written by: Kelly Calabrese

Tell me about it, stud...

This legendary statement made by Olivia Newton John in Grease, packs quite a punch because she says so little - and yet so much.

In many ways, actors are expected to make the same kind of swift impact when they engage in conversations with agents. Actors need to share who they are while being "honest" - "confident" - "contagiously passionate" and "themselves" at the same time.

Sounds simply tricky. For sure!

To help... NYCastings sought insight from four agents on how to answer the infamous one liner - "So, tell me about yourself."

Anthony Higgins - Print Agent, MSA Models

Q: When it comes to the question, "So, tell me about yourself" - what do you really mean?

Typically, this is a chance for the agents to see how these people will react when they are in front of clients. If they are nervous, avoid eye contact or can't "sell" themselves to me, how are they going to impress our clients.

Q: What do you want to know?

I want to see how they present themselves, more than knowing all about them. It takes time to get to know people.

Q: Do you have a TIP on how actors can best present themselves when answering this question / meeting with you?
Just to be confident, make eye contact, be easy and comfortable. We can smell desperation and it's not attractive. We also don't typically like cockiness either. Sometimes the sense of entitlement that people have when they walk in the door for a meeting is overwhelming. The modeling business owes these folks NOTHING, and they need to know that until they are prepared, easy to work with and exactly what the clients want they will constantly be subjected to proving themselves in a very competitive world.

Craig Holzberg - Agent/Owner, Avalon Artists Group

Q: When it comes to the question, "So, tell me about yourself" - what do you really mean?

I don't really ask this question specifically, I asked more pointed questions to get to know the actor.

Q: What do you want to know?

Where are you from, how long have you been in NY/LA, why do you want to be an actor, what are your dream roles, etc. This gives a very good insight into who the person is.

Q: Do you have a TIP on how actors can best present themselves when answering this question / meeting with you?
I think that they should be honest first and foremost and focus on the interesting characteristics, what makes them stand out from all the other actors.

Jim Daly - Agent, Bloc Talent Agency

Q: When it comes to the question, "So, tell me about yourself" - what do you really mean?

I've been the victim of a response like "Well, when I was 4 years old..." A long detailed history of why you're in the business is usually not what we're looking for.

Q: What do you want to know?

I am interested in what you are passionate about today and what you're doing or have done recently to come closer to the goals you've set.

Q: Do you have a TIP on how actors can best present themselves when answering this question / meeting with you?

Your passion should be contagious. Before you leave, I should want to join your team and help you achieve your goals. The best way that's going to happen is for you to have a positive attitude and confidence in what you bring to the table while avoiding sounding overly confident.

Carole Ingber - Commercial Agent/Owner, Ingber & Associates

Q: When it comes to the question, "So, tell me about yourself" - what do you really mean?

I would not ask that question. When I meet with people, I look at their resume and I'll ask, "Do you go out commercially?" Every agent does things differently. That is why some people are with me and some aren't. It is all a case of what people are comfortable with.

Q: What do you want to know?

Wherever the discussion goes is where it goes and that will give me a sense of the person. Today, I met with a girl who talked about how she grew up on a farm. I learned about who she is and where she is from. Through conversations is how you learn who your clients are. It is about the relationship.

Q: Do you have a TIP on how actors can best present themselves when answering this question / meeting with you?

To be who they are. To be themselves. Don't be who you are not.

What helpful insight from Anthony Higgins, Craig Holzberg, Jim Daly and Carole Ingber.

Thanks for sharing, studs ;)