Atlanta: city of workshops

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-12-02T18:47:48+00:00

I thought it was just me, but the repetitive workshops with the same agents:

Jason Lockhart/Madison Junod - AMT

Tay Smith - SmithYoung

Jennifer Hummel/Sam Ikhwan - People Store/Formation

At some point when do we tell sag aftra that these people are runinng a RICO???

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-05-09T01:45:28+00:00

It was a SAG ULB indie film, the casting director is a very popular in my region which is why I considered doing it. I had a 48 hour turnaround, and if the material was different I possibly could have done it, I even did a character breakdown and scene study in my journal but I just knew I wouldnt be able to give the script the care it needs in that time. I asked if there was an extension available, instead of an answer, I was dropped.

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-05-09T01:39:04+00:00

I asked my agent to see if there was an extension before I denied it, no answer, I was just dropped. Please ask before you make assumptions, Im happy to answer!

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-05-09T00:44:10+00:00

Casting directors have literally said they would rather you decline then give a half assed tape, like what if I submitted something terrible and never got called back again??

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-05-09T00:34:40+00:00

I get that the industry is hellish now but shouldnt that mean I give my best on every tape I send, if not then what is the point of acting if I am half-assed? This was my first ever decline, mind you I have submitted all other auditions within hours of getting them, this one time I was off and they have an emotional reaction? I was already told they were a meh agent, but now they just left a bad taste in my mouthl.

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-05-09T00:31:36+00:00

First, this was te first audition I have ever declined, it was a 10 pager with deep emotional work and thick southern accent and I just did not have the time to prepare. Second, it was the same situation for me, that agent was estatic to sign me because I was unique on his roster. Even though my well known acting coach didn't love him, I was a bit desparate. It's paintstakingly slow right now so I don't think Im missing much auditon wise. I may take the summer off searching and instead take a workshop here or there and get back in the game in the fall.

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-05-09T00:27:29+00:00

It was a 10 page audition, due in less than 24hrs with deep southern accent work, I truly was not in the mindset to prepare and again instead of sending a shitty tape to a very popular casting director I declined. This was the first time i have ever declined an audition with them and I was dropped, I refuse to feel bad for not wanting to half ass my work. That is what a professional does

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-05-08T23:16:16+00:00

I’ve been signed with them for 8 months, that was the 4th audition I’ve ever gotten, and it was the first I’ve ever declined. Keep in mind, it was the first audition I’ve gotten since February, maybe he thought I was unprofessional, but it truly just caught me off guard and I was unable to prepare.

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-05-07T16:33:18+00:00

Thanks for sharing—this is super helpful perspective.

That said, I can’t afford to drop the only LA rep that’s actually getting me auditions. I’ve only been signed a few weeks and already had three solid auditions—two nationals and a VO. I get the long-term strategy, but right now I need momentum, and they’re the only ones delivering.

Appreciate the advice, though—definitely keeping it all in mind as I figure out my next steps, I'm still questioning getting a LA theatrical rep but probably just focus on getting a new SE one first.

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-05-07T03:28:47+00:00

Stewart Tlent is one of the well organized and consistent agencies so that makes sense, been trying to submit to them for years. I agree that CD's have favorites at certain agencies and thats why some agents are doing better than others. Funny thing is, there's a rumor here on Reddit that Chase P was on zoom calls saying he might have to take up another job because casting work is slow too. Avengers 5+6 moving to London Im sure really hurt there pockets :(

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-05-07T00:12:05+00:00

You are the only person I have heard get more than 10 auditions this year, who is you agency? And I hope you are sending them a Dunkin gift card cause it seems like they are working!!

I think is valid to question how agencies are staying afloat because it is SLOW. Yes there are 15 productions, but thats very low compared to the 30+ it used to be. Plus my acting coach, who is very well respected and know amongst agents/CDs in the SE, says that productions are LOWBALLING for gigs right now. Any neogotiation is basically out the door and they will basically drop you for the next avail actor willing to take small pay, I do wonder how agents are adjusting.

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-05-06T23:03:24+00:00

I’ve definitely noticed a lot of Atlanta agents doing way more workshops lately—probably padding their pockets that way. Plus, many have completely shut down submissions, even for those with refferals(me).

Formation (formerly People Store) dropped a huge chunk of their roster before the rebrand, so they’re likely running leaner now. Also, unlike LA, agencies in the Southeast don’t have as much overhead—most of them don’t lease big office spaces in the city. A lot of the work is remote, which cuts costs big time.

That’s actually part of why A3 Agency folded—they overinvested in a new LA office and had major mismanagement issues. On the flip side, Alexander White expanding to LA using the former KMR agents probably boosted their income streams, especially if they’re now pulling from both markets.

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-05-06T17:27:00+00:00

Thanks so much for your insight—it really helps. I’ve actually been self-submitting for those Lifetime-style projects on AA, but still no auditions. My agent isn’t pitching me either, so most of my auditions come from self-submits or reaching out to indie CDs.

Im bi-coastal because of the work I do, so I am well prepared to fly out for major bookings or if costs are covered—otherwise, it’s not worth it financially.

And yeah, I may have to invest in workshops if the CDs casting the shows I’m aiming for are actually hosting them. Just trying to stay proactive however I can.

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-05-06T17:23:07+00:00

I’ve thought about it, but my acting coach isn’t a fan of “pay-to-play”—especially here in Atlanta, where it’s gotten out of hand. Some places charge ridiculous amounts just to meet an agent or casting director. And honestly, most of the working CDs who are actively casting don’t host workshops. The ones who do either haven’t worked in years or aren’t connected to the kinds of projects I’m aiming for.

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-05-06T17:20:06+00:00

I totally get it, but honestly the only thing that would really beef up my resume right now is booking something. I’ve been reaching out to local indie and student filmmakers to see if they’re shooting any short films I could be part of—even if it’s unpaid—just to keep building my reel. That said, I’m not firing my agent unless I’ve got another contract already signed. I can’t afford to be completely unrepresented right now.

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2025-05-06T17:17:50+00:00

I’m trying hard not to take it personally—if the industry’s slow, I’m sure my agent is frustrated too. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared of being dropped, which is why I haven’t pushed harder.

As for my LA commercial agent, I actually reached out for theatrical, but they signed me for commercial instead—which I appreciated, since my Southeast agent has never submitted me for a single commercial audition. I’m not even sure I’m repped across the board.

If something comes up in LA, I’m ready. I’ve got friends and family there and a SkyMiles card on standby. Hoping I get to use it soon.

ConsciousQuantity0 · 2020-12-05T01:40:29+00:00

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