Welcome to the 10 Talent Blog/Vlog! A bit about 10 Talent, I am Sarah Matton, Founder and Director. For over a decade I have worked professionally in the field of musical theatre. In the fall of 2021, I expanded and brought on another Agent who has first-hand knowledge and experience in the Industry, Jessica Cvitkovic. We have worked together on stage, and now as a team at 10 Talent. We hope to provide some tips to all Artists in the Industry.
Usually, the first thing that an Actor thinks about once they graduate Theatre or Film School is getting an agent, but not everyone is ready for an agent right away. If you are submitting to multiple agencies and not getting replies, here are a few reasons why:
1| Perhaps you need more training. Theatre school is incredible and has a lot to offer, but once you graduate, the training doesn’t stop. If you are pursuing film and tv, you should be taking film classes on a regular basis. If you are pursing Musical theatre, you should be taking singing lessons, etc.
2| Perhaps you need more experience. If your resume is made up of training, awards, and special skills, it may be time to do some leg work and get involved in your industry. Are you on Acting platforms such as Casting Workbook or Mandy? These platforms allow you to self-submit on Student films, and non-union projects. Are you following Casting Directors on social media to stay up to date on what projects they are involved in? These are a few ways you can book your own work to get started.
3| Perhaps you don’t know who you are yet. It is a top priority to know who you are as an Actor and what you bring to the table. Talent who submit packages who are interested in “everything” are difficult to categorize. This is not trying to put you in a box, this is needing to know where you THRIVE as an Artist. Where are we putting our energy and what are your very specific short- and long-term goals? This is also a great opportunity to figure out what sets you apart from who they already rep on their roster.
4| Perhaps you need to do more homework. General emails will get a general response or no response at all. How can you be more creative with your submission package to stand out? Maybe you need to rework your demo footage or get new headshots. If you don’t have professional headshots, a resume and a proper demo, your chances are slim.
*Tip* If you know actors who are represented, you can you ask what they did to get a meeting with your desired agency.
5| Perhaps timing isn’t on your side. As a smaller agency, we are very careful not to take on too many clients at once. If we just took on a new client, we will be focused on getting them up and running. There is a learning curve, and we don’t want to spread ourselves too thin.