Hi there
My 18-year old daughter is one of six lead actors in a South Australian feature film which has been short-listed for Cannes. If the nomination is accepted it is possible the première will be in Cannes in lieu of Adelaide. My daughter studied acting at a well-respected acting school for over 3 years and whilst the acting school acts as a casting agent by arranging for auditions when appropriate, they are not strictly speaking agents and as such do not promote their graduates (Anthony LaPaglia also studied there).
The director of the movie has suggested all along that my daughter wait patiently until the movie is released as he expects the lead actors to be sought after by agents. One of the other female actors who originated from a different acting school here in Adelaide was advised to promote herself and was successful in getting signed up by Shanahan's Management who have successfully got her two other movie roles, sent her to LA for additional drama coaching and set up auditions in LA for the new year. Can you please give us the benefit of your experience and advise what you think to be the best course of action for my daughter.
Thank you, an interested Mother who doesn't want her daughter to "miss the boat".
Gidday "Mum"
The first thing to remember about the movie business (and it is a business, not an arts advocate) is that everyone has there own story to tell, with advice thrown in for free. However, as with everything else in life, there are more ways to kill a cat than by choking it with cream.
Most agents won't take anyone on without being able to see some of their work. If you can get a copy of the film (and some professional stills) you will be able to make an appointment with any agent. I checked the Equity web site and I couldn't find Shanahan's Management. Check with the Adelaide branch of Equity or via the web site as to whether Shanahan's are dodgy or just unknown.
I caution you never to take what you hear as gospel truth as this industry runs on gossip. Are the "other movie roles" as an extra (ie background), featured extra (ie foreground), minor speaking (25 words or less), major speaking, etc? Did Shanahan's pay for the trips to LA or are they taking it out of future earnings (for which the girl and her family will be responsible if there ARE no future earnings)?
The director also has a good point in that a film that is accepted to Cannes makes your daughter much more marketable than one that is merely short-listed. It is highly unlikely that waiting a few months will damage your daughter's career and rushing in to grab an agent probably will. Shop around, check out the people face to face, check their premises, their reputation. A professional theatre company should be able to help you with that, and you can use the list from the Equity site.
The rest is common sense: if it's too good to be true then it probably is; your head is safe in the clouds if you keep your feet on the ground. The motion picture industry is replete with dreams and dreamers as well as many hard-working professionals. The most important aspect is for your daughter to enjoy what she's doing. Once that stops, it's time to leave.
My son is also in the film and is being managed by the above agent. However, it was nothing to do with that film he was in. It was on the basis of his final showcase - years of drama training, endless months of editing show reels and then a final live performance in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. So I think your advice was good. It is a very tough industry and the truth is only the best survive. Still, the most important thing is that our children are following their dreams and passion. That's what counts. As far as I can see the attitude of not wanting the girl to "miss the boat" is flawed. The boat will not come. You have to build one and row like blazes - take a few risks and enjoy what you are doing.
I hope you don't mind me replying.
From a mother who supports young people's dreams, passion and fire!!!