|
PLEASE NOTE, These are some basic answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive. MikeLemonCasting does not offer talent career counseling, nor do we give out referrals. Our
job is
to do one thing, and that, is CASTING. If you feel you need guidance or training, consider taking
classes. There are many places that offer classes, including MLC, so do your homework to find the
best class for you. There are so many considerations and so much to know that we sincerely recommend
you attend our Business of the Business seminar if you want our take on the industry. It's a 3 –4 hour seminar
filled with business facts and ideas.
Agency Pro FAQ
General Acting FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AGENCY PRO
What is Agency Pro?
Agency Pro is a software company. We at MikeLemonCasting have purchased their software and use it to run our talent database.
How do you utilize agency pro to run your office?
Basically, there are 2 steps to the Agency Pro Software.
The first step is our in-house database.
We no longer maintain the paper files in the office. Everyone's information is stored in our electronic in-house database. (So be sure to bring a hard copy of your headshot and resume with you to each
and every audition.)
Each actor on file here will have their own free online profile, consisting of 2 headshots and their resume, which they will need to log onto and update regularly. Talent need to go in and type their resume, upload their contact information and upload their pictures themselves - online. They do this from the convenience of their own home and their own computer. If you do not go into your account to type your resume in or make sure we have a current copy of your headshot, then it won't get done. You are responsible for maintaining your own information. This database is what we will be utilizing to contact talent and their agents to schedule auditions and such, so it is important to make sure this information stays current. Your information in this in-house electronic database will only be accessible to you and our staff.
There is a second step to the database.
The second step to Agency Pro is if the talent want to go "Active". This is the online portion of the database consisting of the talent's headshot and
resume, which our clients can access. Clients would utilize this if they wanted to pre-select talent for their auditions, cast talent directly from their headshot, and the like.
Talent with activated files
have their own professional website that they can direct anyone to if they wish them to view it. In addition, those with active files can have up to 20 pictures, VO demos, and video clips.
No one is required to go active in order to be on file with us.
Being active is a personal decision to invest in the marketing opportunities the software offers.
Again, it is your
responsibility to make sure that all of your information in the database is current and updated regularly.
But, remember, active or not, you are still in our electronic in-house database where MLC
staff can access your information and submit you for in-house auditions.
So if I go Active, does that mean I will get more work?
The way you get work in the business is through talent, dedication, hard work and luck.
Being active on Agency Pro can open you up to more opportunities if the client chooses to view people's personal
websites rather than have us schedule an audition. However, if you choose not to go active, we will still submit you for in-house auditions as we have done in the past.
So, do I just fill out the application then and I'm on file?
If you are a new talent and fill out an application and submit it, you will be accepted for extra work only.
To be considered for principal work, you must come to one of our open calls, the first Wednesday of every month, to be evaluated for our principal casting files.
Even if you choose to go active and have
not yet attended an open call for principal work, you will only be active as an extra until you attend an open call here and are accepted to be on principal file.
(Please note, our Open Call the first
Wednesday of each month is for Adults. Teens are seen twice a year and children are seen for auditions through agent submission.)
What if I want to be on file for Extra/background work only?
If you are interested in extra work, you need to upload an application for extra work. No need to come to the open call we hold the first Wednesday of each month for principal work.
Now that everything is digital, do I still need to bring a headshot and resume with me to auditions?
Yes.
You should always bring a headshot and resume to every audition. Better yet, bring 2 as sometimes our client requests and extra one to be sent to their client.
What if I have an agent?
Being on Agency Pro will not affect the relationship any talent has with MLC or with their agent. That will all remain the same.
My agent also uses
Agency Pro as their software and I have an account with them, does that mean I'm in your files as well?
No, Agency Pro is a software we utilize to run our talent database. Our database is just that,
our database. Compare it to using any software program, for example: Microsoft office. We may use Microsoft office to run our computer's word processing program. The White House my also use
Microsoft office to run their computers. It does not mean that we are linked into the White House's databases or computer systems. We just bought the same software product.
But Agency Pro offers a Network Discount, what does that mean?
Agency Pro is offering a discount to people who work with multiple clients that use their software. Basically, if your agent uses Agency Pro software and you have gone active with your agent and
now you choose to go active with MikeLemonCasting, Agency Pro offers a discount for activating your second account utilizing their software. This is a discount Agency Pro, the software provider, offers.
It is not any type of agreement or association between the companies who use their software.
Occasionally emails will be sent from Agency Pro with information regarding updates, sales, etc. Please
feel free to contact Agency Pro directly for any questions regarding technical support at support@agencypro.com.
Mike Lemon Casting values all of the people we work with and tries to stay up to speed with technology that serves the talent, their agent/manager, Mike Lemon Casting and our clients. You
may contact Mary Denise here at Mike Lemon Casting if you have any additional questions about Agency Pro.
To Enter Your Information in Our Database, Agency Pro, Click Here
FREQUENTLY ASKED GENERAL ACTING QUESTIONS
How can I be an actor?
Like every other profession, acting is a job that requires knowledge, perseverance, and skill.
We have cast actors at many different levels of training and experience. However, given the level of competition you'll encounter and the fact that the nuances demanded by each medium (film, commercial, voice over, theatre, etc.) are different, you need to continue to learn and grow, as a person and as an artist. This can be done many different ways. Take classes, watch people, go to the theatre, rent movies, continue to hone your craft, and above all, realize that this is a business, so learn the market and plan an ongoing marketing strategy.
Do you represent talent?
No, we DO NOT represent talent. Talent are represented by Agents.
Agents are the ones who will submit talent for auditions and earn commission from your work. As Casting Directors, we work for our clients, the producers, directors and production companies who hire us, assisting them in finding the right talent for the job. We do this by sending out breakdowns to the agents and by contacting talent who do not have agents directly for auditions.
What are the procedures for being cast on a project you are auditioning?
We do not seek unsolicited talent.
If you would like to be on principal file with us, you need to come to an open call with all of your professional materials ready. (Please refer to our open call section on the website for information on procedures and times)
If you are selected to be on principal file with us, and an audition comes along with a role you are suited for, we'll call you/your agent to schedule you for an audition.
Please do not call or email
the office to see what's new or available.
Any new projects will be listed on our website and/or stay in touch with your agent to see what work is available. Again, it is not a casting director's job to get you work or auditions, that is an agent's job.
So what does it mean if I'm "on-file" with MikeLemonCasting?
If you have come to an open call for principal talent and were evaluated by one of our casting
directors who told you that you will be on file for Principal Casting. That simply means you have passed our screening process. Before we put any talent in front of our clients, we must first evaluate them to
be sure their level of ability is appropriate for work on a professional level. We require agent's talent to come in for an open call as well as talent not represented by anyone.
Don't assume that
once you have been put on file here that your work is done. If we were an agent, that might be true.
But as we're casting directors, our responsibility is to those directors, producers, production companies, etc. who hire us and are always asking for new faces and/or established talent. This is show BUSINESS and therefore each actor and/or their agent has the job of marketing themselves and constantly keeping up on their craft and their career.
Please Note:
It is up to you to keep your file updated with current copies of your headshot and resume as well as a current talent information form. The files we keep are for our casting purposes. You should always bring a headshot and resume with you to each audition and not be taking from our files.
How do I get an agent?
Selecting an agent is a personal choice.
They are the person who will represent you and fight to get you auditions and work. We work with numerous agents in the city and beyond. Do your research and when you're ready with your professional materials, contact the different agencies in the city to see what their policies are for seeing new talent.
What are my "professional materials" as an actor?
Your headshot and resume.
What is a headshot?
Your headshot is a picture of you – that looks like you. Not a glamour shot or character picture. The current standard in the industry is an 8 x 10, black and white, matte finish photo, however
color is coming into vogue. There are numerous photographers in the area and NY. You should shop around and find a photographer whose work you identify with and whom you feel comfortable with.
What should my resume look like?
An Acting resume is different that a business resume. It will list the project you acted in, the role and either the director or
production company who produced that project.
It should also have your personal stats and a contact number. If you're new in the business, list classes and special skills you might have. Don't lie on your resume, everyone has to start somewhere and imagine how embarrassed you'd be if ever called on it.
How do I get started in Voice-Over?
To work in Voice-Over, you will need a voice over demo. You can snail mail your demo (CD format only) to the attention of Rob Holt
to be considered for VO casting.
Every demo we receive is listened to and reviewed. If we believe that the demo has potential, we will contact you and ask you to do a "live" audition to get a feel for how you work, how well you can interpret scripts, how well you take direction, what kind of range you have, and how to present you in the best possible light to our clients and peers
.
Please note: we will contact you if we are interested in your demo. Please do not call the office to request an evaluation on your demo. Also, please do not submit any demos by email.
Where can I get a Voice-over demo done?
There are many recording studios in and around the cities of Philadelphia, Baltimore/DC and New York that offer voice over demo
packages, as well as Sedona Sound here at MLC. You will want to do some research and see who offers the best package for you.
How can I get my baby/child involved in the business?
We will not see anyone at an open call under the age of 18. There are specific teen open calls for children age 13 – 18. (Please refer to our open call section of the website for dates and
times) Children younger than 13, we do not really keep on file, but rely on agent submissions when there is an audition. Kids' interests and appearances change so rapidly and it is just too much for us
to keep up with. If you want your baby/child involved in the business, you should contact an agent and again, be sure to do your homework.
What if I want to be an "extra" and do background work?
To be considered for background work here at MikeLemonCasting, Please mail a current photo of yourself along with you contact information, phone number and address. Be sure to mark the envelope as
a "Submission for Extra work." You can go to our website and download our talent information form to mail in along with your picture so we can have all of the information we need.
Please note: if we have you in our "extras files," and/or if you have attended an open call for background work, it does not mean you are "on-file" at MLC to be considered for principal casting.
You will have to come to the specified open call for that, held on the first Wednesday of every month.
Please do not call the office to find out what projects are shooting. Any need we have for
background talent will be posted here on our website in the "MLC Casting News" Section.
Also, please note, we do not accept emailed submissions, unless specifically requested.
|
|
