An agent talks - Val Horton
The Agent - Val Horton, New Faces Talent Managment
Leading agent Val Horton from New Faces Talent Management shares some insider tips about what she looks for in a presenter and her opinions on whats going on in the industry.
What do you look for when recruiting new presenters?
We have only taken on one new presenter over the past 2-3 years as the market has really dried up. When we started in 1999 the broadcasters were fairly open minded and interested in seeing up-and-coming presenters. Unfortunately it was soon discovered that these presenters could not self script so this moved onto up-and-coming presenters with a journalist background. This was then superceded with a requirement for presenters who had a specialist skill and then the broadcasters decided they only wanted the big names or ex-reality so called stars.
How should a presenter approach an agent?
With a covering letter addressed to the agent - not a general 'Hi'. This should be accompanied by a cv, a headshot and a showreel - either hard copies or via email. An sae with sufficient postage should be included if the presenter wishes it to be returned.
In your opinion what works / doesn’t work with showreels?
A short, say 15 second, montage can be ok but not much longer and then it should show the presenter with their very best footage talking into camera immediately with the total duration including other footage no more than 3 minutes maximum. The quality - both picture and sound - should be to professional standard. We can tell instantly if there is any potential and usually only watch a minute or so. Most agents also absolutely hate the 'tailor made' showreels that are doing the rounds and would advise presenters starting out to avoid the very expensive training packages offering a reel at the end of the course. If someone really wants to pursue a career in presenting and has no footage it is perfectly acceptable just to go out with a digicam and a friend with a good eye for camerawork. They can then record a piece into camera followed by a couple of interviews on a subject they know really well and send it out to the agents.
Photos – what type of photos do you like and why?
Only professional, very clear colour and generic headshots - eyes looking into the camera, slight smile - not full length, not modelly, no hands, no hats, no gimmicks.
What are people looking for in a presenter?
At the moment the broadcasters are still looking for names or ex reality so called stars. It is extremely difficult for anyone to break through this.
How long should a presenter stay with an agent?
Until either decides that it is time to move on. It is worth mentioning that there are some presenters who do not realise how hard an agent will work for them. To be truthful it can be absolutely soul destroying for an agent unable to get any interest in a really good presenter. This is often the reason why many agents will now only represent those who get regular and paid work.
www.presenternetwork.com