By Debbie Mitchell
"Do I need an agent?" ........I've been asked this question a lot by people trying to get into television or by people who have been in the industry and want to move to the next level.
Personally, I've never had an agent during my decades working in television. I got my job with Geraldo after seeing an ad posted in the newspaper for a position with his production company. I called, sent in my resume , got an interview and kept calling back until I got the job. They only guaranteed 13 weeks of work on a new talk show they were developing hosted by journalist Geraldo Rivera and there were no benefits. I left my first job in television, Essence The Television Show, with benefits and stability, to take a chance. It paid off, Geraldo's show ran for eleven years. But I'm pretty sure this career path is almost impossible to duplicate today.
During those talk show years I worked as a Researcher, Field Producer, Producer, then Supervising Producer and eventually Vice President of Development for his production company. I negotiated my contracts most of the time and if I needed help had an entertainment attorney handle certain things. An entertainment attorney also negotiated my the terms of my contract each cycle during my next position at CBS News, The Early Show.
During my Geraldo days I didn't need an agent. Daytime television was overflowing with opportunities. At one point there were 22 talks shows on the air at the same time. Shows needed experienced producers and worked vigorously to "poach" producers from other shows, putting many people on the fast track to upper management. The shows contacted you directly.
A producer friend who has been in the television industry over 30 years also has never had an agent. I consider her very well connected, remember who you know is just as or more important then what you know. She says getting an agent is not easy. "If you don't have a relationship with an established agent, shows won't even interview you. In order to get an agent you need to have a serious resume or a recommendation for the agent to see you. An interview with an agent does not guarantee they will take you on as a client." She went on to say " today it is better to have an agent to get a job. If you are executive level you need one."
Personally, I've never had an agent during my decades working in television. I got my job with Geraldo after seeing an ad posted in the newspaper for a position with his production company. I called, sent in my resume , got an interview and kept calling back until I got the job. They only guaranteed 13 weeks of work on a new talk show they were developing hosted by journalist Geraldo Rivera and there were no benefits. I left my first job in television, Essence The Television Show, with benefits and stability, to take a chance. It paid off, Geraldo's show ran for eleven years. But I'm pretty sure this career path is almost impossible to duplicate today.
During those talk show years I worked as a Researcher, Field Producer, Producer, then Supervising Producer and eventually Vice President of Development for his production company. I negotiated my contracts most of the time and if I needed help had an entertainment attorney handle certain things. An entertainment attorney also negotiated my the terms of my contract each cycle during my next position at CBS News, The Early Show.
During my Geraldo days I didn't need an agent. Daytime television was overflowing with opportunities. At one point there were 22 talks shows on the air at the same time. Shows needed experienced producers and worked vigorously to "poach" producers from other shows, putting many people on the fast track to upper management. The shows contacted you directly.
A producer friend who has been in the television industry over 30 years also has never had an agent. I consider her very well connected, remember who you know is just as or more important then what you know. She says getting an agent is not easy. "If you don't have a relationship with an established agent, shows won't even interview you. In order to get an agent you need to have a serious resume or a recommendation for the agent to see you. An interview with an agent does not guarantee they will take you on as a client." She went on to say " today it is better to have an agent to get a job. If you are executive level you need one."
Agents usually have access to information and people that producers and on-air talent don't have. Agents are the first ones to know when a position is available and are charged with the job of finding the person who is the "right" fit. They are very selective and have several clients, many times with the same titles or experience, in their stable and will submit them for the same jobs. If one of their clients gets the job, the agent gets a percentage of the client's salary each year. In addition, the agent is still entitled to the same commission even if the client finds and gets a job on his or her own.
Even if you decide that you want to hire an agent, it's not that easy. An agent has to WANT you. He or she has to see something in you that could turn into money for them. The reality is , there are a limited number of positions available so agents cannot have too many people in their stable. So YOU have to get an agent's attention and make him or her WANT you.
Even if you decide that you want to hire an agent, it's not that easy. An agent has to WANT you. He or she has to see something in you that could turn into money for them. The reality is , there are a limited number of positions available so agents cannot have too many people in their stable. So YOU have to get an agent's attention and make him or her WANT you.
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| Rene Syler, Founder www.goodenoughmother.com |
I know a few producers in executive positions, who won't make a move without an agent.
While people behind the scenes use agents, on-air talent use agents more frequently. I was talking to Rene Syler about what a person should do if they want to get the attention of an agent. Rene a TV personality, founder of the website www.goodenoughmother.com and former CBS News Early Show anchor is now successfully working in social media and just announced she's coming back to TV with a show. A show that is the result of lots of hard work in social media. When I asked her the question "Do You Need An Agent?" Rene had this to say:
While people behind the scenes use agents, on-air talent use agents more frequently. I was talking to Rene Syler about what a person should do if they want to get the attention of an agent. Rene a TV personality, founder of the website www.goodenoughmother.com and former CBS News Early Show anchor is now successfully working in social media and just announced she's coming back to TV with a show. A show that is the result of lots of hard work in social media. When I asked her the question "Do You Need An Agent?" Rene had this to say:
When it comes to television news, if you are trying to get a job don't get an agent because of the percentage you will pay for their services. When you get your first TV news job, you aren't going to make that much money so it would be hard to pay 10%-15% to an agent. You don't need an agent, when you get the job, hire an entertainment attorney. If you are trying to get a job in entertainment that is another animal.
Instead create a YouTube channel and put together a reel of your work. Now through social media the playing field as been leveled and you can find all the information and people you need to reach on the internet.
Build your brand. Twenty years ago, I was a cog in a wheel. Today they want you to have a brand. If you are in school, start a blog and blog about what's interesting to you. I believe everyone should have a blog because it is your business card. Every single person should have a living breathing business card. People want to know you so build a body of work . Update it daily, immerse yourself in social media. Build a following that is big enough so that AGENTS WILL WANT TO TAKE YOU ON AS A CLIENT.
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TV/Social Media Producer Debbie Mitchell is an Emmy nominated producer who is a member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA) and is currently a member of the James Beard Broadcast and New Media Awards Committee. If you are a brand interested in blogger outreach campaigns, a blogger or personality interested in television placement follow Debbie Mitchell @TVProducerDeb or contact TheBloggerConnection.com.
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Good post Deb! ❤
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam!
ReplyDelete