Speak to My Agent
Entertainment executive Randi Siegel on becoming a Hollywood deal maker
Randi Siegel, Hollywood agent, manager, and entertainment executive, teaches Talent Representation and Contracts, a BU Study Abroad: Los Angeles class that’s number six on the Daily Beast’s Hottest College Courses in the Country. In April 2015, she brought a condensed version to Questrom. Here’s what she had to say about becoming a Hollywood deal maker:
Use your powers of observation “You have two ears, two eyes, and one mouth for a reason. Look and listen twice as much as you speak. You will trip yourself up by talking about how bad a deal is, to the person who made the deal.”
Don’t get dazzled Siegel discovered Jimmy Fallon, but told him to pass on Meet the Parents (Ben Stiller took the part), even though it was a major studio film and Fallon didn’t have to audition. The reason? Think Jason Biggs in American Pie, says Siegel, who followed that up with “four movies you can’t remember the name of….A manager helps to strategize. If you want to book a big movie but can’t handle it, it’s too much too soon. It’s better to build.”
Be aware that Hollywood is still sexist “While sexism hasn’t changed, the conversation has. You hear about it more than you used to. But the entertainment business is one of the most sexist places, especially in the comedy scene.”
Look for a mentor Start reading trade publications like Deadline.com and the Hollywood Reporter and look up the big firms (Creative Artists Agency, United Talent Agency, William Morris Endeavor) on IMDb Pro. “Find the name of an agent, and send them a note. Find a mentor. If you like their style, learn from them.”
Watch what you Tweet “Build your image early on. What you put on social media is the number-one thing prospective employers are looking at…people want to know they can trust you. Confidentiality is very important.”
