the camera and take her picture. Tell her to stand still, turn to the right and hold it, turn to the left and hold it smile. Bigger smile, great. Now a serious face. Then change into the next outfit and do it again. This gives your child practice in front of the camera in a structured way. You can do this once a week. (As you advance look at department store magazines and have your child copy some of the poses the other children pose in )

2) TEACH THEM TO SIT STILL. Have your child sit still for short periods of time at home for no reason, just because you said so. This is important if you have a child who has a difficult time taking direction. If they can’t sit still for you just because you said so without any discussion, complaining or temper tantrums, how will they be prepared to do it on the set? Habits are formed early. Just get your child in the habit of following your commands. In this business following direction instantaneously is CRITICAL and REQUIRED. If your child can’t do that they will not be able to work professionally until they can.

3) TEACH THEM TO ANSWER QUESTIONS IN COMPLETE SENTENCES. Because little kids can’t read yet, casting sessions for small kids usually entail the casting director asking children a few simple questions so they can see their personalities. They are looking for kids who answer questions in complete sentences.

For example, “what is your favorite color?” A bad answer would be, “ blue.”

A good answer would be, “ My favorite color is Blue because blue is also the color of the sky and my favorite shirt.

You can practice this at home with your child. Ask a specific question and teach them to answer you in full sentences WITH an explanation: "My favorite TV show is Spongebob because..... It will take prompting and redirection at first but eventually they will get in the habit of doing that. Be sure not to criticize or yell at your child if they don’t do this correctly. Just re-direct them to do it. The last thing you want to do is make them feel bad for not speaking up. This will only hinder them further. VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure your child practice speaking clearly and enunciating their words. So many kids mumble and sound like they have marbles in their mouths. Mumbling children do not work in Commercials.

4) TEACH THEM TO REPEAT LINES. In auditions, small children will be asked to repeat lines with enthusiasm. I LOVE Jello Pudding. It feels good in my tummy. At home you can work with your child by having them her copy sentences. You tell them to repeat after you; "I love honey nut cheerios." Mom can I go play at Jimmy’s?, What time is dinner? Mom, Billy was playing with my truck and he broke it. “No one makes Cool Laid like my mom.”

To get more ideas watch TV commercials and listen to what kids your child’s age are saying. Write down some of the sentences have your child repeat them.

5) TEACH THEM TO STAND ON THEIR MARK IN FRONT OF A CAMERA. Put an X on the floor with big thick tape. Have your child stand on the mark …and stay on it. Give you child 2 lines and have them memorize them. Then ask them to say them to you – while standing on the mark. Have them stand still and help them stop from fidgeting, pulling on their clothes, swinging their arms etc. Encourage them to speak up, say the lines with enthusiasm, smiles and lots of energy,

6) PRACTICE TAKING PICTURES WITH PHOTOGRAPHERS. Find local photographers. Call local photographers and ask if they want to shoot your for their book. Also ask local photography students. They need models and experience and your child needs experience in front of the camera and taking direction form a non-parent. 

7) FIND LOCAL TRAINING. When kids are little (under 5) there is not much you can do for training. The most useful training you can give them to prepare and build their skills the ways I mentioned above.  But if you can find a local little dramagination class for kids doing improvisation or little plays at your local theatre company or church do that would be great. It will give them practice speaking up and some little performance experience.

Your child may be already putting little shows on at home. Make a big deal out of this give it your full attention. Everybody in your house can stop what they are doing, take seat in front of the child and watch their little show. You can even invite of few of your friends to watch. Tell your child they can do their “show” at a certain time. Let them know it’s coming up in 2 hours, then 1 hour, then ½ hour. Help the child pick put an outfit. Make some popcorn, relax and enjoy! NO criticism. Only applause.

8) GET PROFESIONAL HEADHSOTS When you want to get an agent or Manager for your child and you need headshots. To get started you can send shots you take yourself if they are good. BUT PLEASE!!! Don’t waste your money on professional headshots, especially if your child isn’t able to behave yet. They are kids who are very talented but can’t take direction. There are kids who are less talented and can take direction and are easy to work with. The ideal situation is a very talented kid, who can take direction AND is easy to work with. If you have a talented child at home who you can tell loves performing, singing and dancing, help them develop the discipline they need to translate that into the business world of show. When their behavior is up to snuff and they can stand up in front of casting directors, photographers, managers and agents and follow directions, speak up clearly and express themselves with enthusiasm then your child is ready for professional headshots. Go shot them! Wear solid primary colors without logos – red, blue, purple, green. Choose a happy, smiling big energy shot and a serious more soulful shot. Upload the pictures to ARGENTUM.COM and have 8x10’s printed out with your child’s name on the front and mailed to you.

9) CREATE A RESUME. You need a Resume to go with your child’s headshots. Your child’s resume will have your contact information and information about your child’s skills, experience, training, hobbies etc. Yes, even children have resumes. Albeit they are fairly blank when the child first starts, but they grow along with your child. You will put every acting class, dance class, commercial and print work they do on their fledgling resume.

Cut the resume down to 8x10 to fit perfectly behind the 8x10 Headshot, and then put one staple at the top and one staple at the bottom.

10) FILM A 1-MINUTE VIDEO OF YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALITY Technology makes it easy to communicate with agents and managers. You need a 1-minute video to capture your child personality. You will email this video to talent agent and managers along with your child’s headshot and resume.

To make the video: put your child in front of a blank wall (not in the bathroom, cluttered kitchen.) Use a well-lit room. Put the child on an X on the floor, have them stay on it, say their name and age and have them talk about their favorite friends, Disneyland, a funny story what they like about school, or their favorite TV show, etc.

Upload that video to You Tube and mark it unlisted. When you are ready to submit to kids agencies or kids management companies, you can send the You Tube link in your emails ALONG with their headshots and resume.

10) Create an LA Casting account and submit her yourself - to print stuff.

11) SUBMIT TO KIDS AGENTS AND MANAGERS After doing all of this wonderful prep work at home with your child for a year or so, your child should have some discipline, know how to speak up, stay on their mark, look at the camera when they talk, answer in complete sentences- these are the kinds of kids that do commercials and print work.

Remember when you meet with agents and managers don’t bring sick kids, reschedule, make sure your child has plenty of sleep the night before, don’t bring them tired or hungry to meetings, put them in clean clothes, with shiny squeaky clean faces and hair brushed. Always bring crayons and a coloring book in your purse so children can occupy themselves in a calm way that doesn’t wreck havoc on the offices you are visiting.

You can learn tons of information about getting your children started in TV, commercials and print in my new book “Secrets Of A Hollywood Talent Manager; How To Break Your Kids Into Show Business” available on my website. www.secretsofahollywoodtalentmanager.com

We are always looking for talented kids. Give your young child the best chance for success by preparing them well. Good luck!

Wendy Alane Wright, Talent Manager WAW Entertainment

www.wawentertainment.com

Start Your Acting Auditions WHILE you are in College. Dont wait to gradutate!

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.


Hey college students! You want to be an actor so you enrolled in college and are taking acting classes or you are majoring in theater. You are probably thinking when you graduate college that's when you are going to start your acting career, right? But let me tell you something that will really help you- Professional acting is the kind of business that works better the younger you start. By the time you graduate college you will be 4 years older other actors will already have professional credits and those are the actors you will be competing with for the same roles.

So here is my very important advice for college students in or around Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Dallas

1) AUDITION FOR FILM AND TV WHILE YOU ARE IN COLLEGE
While you are studying in college, its is important that you are also auditioning for film and TV in NYC or LA at the same time - or the closest big city that has casting directors and auditions.

You need to start meeting casting directors as soon as possible so they start to get familiar with you and your work. Do NOT wait until you graduate. Get an agent, go on auditions and start doing some professional work in commercials, TV, film and theater DURING the years you are in college. I'll say it again, you do NOT want to wait until you graduate to start building those relationships. Start as soon as you can while you are young. Do BOTH school and audition at the same time.

2) TRAIN. TRAIN. TRAIN.
Even though you are taking acting in college, you need to take a professional acting classes to develop your cold reading and audition skills. Once these are strong you are ready to get your first agent and start audioning for casting directors.

3) ALWAYS BE ACTING

Do theater productions at college and in the community. Take acting classes in audition techniques, acting, scene study and on camera. Some of your classes will be at collegeand others at professional schools. There is no reason you can't take an acting class in the closet big city 1 or 2 days a month. You need this professional training and so does your resume.

4) SUBMIT YOURSELF FOR PROJECTS

Create an account on Backstage.com upload your picture and create a resume. You can submit yourself to all kinds of acting projects like webseries, student films, short films, and commercials. Do it. You need to get experience and you need the credits on your resume.

5) BUILD YOUR RESUME

You should be building your resume while you are in college by adding a new acting class to it every year, AND by adding acting jobs that you do in short films, commercials, webseries, theater productions, and small roles on TV show etc.The reason I tell you this is the older you are the harder it is in this business. By the time you graduate college in 4 years you want to have at least 2 or 3 TV co-star or guest star credits on your resume.

What is a Co Star Credit?
A co-star is usually one day of work on a TV show with 5 lines or under.

What is a Guest Star Credit?
A guest start is usually 3-5 days of work on a TV show.

6) GET INFORMED ABOUT HOW THE BUSINESS WORKS

Read my book "How To Be A Star Right Where You Are." You can find it on my website SecretsOfAHollywoodTalentManager.com

When agents and managers are looking for new clients, we typically start with kids ages 7-19. They are easier to get auditions for. When you become an adult you will be comptering with actors who already have some TV credits. So YOU need to get some too! That makes agents fell more comfortable signing adults. So get some TV credits and build your resume while you are still in college.

Good luck!!!!!

Wendy Alane Wright
The Hollywood Talent Manager
SECRETSOFAHOLLYWOODTALENTMANAGER.COM
wawentertainment@yahoo.com

Should I pay to have my child attend iPOP?

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.

YOU WANT THE TRUTH? My name is Wendy Alane Wright and I am a Talent Manager at WAW Entertainment in Los Angeles. (www.wawentertainment.com)  I attended iPOP this summer, there were 700 kids there. I signed one AMAZING child from it. I am working closely with her and her parents to build her acting career. iPOP itself is a very legit event.  That is a great opportunity for me because throughout the rest of the year I have to go to small showcases of 15-30 kids all over the US.

I can’t speak for every JRP franchise. I have heard good and bad things about them but they are VERY, VERY, VERY EXPENSIVE. Way more expensive than regular acting classes and headshot sessions. I do know that every child who attends iPOP does not get signed from the event, BUT A HANDFUL DO GET SIGNED. The talented kids, who are outspoken, have a great monologue, have a good look and are personable get signed and get a lot of interest from many agents and managers. We all gravitate to the best ones. It's not for all people.

You could spend less money flying to LA, getting real headshots done with www.flygirlphoto.com
Creating a resume (see below) and emailing your childs headshot and resume directly to the same kids of agents that show up at iPOP.

There are vultures in this business preying on the dreams of parents and children who are entering show business. You can rely on me and my blogs to always guide you in the right direction. I would also like to suggest you get your information from these reputable sources as well:

CHILDREN IN FILM, BIZ PARENTS and HOLLYWOOD MOM BLOG.

LIST
Abrams Jeremy Apody jeremy.apody@abramsart.com
CESD Phone: Call and ask (310) 475 2111
Daniel Hoff Anna Leigh annaleigh@danielhoffagency.com
Coast To Coast Meredith Fine mfine@ctctalent.com
Osbrink Cindy Osbrink contact@osbrinkagency.com
AEF Milton Perea milton@aeftalent.com
Savage Stella Alex savageagency@gmail.com
Media Artists Group Robin Nassif robin@mediaartistsgroup.com
Howard Talent West Lynn Eriks htwcomm@pacbell.net
Jaime Ferrar Agency Joey Robson Joey@jfala.com
Don Buchwald & Associates Julie Buchwald julia@buchwald.com
Bloc Talent Agency Jennifer Musgrove jennifer@blocagency.com
First Class Talent Cynthia Barry firstclasstalentagency@gmail.com

I LOVE how iPOP gets so many decision makers into the same room, 40-50 top agents and managers and we are ALL looking for great kids. BUT we see way more unprepared kids than prepared kids. Kids that have no business being in show business. You should BE AWARE I believe JRP's take the money whether the kids have a real shot or not. They are offering a little "training", I say that very loosely along with below industry standard headshots.  They don't turn down money. Dreams are big business. They are in the dream business. They do put your kids in the room with real opportunity but NO guarantees.The money you spend is gone. You can't expect anything for it.

No one can tell you your child will get an agent at iPOP. No one can tell you your child will work in TV, Commercials and Print. No one knows that. We take chances and sign kids, then submit them to Casting Directors and SOME kids get called in while others never do. WE don't even know how casting will respond to kids. We guess, based on years of experience. A kid could book the very first job they audition for or not book a job for a year or ever. We don't know that either. Anyone who tells you differently is lying.

Parents please understand this: Casting Directors receive about 2,000 headshots for every single role. We don't know who CD's are going to pick to audition. We do know the kids who have an outgoing personality, can speak up clearly, have tons of energy and can act have a MUCH better chance of getting an audition and an agent or manager.


So I think parents MUST BE SMART AND ABSOLUTELY MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS ARE GETTING OUTSIDE TRAINING -  make sure your kids are taking additional acting classes outside of the showcase system to get the best preparation and bank for their buck.  Don’t spend your last money on ANYTHING like JRP, BARBIZON, JOHN CASABLANCAS. These are systems that makes tons of money. The kids who succeed in this business are very few.

I always suggest to parents and kids who are new to the business to understand these fundamentals:

GET REAL TRAINING Kids over age 4-6 should have improvisation based acting training. Kids ages 7+up should take acting classes, scene study classes, on camera commercial audition classes and improvisation classes BEFORE they pay thousands of dollars to attend ANY Showcase. Your kids need to be READY for the opportunities. So many parents just throw their kids into situations they are not ready for and they throw the money away because agents and managers doesn't sign untalented or unprepared kids.

If you can afford to do it and get your child trained and prepared for iPOP you will have the luxury of meeting with 10-50 agents and managers at once. That is AMAZING, all in1 room at 1 time. You will also have access to people you would not otherwise get access to, especially in rural areas. That's valuable.

But there are OTHER ways to get your child an agent that don't coast you an arm & a leg. Simply send your child’s headshot and resumes to Agents and Managers for .35 postage. Pay $300 for Headshots and $200 a month for acting classes for 1- 3 years and maybe someone will be interested.

Either way it’s a all luck of the draw whether you spend $2,000 or $17,000 on a showcase system. Becoming an actor takes way more than attending a showcase and getting an agent. Even after you get an agent there is SO much you have to do to have a career. Your kids agent might get you an audition but if your child isn't prepared well s/he won't book it.

My company WAW ENTERTAINMENT talent management in Los Angeles is always looking for talented & beautiful kids ages 6-14 for Film, TV, Webseries and Commercials. If you live in Los Angeles or plan to be here for 2-3 months between Feb-July or Sept-Nov. submit headshots and Resumes to wawentertainment@yahoo.com

Please include: Photos of your child, age, height, weight, city and state you live in and a 30 second video of your child talking about something important to them. Sports, friends, school, food, movies etc. You can record the video on your iPhone, upload it to You Tube, mark video as unlisted and include the link in your email to us. If we are interested we will contact you. We want to get an idea of their personality. We look forward to reviewing your submissions.

I HIGHLY suggest every parent learn the facts about breaking your kids into show business by reading my 75 page e-book:"How To Be A Star Right Where You Are" (for parents outside of Los Angeles) or "Secrets Of A Hollywood Talent Manager" (for parents in LA):
That way YOU can make SMART choices about how to get your kids started in commercials, film and TV the LEGIT ways available on my website and save money and time.

http://www.secretsofahollywoodtalent.manager.com.com

And so you know I am not trying to "Scam" you here is a $6 link to purchase the book which is normally $21. https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7RRQQCW3S333W

 Once you have downloaded it SAVE it to your desk top and read.

   

Wendy Alane Wright
The Hollywood Talent Manager
WAW Entertainment
http://www.secretsofahollywoodtalentmanager.com