How Does a aspiring comedian get and Agent or Manager..?

Post by **Robbie** » Sat Mar 06, 2004 6:03 pm

Hello again, I know that some of you up and commers or even working comics are trying to get either representation or New representation. Well here ya go.

If your not a member of either SAG or AFTRA you can pick up the "ROSS REPORT". It is available at any news Stand, it'll cost you $7.00 and it has a listing of reputable Agents and Managers from L.A. to NY. Then get your headshots, resume & and a CLEAR TAPE! Good picture and Sound is a big must. Then write a cover letter to the agency's and submit your package, with WORKING CONTACT NUMBERS! then you can either wait for them to call you (you know the old "don't call us we'll call you....Crap" or Bug the shit out of them....try number 2 call them everyweek if you can try to set up and interview at there office and have them come see you live.

Make sure your set is strong, if it isn't here's your tip...keep rolling with the jokes. What you don't know is a lot of comics on T.V. now didn't have killer sets at there showcase. They just kept doing there set in a professional way. REMEMBER CONFIDENCE IS YOU FRIEND. If you think your hot shit...they will too! Now your headshots should show some life, be simple props and all that other crazy shit ain't cool. remember SHOW BIZNESS this is the Bizness part.

Then after that polish your material, and USE YOUR OWN MATERIAL!!! I know plenty of comics that have use other peoples material and got deals from it, but for one, all us pro's talk and we will check you on it. And if your trying to get with a certain agency or manager we'll let them know...remember the other hollywood cliche` "It's not what you know but who you know" and joke theives will get salted on. Now that you've got the basic's without the bull, you can help yourself. Good luck any questions hit me up...

Post by **Jennifer** » Sun Mar 07, 2004 4:28 pm

Robbie,
this is very kool of you!jenny

Post by **Vee** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 8:25 pm

Robbie,

what you are saying is all good and dandy...really. you gave some awesome info. But honestly, if you are a talented motherfucker the managers and agents will find you!!!!

Speak your truth and be heard. You'll be a star!!!

Post by **Robbie** » Wed Mar 10, 2004 12:34 pm

Vee,
Sometimes but that is not the case. I know plenty of talented Bastards that were with one of the top 5 agency's and when your dropped from those agency's, because there are other bigger names on there roster; your vapor. And plus most agents and managers take referals only. So talent is one thing, bizness is the other. and I know you can have all the talent in the world but your headshot will still sit on the shelf because other clients that are bringing in money are given more attention. Or if there are other clients just like you.?

Post by **Gareth** » Wed Mar 10, 2004 1:27 pm

vee,

total agreement with robbie. i may be new to comedy, but i am a proffesionally trained dancer, who is represented by one of the top dance agents in LA.

lemme put it like this... this shit is cut throat. all of show biz is. and think of it this way... would you want to do biz with someone who doesnt even care about their own career? the diligence you show is a key factor in building up your reputation.

gareth

Post by **Vee** » Wed Mar 10, 2004 8:11 pm

Robbie,

This mesage is also in response to Gareth's meassage:

You guys are obviously coming from the "talents" point of view. It's true....this business is cut throat. I take my hat off to you. You niggas hear "no" more often than "yes". That's gotta be hard. I love an artist. No matter what kind...Writers, actors, comedians...painters. Whatever you do, do it well. I appreciate all that kind of shit. Let me just share this...Headshots are essential. Managers/agents are essentials. That's just the truth. Good ones are by referral only. That's the sad part but..that's the easy part. MAny want to go that route. That's also how many end up on shelves. Wasting away with unused talent beacause they took that route. They didn't do any interviwing for agents-they got interviewed! Many don't consider it a two way street. I don't care, even if you're with the best agency in LA...if your not vibing with you agent...fuck that! If your agent is not jocking your ass...just walk away. It ain't worth it. Everybody's wasting time. The truth of the matter is that you need your agent to love yo ass to work for your ass. Your agents has to be your biggest fan...TRUST!!!!!

Think about it boys...

Vee!

Post by **Robbie** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 5:48 am

Vee,
Thank you, your response was well though, well put, and in the real world it aint shit

Just thought I'd say something different.. I had a manager I just fired, he was on my jock, but didn't have the brains to work with his clients. So I chose to do it solo once again. Referrals aren't the easy part, anyone can refer you and if you vibe or not sometimes that's not the case. In my case on big management firm loved me except one lady who doesn't like black comedians. And she went out of her way, to not get me signed. I have reps from her office I've never met come up to me at clubs and say we're pullin for you to get you in, you'd be perfect for us, we don't have anyone that's your type. This story can go on and on. But most agency's the big ones at that, want everyones input to make it unanamous. You still have to deal with bullshit on all levels.
Thanks again Vee

Post by **Vee** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 8:43 pm

Robbie,

Amen Babyboy!!! Bullshit is alive and kicking in this business. I'm gonna open my own agency one day and and the receptionist must say when she picks up the phone, "Sluts, Hoes, Pimps and Bitches...commercial or theatrical?" LOLOLOLOLOLOL

You keep doing your thang dude...

Vee