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ARCHIVE INTERVIEW 2 - Liz Fell (Agent)

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The shelf life of a talent agent is a short one. You only
need to go through recent publications of Agents Listing
or Management Publications to discover that 10% of the
agents listed a year ago no longer exist!

It is a risky business but a rewarding one just the same.
One such person who is throwing herself into the murky
waters of entertainment representation and management
is Liz Fell.

I spoke to her recently about the ups and downs of working
in a unpredictable arena:

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A. WHAT COMES AS A SHOCK TO MOST ASPIRING PRESENTERS?

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LIZ: When they sign with an agent they think that
everything will happen immediately. Overnight success
takes years of work. There are more hours of sitting around
and waiting than actually working. The waiting will often
kill off people's energy and enthusiasm.

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B. WHAT SKILLS DO THEY NEED?

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LIZ: A good showreel is imperative. A good showreel that
is well produced will go a long way in this business. In
fact it will often outdo a good audition if you can prove
that your on camera presence is strong.

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C. YOUR ADVICE TO PRESENTERS?

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You need to be persistent and be determined. You also
must be prepared to turn rejection into a positive result.
Always ask what you can do better - ask why you didn't get
a job or audition!

Liz Fell's website can be found at www.lizfellagency.com
An extended video interview with Liz can be viewed on the
How To Be A TV Star product 'Your Big Break' DVDV Series
- out now!

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Copyright © 2007 by Nick Piper, Derrick Siu and Plop
Entertainment. All information, text, graphics, audio, design
and software are copyrighted works of Plop Entertainment.
All Rights Reserved.

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ARCHIVE ARTICLE 5 - Your Career As A Business

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TREAT IT AS A BUSINESS!

Setting yourself up as a business is vital if you are
serious about taking this hobby or interest to the level
of a career. Setting yourself up as a business does not
require a great deal of work. Taking the following necessary
steps will also solidify the fact that you are serious in
your endeavours:

Set aside an area at home where you can keep your contact
list, phone, script material and administration. Like any
home-based business, make sure that it is a workspace
ONLY. Have a television nearby so that you are able to
watch tapes and record shows.

Plan in advance the hours during the day you will work
on your television career. If you work a 9am to 5pm day
then plan a couple of hours in the morning or evening to
dedicate to your work. Be strict and disciplined.

Register a business name and set up a business account.
You may not have a great deal of industry or money
flowing through them initially but it is another step
towards taking yourself seriously.

Better still, spend a little money on printing a few business
cards. It adds to the professional image you are trying to
create. Networks prefer to deal with serious aspirants instead
of fame-seeking wannabes who will disappear in a week.

Buy a wall planner and set some deadlines. It is wise to
work to various time scales in order to achieve your goals.
Also print up your hit list and place it on the wall in
front of you.

Go to a garage sale and pick up a cheap filing cabinet, desk,
whiteboard or corkboard and you have a NEW home office.

A fax machine or computer would also be handy as any
communication can be made directly to you. The phone does not
need to be answered by your annoying younger brother or
irresponsible flat-mates if it is in your workspace.

Business related advice can be found in the up-coming Manual
'How To Be A TV Star' by Nick Piper - stay tuned for the 2007
release date!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © 2007 by Nick Piper, Derrick Siu and Plop
Entertainment. All information, text, graphics, audio, design
and software are copyrighted works of Plop Entertainment.
All Rights Reserved.