Strangest Meeting with a Talent Agent...

Years ago, out of the blue, I was contacted by a man named Bruce - who introduced himself as the owner of Eastwood Talent Agency. (The eventually went from Talent Representation to Talent Management)

At the time, I was freelancing with a bunch of agencies and managements. So I figured... "Why not?" Then I met with Bruce and gave him copies of my headshot & resumes.

Within the 5 years being 'attached' to Eastwood Talent. I've only been contacted 3 times.

The first time - I booked a featured role on Falling for Grace. (2005)

The second time - I booked a small role on Sushi Prince goes to NY. (2007)

The third time was last year (2008) - but instead of Bruce, I was contacted by a man named "Vincent." It was about a booking for a Japanese Tourism show.

It turned out, that Bruce had retired from the Showbiz, and went to focus on other career paths. Anyway, I went and met with the producers and the production assistant. Everything was great. We even talked about production schedule, things to prepare and material... Before I leave the office, the Producer said they will contact me to confirm the shoot time. I was convinced that I got the job. But for some reason, the production assistant never called. Vincent never return my call. So... I guess the production went with a different choice.

At the beginning of 2008, I have been focusing on working with my Manager - and pretty much cut-off all ties with other agencies/managements. Because compare her to many other people that I have worked with, she's the only one who consistantly sends me out, giving me suggestions, and always tried to arrange an audition slot that works with my day-job schedule.

Last week, I got a mass email from Vincent of the "New" Eastwood Talent - asking all the talents that the company had worked with, to re-submit our updated headshot and resume. I thought "Why Not?" - It doesn't hurt to freelance with Eastwood again - especially majority of their clients are over-sea companies. So that shouldn't have any impact on my booking with New York productions.

So, I emailed him my headshot & resume.

The next day, I got an email requesting that I drop off 6 hardcopies at his office.

Last night, after I got off work, I went to New Eastwood Talent Agency.

The new office was tiny. It was the size of a closet. I guess for a Talent agent, if it's a boutique size, all he/she needs is a computer, internet connection, phone, and a cabinet for files.

I walked in and greeted Vincent.

He scanned though my resume, looked up, and ask about what I do for a living.

I explained that I do have a 9 to 5 day job, but I have stored enough vacation and sick days that I can be as flexible as needed.

With his eyes on the words "SAG-Eligible" on my resume, he asked... "How many waviers do you have?"

I was like... "Why do you ask? You think I lied on my resume?"

I found it very offensive.

He said he just want to make sure - in his broken English.

V: So, what you want to do?

Wayne: Right now, my focus is Primetime Television. But I'm open to other opportunties. And of course, more Films.

V: Do you... Do you have monologue?

Wayne: Yes.

Then he points to an old picture on the wall. "That's Joe. I want you to go see him next week."

Wayne: "Why?"

V: "Do your monologue for him. Then he will let me about you."

Wayne: "What do you mean? Who is Joe? Is he a Casting Director? Is this an Audition?"

V: "He is my friend, and also a coach. He worked on Sopranos."

Wayne: "I'm not looking for a Monologue coach."

In my mind, I felt that he was trying to sell a class to me - or one of those scams.

V: "No. Because people talk. You know. If I submit you, and you are not right. People talk."

Wayne: "If you question my ability of auditioning, booking, and being professional onset. That I ensure you there will be no problem. I have been sent out and auditioned for legit TV, Film, and Commercials. I have been doing this for 6 years - and if I suck, I wouldn't have all these credits on my resume. I'm not new to this industry, and I hope you are aware of that."

I was about to ask him to return my headshots and walk out of the office.

V: "I know. But I just want to make sure."

Wayne: "Why don't YOU audition me right now?"

He paused a little.

V: "Joe will tell me about you."

Wayne: "Aren't you a Talent Agent? Isn't it your job to screen people that you are going to work with?"

V: "Go to Joe next week."

I was turned-off by the idea - and felt Vincent was being very unprofessional - and didn't know how to run a Talent Agency.

Vincent wrote down Joe's name and address on the back of his businesscard.

Wayne: "I can't. I have class."

V: "Go whenever you can."

Wayne: "............ okay."

V: "Just go to Joe, and tell him Vicent sent you."

Wayne: "............ okay."

V: "Do you... Are you on... On the Web. ActorAccess?"

Wayne: "............ Yeah."

V: "I'm still going to submit you on projects."

Wayne: "............. okay."

V: "Okay."

Wayne: "Good night."

In my mind, I just want to get out of there. It was a waste of my time.

I walked out of the office, and saw a young actress waiting at the Hallway, waiting to talk to Vincent.

I nodded at her... Then left the building.

After I got home, I did a search on both "Joe Paradise" and his "Address" - didn't find anything. I also looked up Sopranos on imdb, and found no match to the name.

I ended up not meeting this "Joe" person, nor working with New Eastwood Talent. I don't want to have anything to do with them.

The reason that I post this entry, is to inform all the actors out there... Yes, it is important to be represented by a Talent Agent or Manager in order to get sent out for legit jobs. But that doesn't mean we should be desperate, and begging to get signed.

In this industry, we have to protect our own reputation by carefully selecting who we work with. A bad agent can do more harm than good.