| Topic Name: |
Success Without An Agent |
| Message Name: |
i like mine |
| Date Posted: |
06/09/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
All of the above posters have valid points. You can be successful at getting a job with an agent and without one. It simply depends on what you want. Many people with anchors fare well. Good for you. However, there are far more signed to agents that can't even get out of the gate. In my opinnion, an agents success is a craps gamble and we are the numbers on the dice. Therefore, the chance of securing a position hinges mostly on pure luck. Sure they make a few calls and make you think that they are chummy with the ND's (a few are) but other than that, what are they really doing to promote your career. Agents are tied to so many clients nowadays that they rarely give individual, specialized attention to their clients. Most don't even believe in taking the time to target markets on your behalf. Unless, you have proven to be their bonified cash cow. They are mostly reactive. Ask your agent to send you the tape that he/she is sending out. Haven't you ever wondered what's so good about it. Haven't you ever asked yourself why did he/she use that first or place that piece there? I mean sure, you do quality work but where is the agent magic? There is none. Just the work that you sent. Speaking for itself. I've seen talent with the same agent, at the same station, go up against one another for the same job. There is no real loyalty. It's all a numbers game. Just a game. You have to decide if you want to play and if it's really worth the price.
In case you're wondering... I have an agent.
I know how the game is played. I don't always like it but at least I know.
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| Message: |
my agent has been very helpful. For a number of reasons.
First...for locating a few jobs I didnt even know were out there.
Second... for sending tapes to places I wouldnt have otherwise thought to consider..but upon hearing my options..developed an interest.. (ie: expanding your horizons)
Third... the agent knows about money. If a station says: "were paying 40,000 for this job.." The agent knows "thats too low... I think we can get 43 out of him."
On top of all that, its good having someone on your side, to critique you, and point you in the right direction and give you good advice, so you dont get taken advantage of.
I think the big point is...and others touched on this. And agent wont get you a job. You get the job based on whether the ND likes you. Period. But there are alot of nice benefits to having one. But youve got to be an involved and aggressive client, as well.
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