Hollywood Pitfalls: One Actress’s Story of a Lesson Learned

Acting Headshots by Vanie Poyey

Blog written by Sarah D.

I’m honored to have my returning client Sarah D.  as a guest blogger on this post!  I think her story is well written and an invaluable source of information for the novice actor.  Please enjoy and share!

“We have all heard it before: “It’s called show business.” Well, yeah, “duh,” we all say to ourselves, but the reality of it is that very few actors actually understand the business aspect of it. We’ve all taken classes, read books, drowned ourselves in plays—truly committed ourselves to the craft—but when it comes to the business of acting, it’s really learn-as-you-go.

Now I’m not here to tell you how it is. I wish I could say I’ve figured it all out and here it is for you, in a nutshell and on a platter. I can’t. But I can tell you about a recent situation I found myself in which didn’t end so pleasantly. I had a case of bad manager blues.

Ultimately, the relationship went south, I needed to end it. I discovered I signed a “bad” contract that left me no exit clause. In fact, according to the wording, if I went to my manager and said I wanted out, he could “fine” me for early termination. Yes, shame on me for signing that. After consulting a lawyer, it was determined that the contract was unenforceable due to the fact that it had no exit clause for me, and all the penalties were against me, none for him. Too bad that did not absolve me from walking away from the agreement without legal assistance.

Needless to say, it has been quite an interesting year. One filled with frustration and angst. But I have learned a lot from this situation. I have certainly grown, more critical and stronger as a businesswoman. Here are just a few tidbits you should keep in mind.

*It’s OK to NOT sign a contract on the spot. In fact, you SHOULD have a copy of it reviewed by a lawyer, be it friend or family. Not all contracts are alike, and it is your responsibility to protect yourself.

* Make sure you have an exit clause. If something is not working, you need to be able to get out of a contract, clean and fast.

*Your manager should have an office, an actual office. And no, the coffee bar at a fancy hotel does not count.

*If your agent or manager is legit, they will have access to the breakdowns and be able to submit you electronically via Breakdown Express. In order to get a Breakdown Express account, talent agencies must be licensed and managers must belong to the Talent Managers Association. Managers are not required to join the TMA, so be wary of those who are not.

*Remember, your manager and agents work for you and with you. This is a no-brainer, but in a town of people pleasers it’s good to remember, don’t let someone you are working with tell you that you aren’t good enough. You are good enough, and if they don’t agree then they should not be representing you.

*Keep a detailed diary of all your meetings and their content. If things go bad, you have a written record you can use to prove your case.

*It is ok to set boundaries. Some managers are more hands on than others, but they do not need to know who you are sleeping with or what you ate for breakfast. Really, they don’t.

*And one last thing: Never, EVER, pay an agent or manager unless you book something. Do not pay them for their “time,” advice, or whatever they may be claiming compensation for. They make money, when you make money; generally, 10% – 15% of whatever you book.”

Returning  client Sarah D. brings out a sense of adorable warmth and quirkiness in her headshots!

Steve Suh was able to go from quirky to edgy with such ease!

During our time together, Tom Lommel was able to bring through the CEO, the funny guy living in a cubicle, and our best friend!

James Hawthorn brought out that college heart throb and Teresa Tharp brought out the trustworthy professional.

I think this goes without saying, but Keston John was phenomenal to work with!  He brought out such a range of characters, I just had to share a little series from his session!

Here, Christian Pitre plays the role of leading love interest as Robbie Davis delivers a more rough-around the edges character.  This adorable couple also happen to be  husband and wife who took advantage of our “couple’s discount”!

Friend sessions are such a blast when you have amazing people to work with such as Karen Bennett and Michael Hansen who also took advantage of the “friend discount”!

Returning client, Kerry Wieder really understands the concept of producing headshots that target specific auditions!

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Recent Los Angeles Headshots

Lately, I’ve been extremely busy with various projects…knock on wood.

Coming soon, my latest corporate work, but for now, here are some headshots from the last two weeks.

Starting off the new work is Kimberly Douglas, Charles’s gal.

If you don’t know Charles, he has shot with me enough times, and stopped by the place enough times, to have weaseled his way into our friendship.

Kimberly is a hoot and has some big plans for Charles and for herself of course!

Here are some shots I did for Kelly Noonan.  She was referred to me by her agent at Beth Stein & Associates.  A pleasure to work with, and isn’t she peerrrty?

Another recent client, Heather Pier, a true Montana gal, found me through her agent, Jana Luker.

Nate Beals, the new kid on the scene, found me through Backstage West.  Mom accompanied us on the shoot and the four of us (makeup artist included) had one big happy day.

Sophie Kirov, here from Australia after backpacking all over the world!  She’s quite the adventures type and is diving right in.  Good luck Sophie.

Finally, the Paolella Kids, are all working to get in the business.

Paige is the eldest daughter, Hayley is the middle child, and Ryan is the youngest of the bunch.  All are full of personality…and all are adorable!

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Readers’ choice award 2009: LA’s Favorite Headshot Photographer: Vanie Poyey

Readers’ Choice Award 2009

I wanted to thank everyone who took the time to vote for the Reader’s Choice Award.  I’m thrilled to have won LA’s favorite headshot photographer.  It is truly an honor and makes me feel appreciated.

Read the Backstage Interview with me, here.  Be sure to scroll down to the “headshot photographer” section.

Also I wanted to thank Matt Ryan, Melissa Guillaume, Charles Allen, and Jennifer Shumaker for giving me nothing but accolades when asked about their experience with me.

Below are images from recent sessions.

John Liddiard, a first time client, and a really sweet husband with a little boy that looks just like a mini John!

Terrie Simmons, a repeat repeat repeat repeat client.  Love her to death…and not just because she single-handedly pays my bills.  She’s a great gal from Texas and our “girl time” during the shoot is always full of  laughter!

Liz Beckham, a first time client and sooo easy to work with.  As a couple of short gals, we share a little secret…you’ll never guess!

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