Commercial Agent Interview #2

One of my goals for this year is to secure commercial representation. I've got a couple months left, and commercial representation is theoretically easier to get than theatrical representation (it's a numbers game). Today marked another solid step towards that goal. I met with an agent at a mid-level agency located in Universal City.

Waiting for the Interview
I arrived at the interview about 10 minutes early – a smidge too close for my comfort. I checked in with the receptionist and sat down to read my current novel; I always carry a book with me as I constantly find myself waiting for things to happen. In this case, I waited about 20 minutes. During my wait, I heard the entire staff of the agency off in some other room laughing at YouTube videos.

After a particularly hilarious viral video, the receptionist returned to her desk and provided me with copy for two different commercials. One of them was for Coors Light, a monologue in which I, The Coors Light Guy proclaimed that it was my duty to serve a Coors Light to every thirsty member of "this stadium." In the other, I played a full-service gas station attendant who "love[s] looking at the ladies." After a trip to the restroom where I read the sides aloud, I returned to the waiting room. A couple minutes later I was greeted by an agent, that for the purposes of this post, I will call Bogart.

The Interview
Bogart escorted me into one of the open meeting rooms, and began by asking me a series of questions:

• Where are you from?
  
• So, are you a Berkeley kid then?
  
• What was high school like?
  
• How long have you been down here?
  
• What have you been doing since you got here?
  

As opposed to my last interview, I feel like I had an opportunity to meet and get to know the agent I was interviewing with. It was a much better vibe all around.

The Audition
Bogart then had me read the commercial copy while standing. After I gave a controlled and earnest rendition of The Coors Light Guy, Bogart gave me an adjustment ("This is your mission in life. Make sure everyone in the stadium knows it!") and I took it. I then performed the second piece – it felt a bit flat, but there were still some connected moments.

The Debriefing
After I finished my audition, Bogart went into a little speech about how your first year in Hollywood is probably going to be a wash and the goal should be to do and experience everything you can. I took this to mean that bad news was coming. Bogart surprised me and told me that he was concerned about my only having been here 3 months – but that if I took a commercial audition workshop that he would be interested in bringing me on as a client. He then asked if I had any questions

My Questions
Q: Do agents divide the work by actor or casting director?
A: Agents divide labor by project, not CD.

Q: How many actors do you represent?
A: The agency has 2.5 agents and 560 actors.

Q: How do you see me most easily being cast?
A: Oh, you're definitely the young everyman. Which is great. You're not quite model good looking, but you're not character either. You remind me a lot of an older client of mine, and he's made me lots of money.

Conclusion
Bogart concluded the meeting by saying "Before you sign with anyone else, make sure that you contact me first." Hearing this and finally getting a solid lock on my type is very encouraging. I'm going to research commercial casting workshops and then make a go of it.