How to get jobs in other cities

Hi. I am an aspiring actor from overseas and currently with a talent agency in Sydney. I have done some extra jobs for TV shows and commercials and think I'm enjoying this very much and would like more of it. I heard Melbourne has many jobs as well as Brisbane, and I am willing to travel to those cities for the right opportunities. Since my agent doesn't really chase after jobs outside of Sydney, however, I had thought about contacting local talent agencies in those cities UNTIL some people in this forum mentioned that it's best to stay with just one. So, I'm asking for your suggestions as to what to do to get more jobs not only in Sydney but also in other major cities across the country, without upsetting my agent or blacklisting myself. Is it okay to send my details to casting agencies/consultants in each city while mentioning who my agent is? If I get a job from them directly instead of through my agency, do I still need to let my agency know of it and ask them to act on my behalf? (and pay that 10% commission, I suppose???) I also thought about Showcast but I can't really afford the registration fees. For any of you out there who joined the website, did you have to pay the fees or did your agency take care of it? Thank you! =)

Casting Consultants do not keep books, except in rare and individual circumstances. Casting Consultants are the go-betweens for Production Companies or Directors. Don't hassle a Consultant unless you know they occasionally look beyond agents. In fact, best not to hassle them at all. It might simply annoy them.

To clarify, having a singular agent is considered a polite and ethical practice, but it is not a hard-and-fast rule. Legally, there is nothing to stop you from having more than one. Not all agents cover the same ground in both type and range, as I mentioned before. In these cases, you may find performers whom will have a Theatrical Agent, a Dancing Agent and a Film/TV agent. By definition, as these agents deal with specific key areas, they should not begrudge you having others, unless there can be cross over. However, you can manage this personally if you plan how to deal with such situations.

Taking the example above, Your Theatrical Agent contacts you about a theatrical contract that may utilise your dancing skills. It is possible that your Dancing agent may know about this also. You now need to make a decision and this is the grey area that makes many agents resent the double billing. Now you may be contacted by two agents for the same job which is going to mean one loses out, and legit agents get paid by the job.

In terms of geography, you will be confronted by the same issue and you will need to come up with a plan to handle these when they arise if you choose to get another agent. Maybe you can stipulate to your local agent that you only want them to look for local jobs. Then you rely on the other agent to focus on that city.

Final option, as I mentioned before, is to consider looking for an agent that will look into other cities for you, or maybe an agent that has branches in other cites (few I know but I believe there a couple over there.)

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins

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