An Agent's Perspective on Actors

I hate actors. I don't mean any disrespect. But you guys are fucking crazy.

Says an agent* to a room of 30 actors. To which we all laughed and continued to seek his advice - and it was around that time that I realized he was right.

But regardless of this gentleman's perspective on his clients, he was informative. I gleaned these tidbits from his presentation:

• Actors sell to agents, agents sell to casting directors, casting directors sell to producers, and producers sell to networks. There's rejection up and down the chain, don't think that your agent isn't fighting for you just 'cause you aren't getting bookings.
• Never turn down a role: there's a chance it will become recurring or the person you work for can help you down the line.
• His agency tries to keep 2 of each "type" on their roll books.
• Pilots used to make unknowns into knowns, but now that film actors are doing TV that isn't the case so much.
• Some agencies accept drop-offs of resumes, but don't expect to talk to anybody.
• Agents do read cover letters. Make them personal, recommendations are meaningful.
  

A Good Client...

• Stops into the agency once every 3 weeks just to say "Hey!" and check on headshot supplies, etc.
• Keeps headshots & resumes current.
• Stays loyal: there's a lot of poaching in the industry.
• Doesn't harass his/her agent daily.
• Has a relationship of some kind w/ their reps.
• Sleeps with as many celebrities as possible.
• Is proactive about their career.
• Never leaves town
• If you must: Leave between the end of Pilot Season and July 4th.
  

But the main thing I took away from this Q&A is that I don't have a reel and that's going to make finding an agent very difficult. Which means I need to start doing lots of student and indie films to get some footage together.

*Am I better off keeping names hidden? Or do I cite my sources? Keep in mind: I want to get work.