3 Secrets About How Agents Pitch Actors
Did you know that agents pitch actors? What if we told you that your big break in the industry is not coming from a self-submission on a casting website or even from your agent submitting you for a role? Your dream job is not coming from those submissions, where casting will probably lose you in the shuffle of several talented actors. Agents Pitch Actors for the most coveted roles in the entertainment industry every day.
Your big break, dear actor, is likely going to come from a pitch. That’s right. Who is pitching you?
- Yourself,
- your agent, or
- Both?
Who are they pitching you to?
- Casting directors,
- producers,
- or executives and showrunners?
What are they pitching you for?
- A guest star role on TV,
- a speaking part on a big studio movie,
- your life-changing big break?
Why You Need to Be Pitched
From a pitch, you can stand out from the crowd and show that you have what it takes to bring the role to life and make it a success. With the right pitch, you can get the role you want and break into the industry.
Remember, the goal of your pitch should be to make an impact. That means, to show that you are the best person for the job. Also, a pitch is a way to demonstrate you have something special to offer. And, also to emphasize the qualities that make you different from other actors. With the right pitch, you can be seen and heard, and take your career to the next level.
[Read also: Agents and Managers: 5 Unique Differences]
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Secret #1 – Only A Few Actors Are Considered For The Best Roles
Tony Martinez, in his book “An Agent Tells All” says, “Agents are always working the phones, trying to get casting directors to meet their clients. The calls never stop.” He goes on to explain that, for each role, there might be hundreds of actors perfectly capable of playing them. “The question is, how many will get a chance to read? Probably about ten.”
The truth is, no matter how talented you are, there are hundreds of actors around your age, with similar looks, and equally talented. Without a pitch, you would probably not be able to stand out in the middle of the competition. That is why agents must pitch actors.
The key to success in this situation is to have an agent who knows how to make your work stand out from the crowd and present you as an ideal candidate for the role. Agents understand the business and know the right questions to ask, who to talk to, and how to advocate for their clients. Moreover, they know how to help their clients distinguish themselves from the large pool of competitors. By delivering a persuasive pitch, an agent can demonstrate why their client stands out from the field and position them for success.
[Read also: 9 Insanely Common Misconceptions About Agents]
Secret #2 – Relationships with Casting Directors Make All the Difference
Tony Martinez also says that because production will only consider a few actors, “it’s crucial for agents to have excellent relationships with casting. It’s important that our submissions get opened and that our phone calls get taken. Agents want their clients to get the best roles. Submitting without following up does not help their chances of booking their actors. That is why good agents pitch actors. You might think that casting directors watch every self-tape they get and pick the best actors from those. In reality, that is only part of the job. They are also receiving pitch calls from agents all day, trying to get their actors to be considered for the best roles.
Having connections with casting directors is paramount when it comes to successful representation. Agents need to ensure their submissions get opened and their client receives a call-back. By merely submitting without actively engaging the casting director, actors risk missing out on opportunities. Good agents will go the extra mile and actively pitch their actors to get them cast in the best roles. Casting directors not only watch self-tapes but actively listen to pitches from agents to determine which actor is suitable for the role. So having an agent who is well-connected to the casting community is invaluable for an actor looking to secure work.
[Read also: Professional Acting: 3 Unexpected Truths]
Secret #3 – Actors’ Big Breaks Happen Because Agents Pitch Actors
“Selling is a very important part of an agent’s job. (…) That’s why it doesn’t matter if a client is established or brand new. Agents will push the actor they feel have the greater chance of booking the role.” That is another quote from the book “An Agent Tells All.” [Check the book on Amazon]
You may think you are about to get your best chance at succeeding in your acting career (your “big break”) if you are featured on every casting website there is. Well, that is wrong. When Breakdowns went digital, while that certainly simplified the submission process, it created the illusion that pitches aren’t needed anymore. The reality is, bad agents mass submit actors, waiting for “something to stick to the wall.” If they have 20 clients that are your type, they will submit all 20 and hope one gets the job – that’s when they will cash their commission.
Good agents, on the other hand, pitch their actors. They call the casting director on behalf of the client they submitted for the role and convince them to take a second look at their audition tape, or even pass it along to the final decision maker (a director or executive producer). And that is how actors get their big breaks in the industry.
[Read also: How To Get An Agent]
Conclusion
Talk to your agent and find out how you are being pitched. Work with them to improve the quality of your audition tapes, create a target list of movie producers and TV shows to audition for, and be ready to be the best actor you can be. If you are making your agent look good by impressing casting directors, you are closer to the finish line than you can imagine. They will be happy to pitch you, and you will no longer be just an actor in a pool of talent. And always remember: good agents pitch actors!
At Teacup of Wisdom, we share knowledge and insights about the entertainment industry from the actor’s point of view to inspire and empower your acting journey.
