The Talent Agent
"As we advance in the different technologies, the agent community needs to be prepared and accept more than just a picture and resume," observes Ken Slevin, executive vice president at Cunningham, Escott, Dipene & Associates in Manhattan. "I like someone to send me a DVD. The bottom line is, if you're an actor, you want to be able to reach the agent. Be creative in the different ways you present yourself. For example, in the voice-over area, people can send us their two minutes or a minute and we can listen at our desks. Years ago it was reel-to-reel, then the cassette, and now we can do everything at our computers."
What should go on the DVD, video, or CD?
"Less is more," Slevin responds quickly. "Hit 'em hard and hit 'em fast. Grab 'em. The important thing, a lot of actors sometimes will read or present stuff, and it's not how they're going to be cast. Be true to yourself and present something that's within yourself. If you're a character actor, don't do a leading man; do a victim. If you're a leading man, don't do a far-out character."
Does Slevin actually take time to look at actors' websites?
"Absolutely! We've signed talent based on their website."
The website should offer an honest representation of the actor, Slevin insists.
"Again, hit 'em hard, hit 'em fast," he urges. "You want something similar to the picture you do of yourself. The worst thing an agent goes through is that you call talent back based on a picture, then you go into the waiting room to meet them and you can't find that person. Then you see them and say, 'Whoa! This is not the person.' Anything on the website, you want it to be truly representative of what you can offer."
Slevin points out that email represents a good way to contact an agent.
"The agent is on the phone all day, so phone calls are difficult. But at their leisure after hours, from the office or from home, agents can check email. I've signed somebody from emailing me."
Still, with all the abundance of technology, Slevin reminds, "Mail and postcards still are helpful. There are many ways to reach people now, not just the new technology, but you can still use snail mail. There's still something to be said for touching the picture, turning it over and seeing the resume.
"Agents come in all types, and you don't know what will reach them," Slevin concludes. "So you need to know all the ways to reach them. What doesn't work for one will work for another."