Blackthorn Talent Management Inc. is currently searching for new talent. If you are an Actor or Entertainer for either Film, TV or Stage, please email or send your Photo's and Resume, complete with cover letter to:
Blackthorn Talent Management Inc.
54 Chaparral Ridge Park South East
Calgary, Alberta
Canada, T2X 0E4
Phone: 587 288 6115
Email: Caljames@blackthorntalent.com
The questions below are a few of the Faq's. So, we thought we would list them and answer the questions as best we could. The answers can be applied to any agency and I think most agents you meet would give you the same information. If you have any questions about Blackthorn Talent or the industry in general, please feel free to email us and we will try to answer your questions as best we can.
customerservice@blackthorntalent.com
FAQ's
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How do I get an Agent ... ?
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Where do I get Photos ... ?
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What should be on my Resume'... ?
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What about the Unions ?
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What about Classes or Workshops... ?
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How do I get experience...?
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What about Extra Work...?
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What is the Casting Work Book...?
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The Audition, Do's and Don'ts.....?
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Questions to ask an Agent....?
How do I get an Agent ... ?
Well there are several ways of finding an Agent. The first thing to do would be to check out the internet. You may have already done this. If not, check out www.vancouveractorsguide.com they have a listing of the current Agents in Vancouver. You can also check out www.ubcp.com (Union of B.C. Performers). They will have a list of all the current Agents that are registered with the Union. Talent Agents in B.C. must be registered with the Ministry of Labour and are given a license number when they are approved. This number should be displayed on their contracts and legal documents. But keep this in mind, an Agency that is licensed does not mean it's reputable. You should familiarize yourself with the regulations. The web site is www.labour.gov.bc.ca/talent/list.htm
*At this time, our license with the Ministry of Labour is pending*
Who's the best Agent for you? Only you can answer that question. You should find an Agent that feels right for you. Remember, you hire the Agent to work for and represent you, not the other way around. Ok, so you have a list of Agencies in front of you. What next? Call or email them and ask if they are accepting new clients. If they are, most Agencies want you to send them a head shot and a resume. And when I say head shot, I mean a picture that is colour 8"x10" with your name on it. Not a school picture, not a Polaroid, and not something you took with your phone, unless it's good quality. Nor do we want to see a photocopy or laser copies of a picture. Please provide the real deal. I will explain more about pictures, photographers and resumes further down.
Also, try to include a short cover letter explaining what your goals and expectations are. Introduce yourself, after all you want to make a good impression.
So once you have all this together, mail it out. Some Agencies will take photos, resumes' and cover letters through email. One important thing.... Never, Ever, FAX, your head shot and resume to an Agent, or any one.! You can never go wrong with old fashioned Canada Post.
Wait a week, then call the Agency to see if they received your package. Ask if you could you set up an interview. Most Agents would prefer you to do this. They don't appreciate actors walking into their office and expecting to meet with a Agent regarding representation. When you go on the interview remember to bring another photo and resume, and asks questions. I have a list of questions at the bottom of this page that you may want to ask. You should meet with several different agents and pick the one that you feel will represent your interests the best.. Again, if you feel the agent can do for you what you expect, then hire them.
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Where do I get Photos... ?
This is an area where you are going to need to spend some money. It is an investment that can bring you good returns. You can never go wrong with good quality photos. Remember that you are marketing and selling a product, YOU. Photos are the first impression that you are sending out into the world. Don't you want them to be the best ? Once you start mailing them out and posting them on the internet, you never know who is going to eventually see them. Making a good impression is important. I also realize that not everyone has several hundred dollars to invest into photos, but if your going to put any money into your new career, spend it on good photo's. Or once you get some work, re-invest those earnings on better photos right away.
The type of pictures you want taken are standard within the industry. You will need a strong head shot, check out the Actors section to see head shots. You can also include full body shots and 3/4 body shots. Try to wear neutral clothes, black or white, no stripes or anything with logos or advertising. Studio or outside shots are good, but don't let the background take the viewers focus away from you.
Again, the internet is a good place to start looking for a photographer. You need to set out a budget taking into account the cost of the shoot, hair and make-up artist if you want, and the cost of reproductions. Your going to need between 10 and 20 re-productions to start. Remember, that new agent is going to want about 5 copies for their use. You should also mail out a package to all the Casting Directors and Extras Casting Directors, introducing yourself to the industry. You never know, you may be the one that they have been searching for! When doing your mail-out you may be tempted to photo copy or laser copy your photos. Believe me, it's poor marketing, I understand that sending pictures out can be costly, but it's money well spent. The Casting Work Book will need a copy in your file, but again, I will explain that further down.
Here is a note to agents from a Casting Director about having Talent put there name and Agency logo on their pictures and why.
"Also a HUGE number of photos not only don't have the name of the agency on them anywhere, but they don't even have the name of the talent on them. Betty, who was assisting me yesterday did her best to scribble at least and agency name on the back, and the name of the talent if she could recognize them. The fact is the clients are going to have all these photos spread out over a floor probably, and there are going to be cases when they find a face they like, but have no way of finding out who they are, aside from scanning the photo and having me try to post it for identification. At the very least, before sending out stuff like this you should stamp the back of the photo with your agency stamp (or write the name on), and hopefully scribble at the very least a first or last name on it too. It really should just become standard policy to have the agency and the talent name printed on the photo on the front as so many do. Nothing we can do about it now, we'll hope for the best, but just wanted to make you aware of this problem. Thanks"
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What should be on my Resume' ?
Honestly, I don't need to know that you have worked for Starbucks..
Your acting resume is unlike the one you would submit for regular employment. Agents and Casting Directors need to know your Acting Experiences, your Training and your Special Skills. You may be tempted to "pad" or "exaggerate" on your skills and experiences, please don't ! You are only doing yourself a dis-service.
As an example: One actor said that he could Mountain Bike, so he was cast in a commercial, taken up a local mountain and told to ride down an extreme trail. He couldn't do it. The production company wasted thousands of dollars setting up the shot. Getting everyone, and everything up the mountain, only to find the actor couldn't do the job that he said he could do.. He later confessed that he only owned a mountain bike and rode it on the sea wall once in a while. If it's on your resume, please make sure it's skills that you can do well, chances are you may be asked to do them for real.
Some skills that count:
Any Sports, Martial Arts, Military Service, Dancing, Singing, Horseback Riding, Any Musical Instruments, In-line Skating, Swimming, Skiing, Snow Boarding, Extreme Snow Boarding, Climbing, Repelling, Mountain Biking, Trick or Stunt Biking, Firearms Training, Any Class of Driving, Precision Driving courses, Stunt Experience or Training.
Skills that don't count
Reading, Bird Watching, Cooking (unless you're inviting us over for dinner)
Also, when you are printing and sending your resumes out in your package, take a little extra effort and print it on good quality paper. Remember, it's all in the way you market that product.
For some examples of resume format, check out the Actor portion of this web site. It will give you some ideas of how to set-up your resume. If you don't have any experience, don't worry about it, we all had to start somewhere. Just make sure you have a few Special Skills. If nothing else, High School Drama does count for something.
**A note about Extra Work on your resume. It counts for "On Set Experience", and not much more. Being a "Featured" extra is not an Actor credit.
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What about the Unions... ?
I could write pages about the unions, UBCP, ACTRA, Canadian Actors Equity, but it's best to check out their web sites. www.UBCP.com , www.ACTRA.ca , www.CAEA.com
If you are a new actor on the scene, you should familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of UBCP and ACTRA, but I really wouldn't get too worried about becoming a member until you have some experience and/or training under your belt.
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What about Classes or Workshops... ?
If you are serious about making something of yourself in this industry, you' re going to need education. Yes, being talented and having a great look or the ability to "act" is a beginning, but it's raw talent. Studying to be an actor is very different from any other profession. You will never get a Certificate that states: "You have learned everything there is to know about being an Actor".
Acting is about life experiences. Life is always changing. Keep experiencing life, and learn from it! You need to constantly work on your craft. Enroll in workshops, read books about acting styles and methods. Learn from many different teachers and take away the lessons that work best for you. Check out the internet, you will find listings of all the schools and workshops that are currently happening in the city.
It's a good idea to have a monologue prepared. Something short and no more than 3 minutes. Try to find a topic that is close to your life experience. It's best not to try to stretch yourself too far. There are many books on monologues in the local library or again, on the net. I would also suggest finding a monologue that is humorous. There are so many dramatic and depressing monologues out there that when an actor comes in with one that's funny or light hearted it can make a big impression. Another suggestion about a monologue. Try to keep the yelling, screaming and swearing to a minimum. And, if you can't find a good monologue that is very dramatic, never direct it at the person you are auditioning for, unless asked to do so. It becomes a bit unnerving to have a powerful, and emotional monologue directed right at you. Being yelled and screamed at, sworn at and spit on isn't a pleasant way to watch an actor try to impress you. So please, keep it light and funny and if you really have to show angry or violent emotions, direct it to something neutral.
**A helpful Tip.... Try writing a monologue about you entitled "So tell me about yourself". Don't write about how much you want to be a successful actor. Write about your favorite hobby or your last vacation. Something interesting about you. Keep it short. No more than three minutes. Memorize it as a monologue. Trust me, when you are in an audition and they 're wanting to learn more about you, that's the question they will ask. "So, tell me about yourself". If you have it in your memory banks as a monologue, your set! No Ummming and Awwwwing trying to think of something interesting to say. You will come across smooth and well prepared. Mark my words, it will happen!
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How do I get Experience....?
Any chance you get to stand in front of a camera or an audience, paid or other wise, do it!
Once you are registered on Casting Workbook, projects that are looking for talent will start showing up in your email. Short films, Documentaries, and the like will post audition information. Most are a "work for experience" deal. If your just starting out, go for it. It counts for something on that resume'.
The film schools I have listed below teach film and video production. Budding directors and producers are assigned to make short films and commercials as part of the their training. They need actors to work with them, free of charge, to complete their projects. The are always happy to get a head shot and a resume of actor who will work for experience. Even if your just starting out, contact them. They will work with you and help you. Remember, they are just starting out too.
Once you are on the Casting Work Book www.castingworkbook.com there is a section for actors to go and check open auditions on the call board. Usually, it's producers who are looking to hire talent on a "work for experience" agreement. You might also get a copy of your work for building your talent reel.
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What About Extra Work....?
Any chance you get to stand in front of a camera or an audience, paid or other wise, do it! To a point ! The point comes when you are a professional extra, but want to be a professional Actor. Don't get me wrong there is nothing bad about work as a background performer. It changes when your agent, your principal agent, is submitting you for a role on a TV Series and gets a call from the casting director questioning your submission. You see, they have seen you on the set of XYZ TV Series as an extra for the last few weeks. So they can't accept your submission for the actor role because you have been established as the person on the background. To top is all off, you where a "Featured" extra and right in front of the camera for 5 days and can not be seen on that show until next season.... Professional Actor or Background Performer. Sooner or later you will have to decide which career you want more.
**A note about Extra Work on your resume. It counts for "On Set Experience", and not much more. Being a "Featured" extra is not an actor credit.
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What is the Casting Work Book...?
Back in the old days, before the internet, all the casting information came to us across the fax machine. It was so busy that we would have one machine just for incoming faxes and another for out going faxes. Also, Agents had to put together, head shot books, for each Casting Director. Consider the fact that there are about 30 Casting Directors and Producers we work with. The books contained a photo and current resume for each actor. Once every three months, we would have to build a new set of books and update the information. Every resume had to be updated and new pictures or clients added. It was a very time consuming and costly process. Each actor had to provide us with a minimum of 75 photos alone, just to be represented in our books. But the internet has changed all that. Now breakdowns are online so no more fax paper to wade through. Resumes' are updated instantly and the actor can post several different looks or styles with out costly reprints. Casting Directors are given up to date information every time we submit you for work. So after you have that sharp 8"x10" head shot. Get over to the Casting Work Book office and sign up. Even if you don't have an Agent. The staff at the Casting Work Book will put your picture and resume in the Talent Scout. It's a holding area for actors with out Agents. Casting Directors as well as Agents can scan the Talent Scout and check out all the new faces. Check out the site and get more info. It does cost to be on the work book, but compared to what it cost our clients in the past. It's very reasonable.
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The Audition, Do's and Don'ts....!
Get all the information that you can from your Agent about the audition. Time, Place, Wardrobe, Casting Director, who the assistant is, anything and everything.
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Find out where you are going, check a map.
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Get there early, at least fifteen minutes.
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Bring lots of change for parking meters, cause once inside, you may not be able to leave.
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Always have a head shot and a current resume with you.
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Bring a pen, or two.
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Listen carefully to any directions give to you or your group.
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Turn off your phone.
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Be nice to everyone, Assistants become Casting Directors.
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Go to the bathroom before you get there.
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Don't bring in your Starbucks, your Attitude, or your Kids, (casting assistants aren't baby sitters).
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Friends can wait for you outside. (it gets very crowed if there are several commercials and shows auditioning at once)
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Don't be intimidated by the 20 people auditioning for the same part you are.
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Don't apologize for your performance or the fact that you are not prepared.
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Watch, listen and learn.
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And most importantly, Have Fun.
Wardrobe, What to wear.!
Your Agent will explain to you what you should wear to the audition. That information comes from the breakdown or the Casting Director. Please follow the instructions given to you. This is very important.
As an example. I had one client who had an audition for Burger King. The break down instructions clearly stated "Have your client dress as close to a Burger King employee as possible, no jeans" So I told him to dress like an employee of Burger King. He went one step further. Before his audition, he went to his local Burger King and asked to speak to the store manager. My client told the manager that he was going to an audition as a Burger King employee and could be borrow a uniform. Well the manager of the Burger King was so impressed by the request that he lent my client the whole uniform, name badge, hat and all. (He had to leave a small deposit) He went to the audition and impressed the hell out of everyone, including me. He didn't get commercial, but he made a great impression with the Casting Director and fellow actors. Some of which, had showed up to the audition in jeans!
I hear it time and again from Casting Directors, through emails to Agents. "Please have your actor dress according to the breakdown, I will not see anyone if the show up not dressed for the part" It's looks bad on the Agent and bad on You. Please follow the instructions, and if you feel that you need more information ..ASK!
* An Email to all Talent Agents from a Casting Director.
Re: Actors changing their appearance between audition and callbacks or shoot.
Actors changing their appearance between audition and callbacks or shoot
I have just had an experience where an actor who auditioned for a very rugged
looking character, then went out and had his hair cut before even discovering
if he had a callback or not. While this is understandable if an actor has
booked another job, and it is a requirement of that shoot, I would appreciate
it if you could remind your actors that changing their appearance in any
radical way (dying hair, cutting it, shaving facial hair etc.) without first
checking with their agent, and then having the agent check with the casting
director.
In this case the actor did end up being called back, but almost lost the job
due to the fact he had cut his hair. He ultimately booked the job, but at great
expense to the production, who then had to buy a VERY EXPENSIVE hair piece. As
I'm sure you would realize, they were not very pleased.
Most actors I know are aware that doing something like this while under
consideration for a role is not an option until told otherwise, or no longer
under consideration. But maybe a gentle reminder is in order, especially with
the less experienced talent.
Just wanted to put this out. I would hate to see anyone lose a job, as this
actor almost did because of a poor decision.
*An Email from a Casting Director about Actor "No Shows and
Cancellations at Auditions"
There seems to be a very large amount of non union talent not taking auditions seriously and we are very frustrated with this attitude -- tonight alone for Tuesday auditions, we have 16 cancellations -- with some very lame excuses -- now we are stuck trying to replace people for tomorrow -- CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN WHAT WE SHOULD DO THEN? Today alone there were over 20 no shows and last minute cancellations in our day with kids -- it seems it is just a hobby for a lot of these people -- but it is our job and we are responsible for showing out clients a good turnout -- it is hard to take these people seriously when they don't take it seriously -- we are trying to get them work and they don't seem to care -- What do you suggest? The client sees the tape not the amount of work and effort we have put in with such a little result.
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Questions to ask an Agent....!
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How many clients do you represent?
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Do you represent Non-Union talent?
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Are you registered with the Ministry of Labour?
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Can I see your people on TV/ Film/Theatre ?
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How long have you been an Agent?
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What is your background in Film/TV/Theatre?
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Why are you a Talent Agent?
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Is your Agency registered with UBCP, ACTRA?
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Have they (the agent) ever worked on-set?
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Are the Casting Directors seeing your people for auditions?
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Is the Agency listed with Casting Work Book or Breakdown Services?
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