Bribing Your Agent
Actors and models have to be very careful how they deal with their agent. We want them to like and respect our work, and to always have us in mind for future projects. There are many ways to keep them thinking of us.
Staying in touch you’re your agent is one of the most important ways to always have them thinking of you. Make sure you know exactly how the agent wants you stay in touch with him/her and always follow their requests. I like to send an email to an agent after being sent to an audition, go-see or after a booking. I thank them for thinking of me. With all of the talent they work with, I know that they appreciate being thanked.
What gets to be a little tricky is how much we thank agents. Sending them a nice note is one thing, BUT giving them expensive presents is something else. I have heard stories of talent giving agents a large gift certificate to a particular store or restaurant after a booking. To me, that is taking things a little over the line.
Agents like to be thanked and appreciated, but once the present becomes too large, it begins to feel like a bribe or kick back. If the agent feels like they are being given more then they deserve, it will make them uncomfortable. This could prevent the agent from wanting to submit you for future projects.
I recently had a photo shoot on a Sunday morning. That was and is very unusual. The shoot was with a photographer I have worked with a number of times, and I thought it would be a nice gesture to bring bagels and cream cheese to the studio. To me, this was simply a nice way of saying thanks for casting me, and since it is a relaxed weekend shoot, let’s really enjoy ourselves for a few minutes at the table. I know it was really appreciated, and we got a chance to talk about the project and other things as well.
The only time I actually gave a present to an agent was after getting booked for a modeling job that was shot in Hawaii. It was cast in New York, and I was flown to Oahu for a few days. I brought a little present back to give to the agent for submitting me for the job.
So please keep in mind that there is a big difference between just being a kind, friendly, and thoughtful person showing appreciation AND giving something to an agent that could be misconstrued as a bribe. This is just one many important “unwritten rules” on how you are supposed to deal with agents.
About the Author: Aaron Marcus
Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor and commercial model for over 33 years.
His new book, How to Become a Successful Actor and Model is an Amazon Best Seller.
Aaron has given his seminar: "Book the Job" over 700 times spanning 3 continents.
He also offers online workshops.
Aaron saves 5 days each month to give private on-line coaching sessions.