When you meet with an agent, they want to know something about you beyond what your resume alone will tell them. To be sure you come across in the best way, be sure you feel prepared and that you engage with them fully.
Movie stars do media training — this is the “not-yet-a-star-but-soon-to-be” version of the media prep. Here are three tips to help you prepare for your talent agent or personal manager interview:
1. Before you go in, review each and everyone of your credits and refresh your memory.
Think about what you did on each and every one and be able to explain it very simply.
Countless times I’ve asked an actor about a credit and they had trouble remembering exactly what it was, or it was difficult explaining this. And these were not made up credits, they had really done them, but it was not fresh in their mind or they simply had not really thought about the best way to explain the project.
2. Come up with something interesting about each and every credit and talent on your resume.
Think of a funny anecdote or a cute little story about each thing. When you talk about a credit, it’s also an opportunity for you to show your great and wonderful personality.
If the project is a no-budget, campy horror film or something that was not done well, don’t talk about how it’s not what you want to do, talk about how you had fun doing it or some funny thing that happened while you were there. Think of something good about each project so it shows how much you enjoy your work and filmmaking.
3. Before you go in, write down any questions that you know that you dread having them ask you — then create an answer to them that you feel good about.
The last thing you want to do is to walk in to a meeting worried about a question they might ask you. So think about it ahead of time and prepare your answers so you feel as comfortable as possible.
If you’re worried they’ll ask your age — even though they aren’t legally supposed to — decide how you will answer if they do. If you don’t have a work visa, how will you address it? If you’ve just gotten back in the business after being out for five years and you’re worried about that, come up with how you will answer it ahead of time.
By having your answers worked out ahead of time, you will be freed up and able to relax and express yourself the best way possible.
Do these three things and you’ll be able to really shine your brightest in your interview.
If you want to go in completely confident, you might want to consider an Agent Meeting Role Play personal coaching session where Melody works one-on-one with you on your interviewing skills and answers to your most worrisome questions! It’s a ton of fun and is truly guaranteed to leave you laughing and smiling with excitement about your upcoming interviews.
Good luck!