Your Agent Can’t Get You Booked

I recently had an audition for a film. There were tons of people auditioning for this project. On a side note, it is always amazing to me how many people can
talk to other actors right up to the time of their audition and then go in and read. I always separate myself, and find a quiet place to prepare before my audition. I need to concentrate and figure out what I am going to do for the audition.

I thought the audition went well. Not because of what the casting director said to me, but because I knew it felt right, and that I gave the character an interesting angle. Most of the time, I don’t necessarily find the connection between liking my audition and booking the job, but I felt that I had a good day at work.

A few days later, I got an email from my agent saying that I am on right of first refusal for this project. That means that I can’t book any other jobs for that date unless I clear it with my agent. If I were to get another booking or even audition for that shoot date, my agent would call the client and have them either book me or release me for the job. That way, I won’t lose out on another possible project.

I asked the agent how many other people were on right of first refusal. She told me there were only two of us, and the client said that I was their first choice. Two days before the shoot, I got an email from the agent saying that I was released from the project.

So the point is, agents can submit you and negotiate, but they can’t get you the job.

If you have also experienced why agents can’t get you the job, please leave a comment below.

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.