Focus Your Resources
You probably know a mass mailing when you get one. So do talent agents. Focus your efforts on sending a select few targeted talent agents well-placed, well-written cover letters rather than flooding Los Angeles with them. I still think sending by P. O. Unless the organization only accepts online submissions, mail is a great method. In general, people WANT to read their mail, and agents are no different.
2. Look Professional
Your cover letter’s content should be the most interesting thing about it. Use business letter format, white paper, black ink, and use generous margins and ONE easy to read 12pt font. Best fonts for cover letters and resumes are listed here
3. Less is More
Fit your letter on ONE standard letter page (8. 5 x 11). Smaller notes appear more personal and appear to be read more quickly, so they can be even better. Additionally, if your headshot dominates your mailer, this draws attention to it and keeps the letter’s edges clean and straight. Remember, time is precious. If your cover letter appears to be a quick read, it has the best chance of being read by any agent.
4. Follow Submission Rules Exactly
If a talent agent has requested that you submit in a particular manner, adhere strictly to their instructions. If submitting online or by e-mail, keep your presentation professional. To be safe, include copy-and-paste urls along with fully functional links.
5. Target your letter
Learn as much as you can about the agent you’re writing to, and include specifics that will set you and your letter apart as something special. Keep your tone formal and address the letter to the talent agent by name. Use the talent agent’s surname with Mr. or Ms. Let the representative be the one to loosen the rules and say, “Call me Sam.” ”.
6. Follow Up on Meetings
An effective cover letter frequently refers back to a meeting or event the agent recently attended. Perhaps you came into contact with a talent agent (or manager or casting director) at a movie showing, a speaking engagement, a film festival, a gathering, or another informal public place. Perhaps you met at a Los Angeles acting class, talent show, or acting school. Nurture that new contact with a targeted cover letter. Mention how you met and where you met, or mention the occasion briefly.
7. Include Your Acting Essentials
Be sure to include with your cover letter the basics you’d want any talent agent, manager or casting director to have about you. Send or submit online your current head-shot (with resumé stapled back-to-back). Make sure all the contact information you send, including any website urls and credits, are accurate and up to the minute current. Add IMBD if you have credits to share.
8. Open Strong
The opening of any letter is a greeting. Remind the talent agent where and how your paths crossed. It was lovely speaking with you at the DGA screening of…” Be cordial and specific.
9. Show You’re Serious
Talent agents are serious about their careers and their time. Show that you’re invested in your career. Inform the agent of your training highlights, such as your educational background, training, and current acting endeavors (such as the class you are currently enrolled in). Stay brief. Your resume will do the heavy lifting on this topic.
10. Toot Your Horn
Talent agents want to represent actors who are in demand. Tell them about a recent booking you did. Invite them to watch you perform or attend a show coming up; if necessary, arrange for tickets in advance. You want to demonstrate to them that there is profit to be had for both of you and that standing up for you will be profitable.
11. Close Strong
Refer them to your headshot (and any other enclosed materials). Declare your desire to speak with them and ask them to get in touch with you. Following Sincerely, Yours Sincerely, or another appropriate salutation, sign your letter. When you sign your letter, use blue ink to set it apart from bulk mailings and a ballpoint pen to leave an indentation that says “signed by hand” rather than “printed in color.” ”.
12. Move On
Cover letters are similar to auditions, so writing one means planning your next move. Once you’ve posted or delivered your materials, move on. Successful actors keep moving. You can one day take those actions as a represented actor with the aid of effective actor cover letters to talent agents.
