Talent Jug - Casting Calls and Auditions

What’s the Difference Between an Agent and a Manager?

Many people assume that Talent Agents and Managers do the same thing. That is not true. An actor will hire a manager for help finding work, to give advice, and generally assist in molding an actor’s career.

A manager has more of a personalized relationship with an actor than an agent. Because of that, managers will always have fewer clients than agents. They often classes and assist in putting together headshots.

Managers will also make all your important networking connections. For their services, managers will usually receive a 15% commission.

So what exactly can agents do for you?

Agents, on the other hand, are often the ones dealing with contracts and getting the deal signed. Talented agents will work hand and hand with casting directors finding the right fit. They might send more than one actor to an audition because they are working with a larger pool of talent.

Agents also tend to know more about the ins and outs of the industry and what production companies are gearing up for their next shoot. Often times managers are former agents, and therefore can assist in a variety of ways.

The best managers and agents are well connected in the entertainment industry and have the pull to get you into the right auditions. Productions often prefer to work with talent that has gone through one of those channels. Getting discovered still happens but a helping hand can really work wonders.

Ace Your Next Audition with These 5 Memorization Tips

Your headshot got you in the door, and now you have to come through with a great audition. › Continue reading

Tags: Acting Tips, Audition Tips, Career Advice, Script Memorization Tips

Secrets of Reality TV Production

It’s no secret that reality television shows aren’t nearly as “real” as they’re presented. After years of allegations of fraud and misrepresentation, many reality TV producers have started referring to their programming as “unscripted drama.” This is actually a much more accurate term for the shows they make. Competitions like Survivor and “controlled living environment” shows like The Real World are meticulously cast, produced, and edited to come up with a packaged product that will hold the viewer’s attention, provide consistent drama, and fulfill a human interest desire. If you happen to get cast in a reality show, there are a number of things you should know going in that will make the experience smoother and more rewarding. › Continue reading

Tags: Acting Tips, Career Advice, Reality TV Casting Call, Secrets of Reality TV Production

Working As An Actor. What Does It Really Mean?

I sometimes wonder how it’s possible to dabble at acting. I mean, working as an actor or working the beat, as I call it can be hard work. And if one isn’t fortunate enough to have his finances in order before starting to pursue acting and has to work at least part-time, how do you stay focused?

What I’ve learned so far in my young career is that this can be a full-time job itself, if you want it to be. When I’m hitting it hard day after day, my time is filled pretty much to the brim. What working as an actor really means is lots of drive and a lot of discipline, lots of stamina and a lot of energy.

Working As An Actor Means Working The Beat: A Typical Day

My days usually start around 8:15am with a good breakfast of cereal, toast, yogurt, a big bowl of mixed fruit and green or white tea. While I’m enjoying my favorite meal of the day, the computer is connected to the internet and I’m checking my email hoping that a casting director or someone has contacted me from one of my online submissions the day before and checking out the three casting websites I subscribed to, seeing if anything interesting in the way of roles for productions, films, tv shows or what have you, came throughthat I should submit myself for. › Continue reading

Tags: Acting Tips, Audition Tips, Career Advice, Working as an actor

Where Should I Get My Audition Monologues?

Q: If there is an audition, and I am asked to bring a monologue or dialogue, something I did not write, what do I bring and where can I find it? Should it be from a movie or a commercial? Do I write it from listening to a show…. where do I get this script?

A: The script you should bring to your audition can vary greatly depending on what kind of audition you’re going to. If you’re trying out for the lead role in a sitcom it’s probably a bad idea to show up with a serious Shakespearean monologue. Likewise, you shouldn’t show up to an audition for King Lear with a script from an episode of Friends. › Continue reading

Tags: Audition Monologues, Audition Tips