| Topic Name: |
Success Without An Agent |
| Message Name: |
There Are Advantages |
| Date Posted: |
06/09/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
I really do believe that there are a few benefits to having solid "representation." I agree with "infinity squared" that ultimately it is your TAPE that will get you in the door, and it is your INTERVIEW with staff that will land you the job -- but there is so much more at play BEFORE you get to that point.
There are so many tapes sent to ND's on a daily basis. I work as an Anchor at an O/O in a top 5 station -- I am the only one who actually takes home the tapes that my ND is discarding before receiving the NEXT batch of 50 or so every 3 days! (I really believe that you need to constantly work on your craft by observing the work of others shopping for jobs, and by seeking out constructive criticism from mentors and colleagues.)
The only tapes that actually get more than 10 seconds of air time in my ND's VCR, are the ones that are PUSHED by agents who have a reputation of sending work that they know the ND believes to be "ready" for the market.
I have also hear the ND say things like -- with an agent they're not "bothered" by pushy talent.
I also know that "my" ND frowns on talent that "hunts for a job" while working for a current employer -- they have mentioned in editorial meetings that "they" feel like it's "cheating" while in a relationship.
Again, this is only MY observation. Everyone's situation is different -- but don't "dismiss" representation without truly weighing the pros and cons. |
| Message: |
to having an agent, no doubt about it. But is it worth what you pay compared to the alternative? That's the point I make. I say in most cases, no. Paying five to ten percent of your salary over the life of a contract and even into a renewal is a lot of money. And in many cases, especially those in small to medium markets, they realize too late that they could have gotten the job on their own. Talent and news directors alike are conditioned to the existence of agents and the financial structure. I think it's time to pause and say, wait a minute, are these middle people really necessary most of the time. Or better yet, let's go the way of other business sectors and consider how fees are paid to headhunters in other fields. That makes much more sense.
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