Does an exclusive agent contract include extras agencies?

[aliceinwonderinc]

Hi everyone :)

Basically, I have an exclusive contract with my agent, but I was wondeirng, do you think that this includes extras agencies? I would ask my agent but I know that a lot of people don't like actors to do extra work, but I'm really interested just to see what a film/TV shoot is like because I've never done one before. So do you think that I can sign up to an online (no-fee obviously!) extras agency, or am I not alowed as I have an exclusive contract? And do you also think that this applies to voice agenicies?

I'd really appreciate your thoughts, thanks!

[pg]

Hi there

I think different "rules" apply depending on your age.

If you are an adult:

You can certainly have non-exclusive contracts with extras agencies but your exclusive contract with your agent might prevent you signing up to any extras agency. I think you probably do need to talk to your agent about this, even if you would rather not. Trying to do extra work without your agent knowing could cause problems (it's a surprisingly small world). It is quite common to have a different agent for voice over work so your agent might be quite happy for you to try to get alternative representation for this sort of work (not that it's easy to get of course!), however you might find that they also represent clients for voice over work: some agents do. Being with more that one agent for anything has potential pitfalls in terms of availability. Extra work is often at very short notice but acting work can be at short notice too.

There are good reasons why actor's agents are not keen for clients to do extra work - it would be worth talking to your agent about his/her feelings. He/she might be quite happy for you to do some for experience and might even be able to submit you for some work in this area as a walk-on if you explain your reasons. However, if your agent advises against it then I would follow the advice. An agent should be thinking about your long term career and might have good ideas about how you can get the experience you crave without jeopardising your status as an actor.

It's also worth remembering that registering with an extras agency doesn't mean that you'll get extra work!

[shortguy]

As usual very good advice from PG. You will find that most of the extras agencys, you cant just sign up with, you have to wait for them to open their books at certain times of the year, usually once a year and you cant always get accepted.

[aliceinwonderinc]

Okay, thanks very much for the advice guys! I probably will ask my agent then, and maybe see if she does extra work as well. I'm a child (well, 17), so I don't know if that makes a difference pg? But I'll ask her anyway, thanks!

[pg]

Hi there. I think the age does make a difference. I don't think the same divide exists for younger actors. As you said in your original post, experience on a film/TV set would be really useful and I think it can be "sold" this way more convincingly for younger actors. I do know a few actors of various ages who do extra work, they just make sure they keep quiet about it! As long as you don't include it on your acting CV it should be fine. Hopefully your agent will have some ideas about how you might be able to get this experience. Good luck!

P.S. I do wish the divide/snobbery didn't exist. I'd love to be able to do occasional extra work in between acting gigs - much more interesting (and usually better paid) than the boring admin I do to keep the wolf from the door!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvBvXMZZPdg

[aliceinwonderinc]

Exactly, I was never planning to include it on my CV, but it would just be nice to get a little experience so that I have a better idea of what to expect if I get any 'proper' work. And I love the extras clip, such a great show!

[Caroline A-C]

I contacted an extras agency regarding my dd and she said that she could not take her on as her agent would not allow it. Think the extras agency may ask you whether you have an agent anyway as they will not take on anybody who has an "exclusive" agent. It is best to be above board though and just ask your agent.

[aliceinwonderinc]

I emailed my agent about it over a week ago, andI haven't had any reply.... So either she's really busy or annoyed with me. I hope it's not the latter... :?