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	March 2004 Bliss Mott of LizBell Agency "Push yourself to the limit and dare to be remarkable... always do your best and never, ever give up!"
VAG - What made you want to become a Talent Agent?
Bliss Mott - I wanted to become a part of the creative process.  I love working     with people and have a great imagination so becoming an agent was the     perfect fit for me!
VAG - What are some problems/issues you face daily as a Talent Agent?
BM - Meeting so many talented and wonderful people and only being able to     represent a certain amount.  Also, some days can get so hectic with lots of     breakdowns, phone calls, bookings, auditions, that it's hard to breathe -     literally!
VAG - What are some of your pet peeves as an Agent?
BM - Talent not letting me know when they are going away for vacation, not     keeping the Casting Workbook updated and letting headshots run out or look     dated (like Miami Vice style wardrobe :-) ).
VAG - What can actors do to help their career while waiting for auditions?
BM - Practice, train and practice some more. Work with fellow actors on a     weekly basis on scripts. Also, don't just watch Commercials, TV & Features -     STUDY them. Look for who is chosen for each character & role and try to     identify with each character.
VAG - How important is on-going training to an actor's career?
BM - It's the key. Casting Director's need to see that you have put your heart &     soul, time and energy into this, that you have paid your dues and bottom line,     that you can act!
VAG - Take us through a typical day in your office.
BM - A day starts off with prioritizing all the breakdowns from Vancouver and LA.     Then it's working on getting all the breakdowns submitted before the deadline;     Letting actor's know of auditions & getting them their sides & scripts; Getting     feedback on the auditions from the casting director's; Motivating actors to get     classes, training or to update their headshots & casting workbook; Booking &     negotiating the actor's rates & billing and special 'superstar' treatment!;     Listening to at least one person's monologue and guiding them in the right     direction!!
VAG - What is the best way to approach you for representation?
BM - An acting resume, a good headshot and strong cover letter. Wait until you     have some really solid training and a good headshot before you submit. Some     work on independents and theatre are really good too. Show the agent that you     have already put some time and effort into this and that this is your "career     choice", not just something that you thought you would "try out" and see how it     goes!
VAG - What are some common misconceptions Actors may have about Talent Agents?
BM - I'm not sure really, but one could be that we have the ability to pick and     choose who actually gets to go to an audition. All we can do is our best to     submit who is right for the role and hope that the casting director agrees.
VAG - What are your thoughts on the increasing number of American actors being brought in for smaller roles?
BM - That's a tough question…there can be so many factors involved with     decisions like that. What I do know for a fact is that we have a very healthy and     profoundly skilled talent pool here in Canada, it really shouldn't be an issue.
VAG - How can we change this?
BM - The more skilled and trained our actors are, the better we all look.
VAG - How can an Actor get and stay in your good books?
BM - My actor's are great - they always answer their cells when I call, confirm     their auditions right away, they all have computers at home to get the info and     sides, they do everything in their power to go to an audition fully prepared and     most importantly, they train constantly.
VAG - What criteria do you have for actors before sending them to LA for Pilot Season?
BM - LizBell is affiliated with several agencies in LA, so the opportunity to be     dually represented greater. There has to be a level of dedication, motivation     and success in order to make it work down in LA. A great example is MISSY     PEREGRYM, she started off in the modeling agency, started taking acting     lessons and then booked a local pilot "Black Sash". She has trained     consistently the whole time and just recently booked an LA pilot "Doing It".     Throughout the years, she has remained consistent, methodical, determined     and diligent.
VAG - LizBell also has a highly successful modeling department.  What challenges do your modeling clients face when making the transition from the runway to the big screen?
BM - I think the challenges are the same for everyone as the requirements are     the same for everyone. The bottom line is that you have to be a great actor. In     order to achieve it you must train (I'm getting a déjà vu feeling regarding the     training!)
VAG - What in your opinion was the all time most memorable performance by an actor?
BM - Most definitely Hilary Swank in "Boy's Don't Cry". Wow.
VAG - What has been your greatest achievement as a Talent Agent?
BM - Having every actor on my roster know that I believe in them.
VAG - Do you have any advice for aspiring actors reading this interview?
BM - The answer to the test is right in front of you!  Do your homework every     day.  Push yourself to the limit and dare to be remarkable.  Do whatever it takes     to succeed.  Train, always do your best and never, ever give up!
Our thanks to Bliss Mott for taking the time out of her busy schedule to be interviewed. And thanks to Michael Belyea, Artistic Director of Ingénue Actors Studio who made this interview possible.