Etiquette

So much time in this industry is spend pondering etiquette - should I send them a thank-you note? Is it okay to call that agent who really liked me but hasn't sent me out?
    I think I've finally found a moment where there is no established etiquette. I spent the morning calling all the commercial casting directors I went in for over the last week, to let them know that my on-camera agency had closed and to make sure they had my personal phone number. I witnessed a variety of reactions - mostly they were very, very surprised that my agency, which had been around for 35 years and had a long client list would close so suddenly. But one casting director said "Oh I know, I'll contact your agent directly if I want to call you back in." Really? I mean, I suspected that my main agents there would probably set up there own shop - but they've yet to even officially tell any of the talent about the office shutting down. I only know because my friend called me in a panic. If he hadn't I would just think it's a slow week. Sooo.... when where the planning on telling us all this? Hmmmm...?

    As I was writing this, I got a call from the people I shoot the CarMax spot with.They had heard our agency had closed and wanted to see if I'd gotten paid yet. I haven't - but I know they only sent the payment two weeks ago and it usually takes a month or two for my agent to pass that along. Essentially, I'm choosing not to worry about it, which is a good idea, right? right!?!

Comments

[stacey jackson]

Nope. I think you should find out where your checks are ASAP rather than wait for them to magically find their way to you. Take it from somebody who has "been there" before...

And I'm so sorry about your agency, but try not to panic. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of your journey. Better things are just around the bend. Hang in there!!

[Shawn Dempewolff]

I think I'm just going to have to wait it out for now, and see what happens in the next few weeks.

[Susan Atwood]

Hey - I did a CarMax spot last year ;) Good team. Turns out the prop guy went to my college and I can't believe I recognized him from art class. It was totally weird - in a cool way.

Anyway, I'm with Stacey: you sure can drop a line. It also serves as a reminder to your agency that you are out there, floating about the universe and *available for work*. And it reminds them that you just BOOKED work so they SHOULD be sending you out (not that you say those things, you just say something like, "Hey, just checking base to let you know I'm available and wanted to make sure I haven't missed my check yet..." Something like that).

Anyway, my $0.02

[Shawn Dempewolff]

Susan - I had a great meeting with stacey just a few weeks ago - even had a friend who's with them say good things about me. I think it's just been slow. But I do very much appreciate the help. She'll come around to how awesome I am eventually.

[susan]

Of course they will! ;)

I'm sorry - I didn't mean to assume or imply that they weren't calling you. I was just thinking that having any *legitimate reason* (like touching -base on payment) to contact an agent is not a bad thing because it can help keep us visible.

You're right though - it's been pretty dang slow...