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Below are the most frequently asked questions. If you have questions that we neglected to address, please let us know. We will remedy the situation immediately.
1. What kind of actors do you represent?
2. Do you sign all your actors?
3. How much commission do you charge for your services?
4. What is the difference between an Agent and a Manager?
5. Does RAM collect commission even when they didn't directly submit?
6. Is it a good idea to freelance with a bunch of Agents and also have my Manager send me out for the same projects, just in case the Agent misses it?
7. Can I stop by and drop off headshot when I'm in the area?
8. Can I stop by and visit to chat about my career?
9. Do you submit me for non-paying jobs since it can help develop my career?
10. Can I call you to tell you which projects I should be submitted for?
11. Can you call Casting Directors to get feedback on my audition?
12. What do I do if an emergency comes up and i have to be late for an audition?
13. Can I call you on weekends?
14. Who is responsible for updating my resume?
15. If I get my hair colored or restyled, will I need a new headshot?
16. Do you attend showcases?
17. I heard about an audition from an actors friend of mine. Can I crash it and put your name down as my rep?
1. What kind of actors do you represent?
The talent we represent at Ravelo Artists Management have the "it" factor. They are willing , ready and able to work.
· The look is intriguing.
· The marketing tools pop.
· Skills and Training are solid.
· Personality is open and unique.
· Behavior is professional.
· They are passionate, sharp and posses a strong work ethic.
2. Do you sign all your actors?
Contracts are automatically offered to established talent.
Developing talent are offered a 3 month trial period to allow them to grow into a valuable commodity within the company. If the relationship proves to be a good match, the talent will be offered a contract. This will ensure that we will fight for our talent in the same way they fight for us.
3. How much commission do you charge for your services?
Managers and Agents invest in actors professionally and financially. Our combined efforts will result in the Actor achieving a lasting career. Unlike with publicists, actors do not pay Actor’s representatives a fee beforehand. Payment is made only when the Actor is employed. All commissions are tax deductible.
· ACTING: Ravelo Artists Management: 15% commission (Franchised Agents: 10% commission.)
· PRINT WORK: Direct Bookings: 20% commission. (Booking through an Agency or a Department specializing in print: RAM collects 5%; Print Agency collects the 20% commission.)
The highest possible commission which will be collected from the Actor is 25%.
Actor
Advice: Keep your skills, mind and body sharp. Acquaint yourself with
the players within the industry and keep a journal of who you meet. Strive to
have your work known and respected. Familiarize yourself with the projects that
are being produced on TV, Film & Stage.
4. What is the difference between an Agent and a Manager?
Brillstein/Grey once said, "At the end of the day, an Actor is going to need someone to trust. That someone is your Manager." A good Manager is someone who will help you make the choices that are best for your career. The Manager (who handles a select group of actors) is employed by the Actor to advise, counsel, guide and create opportunities for the Actor. S/He mediates between the Actor and everyone else. Especially in this day and age, the added leverage and extra attention an Actor gets from having a Manager will prove to be a worthwhile experience. By nature the relationship between a Manager and Actor is exclusive.
As a wise man once said, "It's not your reputation, it's ours (the Agent)." The Agent (who handles a much larger group of actors) is hired specifically to procure employment for the Actor. Agents handle specific areas of an actor's career (On Camera, Legit, Print, Voice-Over, etc). Some Actors are signed across the board while others may work with different agencies for different areas. By nature of the work, the relationship may exist exclusively (signed) in that area or on a freelance basis ("B" and "C" list).
As in LA, we prefer our Actors work with Agents exclusively and not freelance with more than one Agent.
5. Does Ravelo Artists Management collect commission even when they didn't directly submit? Everyone's ultimate goal is to have the work come to the actor. Talent representatives only get paid when the Actor works. Agents specialize in specific areas of employment. Some Agents freelance with the Actor (in specific fields) and therefore, only collect a commission on the jobs they book for the actor in that area). Managers offer leverage and extra attention. The service may or may not include direct submissions. The payment is for this leverage and extra attention; not for the specific purpose of submitting/booking an actor for work. Therefore, when you or your Agent books you work, then your Manager will be compensated.
6. Is it a good idea to freelance with a bunch of Agents and also have my Manager send me out for the same projects, just in case the Agent misses it?
Double submissions are one of the most annoying things a Casting Director encounters. Many Casting Directors will throw away your picture and resume when it is submitted more than once for the same project. Managers and Agents must work together. If you freelance with more than one “legit” Agent, they should clear the submission with your Manager. Often, while freelancing with several Agents, both the Agents and your Manager submit you for the same project. It then becomes clear to casting that you do not have a cohesive management team focusing on your best interests.
Actor
Advice: Choose! Commit! Believe! Know what you want and work everyday to
make it happen. Keep your focus strong. Excuses only serve to help you
rationalize why you failed. Failure is not an option. Believe your dream can
become a reality. Our biggest obstacle is ourselves. Reach for the stars and
land on the moon.
7. Can I stop by and drop off headshot when I'm in the area?
All packages must be dropped off at the Mailroom/Package Center: 414 West 43rd St, (between 9th & 10th). Packages may only be dropped off during the following times:
Monday thru Friday: 8am to 7pm
Saturdays: 8am to 5pm
Sundays: Closed
Ravelo Artists Management will be notified when packages are received at the Package Center
With the amount of industry professional in our building, the front desk does not accept packages, please do not ask them to do so. There are absolutely no exceptions.
8. Can I stop by and visit to chat about my career?
Unannounced visits are unacceptable. Always call to make an appointment to meet. Otherwise, we may not have time to attend to your needs. We respect your time and ask you do the same.
9. Do you submit me for non-paying jobs since it can help develop my career?
When the pay is nominal or non-existent, we typically do not submit for those projects . If it doesn't pay you, it won't pay us. Our time is best spent in getting you work that will take you to the next level. The exception to this is when the team involved is of a stature that may lead to a paying job down the line.
Actor
Advice: Many new actors want to work in film and commercials yet they
have no credits in that arena. In the big leagues, few people will take a chance
at meeting with actors who have no evidence of having worked in a particular
field. Remain proactive throughout your career. There are a number of different
resources listing projects: Actors
Access, Playbill.com, NY
Casting, etc. While these opportunities are not lucrative ventures, they can
help you build your resume, meet industry professionals, help you develop your
audition technique and work ethic. Additionally, the more people you meet,
the more chances you have of finding employment. Meet as many people as
possible.
10. Can I call you to tell you which projects I should be submitted for?
Casting ideas are welcome from signed Clients if the information comes from an industry professional. Actors who make suggestions from casting information they obtain illegally from Breakdown Services will automatically be dropped! Breakdowns Services are available to approved Agents and Managers only.
11. Can you call Casting Directors to get feedback on my audition?
While every experience is a learning experience, an audition is NOT an acting class. A Casting Directors’ job is to cast the most appropriate Actor in the role. It is not to help Actors audition better. If casting likes what you brought to the table, they will most likely call you back or volunteer positive feedback for your work.
On rare occasions, the Casting Director will take the time to give a scathing critique of your work, essentially meaning you have damaged the relationship between RAM and the Casting Director. In the unlikely event such a situation occurs, an immediate meeting will take place to reassess your relationship with RAM.
Actor
Advice: Actors who work are actors who audition well. If you are not
working, then your audition techniques is probably weak. An actor must be open
and prepared for anything at an audition.
12. What do I do if an emergency comes up and I have to be late for an audition?
Call us immediately so we can let the casting director know. ALWAYS leave your full name and the telephone number where you are to be reached. Often, we get a call that goes something like this, "It's John. I'm running late. Call me." We can't help you when we don't know who you are.
13. Can I call you on weekends?
Except for emergencies, our office hours are Monday through Friday: 9AM to 7PM.
14. Who is responsible for updating my resume?
The information listed on your copy of your resume must match our copy. When you get a booking, take a class, learn a special skill, etc., please update your resume immediately, discard any outdated copies and e-mail it to us. As stated, you should only have one resume, as such RAM can not update your resume under any circumstances.
15. If I get my hair colored or restyled, will I need a new headshot?
ALWAYS let us know if you've changed your look. Your headshot (and resume) are what helps them decide whether you will be seen for the role or not. If you don't look like your picture, don't rely on developing a positive relationship with anyone in that room.
16. Do you attend showcases?
If you are performing under a Broadway or Off-Broadway contract, we will make every effort to attend a performance. However, as a result of time constraints, we are typically unable to attend showcases. Although, if you feel your performance demonstrates a side of your talent we have not yet seen, or you think there are other Actors/friends in the production we should see/scout, please feel free to contact us to schedule a date, time and ticket. We will do our best to send a representative to attend the scheduled performance.
17. I heard about an audition from an actors friend of mine. Can I crash it and put your name down as my rep?
Crashing an audition is both unprofessional and damaging to your career.
Unfortunately, casting directors do not have time to see everyone who is perfect for a role.
Actor
Advice: If you happen upon an audition which you believe you are perfect
for, inform them that, although you do not have an appointment, you would like
to leave your picture and resume for consideration. Always remember, they make
the final decision. Do not take it upon yourself to just sign in and list RAM as
your representative.