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Should You Self-Submit a Specific General Submission When You Already Have Representation?

By The Up-To-Date Actor, October 11, 2025

Landing an agent or manager is a huge milestone — validation that your work is marketable and that someone is out there pitching you. But even with strong representation, one big question often arises:

Should you still self-submit a Specific General Submission to casting directors or production offices?

The short answer: Yes — if done professionally, with purpose, and in partnership with your rep.

For a deeper explanation of what a Specific General Submission is and how to craft one, read our earlier blog:
Can You Directly Reach Out to Film/TV Casting Directors?

This post focuses on why submitting your own materials — even when you’re represented — can be an important part of your long-term career growth.

Why Some Reps Discourage Self-Submissions

It’s not uncommon for agents or managers to advise their clients not to reach out directly to casting or creative teams. Their reasoning usually falls into one of these categories:

1. Control of Branding and Communication

They want all outreach to reflect a consistent professional image and tone.

2. Avoiding Confusion or Duplication

They worry that both you and they might contact the same office about the same project, creating a sense of disorganization.

3. Old-School Industry Culture

For decades, reps were the only ones with access to breakdowns and direct casting pipelines. Some still see all communication as their exclusive domain.

While these concerns make sense, they don’t fully align with the modern industry, where collaboration and actor initiative are now key components of success.

Myth vs. Reality: Self-Submitting a Specific General Submission

Myth 1: “If you self-submit, you’re stepping on your agent or manager’s toes.”
Reality: Open communication solves this. Let your rep know who you’re reaching out to and why. Proactive actors are seen as motivated, not disloyal.

Myth 2: “Casting directors only want to hear from reps.”
Reality: Many casting offices — especially those developing new theatre seasons, indie films, or pilots — welcome professional general submissions directly from actors.

Myth 3: “If you self-submit, your rep looks unnecessary.”
Reality: Self-submissions don’t replace your rep; they complement their work. You’re simply helping broaden visibility between projects.

Myth 4: “It’s unprofessional to send your own materials.”
Reality: That’s outdated. Today’s hybrid agent/manager models often encourage their clients to maintain consistent visibility through thoughtful, well-timed outreach.

Myth 5: “You’ll annoy casting or oversaturate your name.”
Reality: Oversaturation only happens when submissions are random or irrelevant. A targeted, respectful note that reflects awareness of a project or creative team shows professionalism — not desperation.

Why Self-Submitting a Specific General Submission Still Matters

1. Reps Focus on Active Casting; You Can Focus on Ongoing Relationships

Agents and managers pitch you for currently casting projects. Your general submissions nurture long-term relationships with casting directors, producers, or theatre artistic staff — the people who will think of you next season or next show.

2. You’re Expanding Opportunities Beyond What They See

Reps may prioritize high-profile or contractual projects. You can reach out to new works, short films, or regional theatres where they might not yet have relationships.

3. You Stay Professionally Visible Between Projects

A simple “checking-in” email after a booking, showcase, or festival screening reminds casting that your career is active and evolving — even when you’re not currently auditioning.

4. You Control How You’re Represented

A strong submission note allows you to communicate your tone, type, and current goals in your own authentic voice — always including your rep’s info to reinforce teamwork.

How to Coordinate with Your Agent or Manager

• Be Transparent. Tell your rep which casting offices or creative teams you plan to contact.
• Stay Professional. Keep your outreach concise, warm, and purposeful.
• Reference Your Representation. Always include your rep’s contact info in your email signature.
• Loop Them In. If you get a reply, share it so they can handle next steps or negotiate properly.

This not only prevents overlap but also shows your rep you’re organized and serious about your career.

How Your Talent Report Strengthens Your Strategy

Your Talent Report gives insight into where your agent or manager has already submitted you. It’s your roadmap for making informed, non-redundant general submissions.

Use it to:

• Identify which casting offices haven’t yet seen your materials.
• Plan your next round of personalized outreach.
• Track submissions and responses using your Up-To-Date Actor tools — Contact Log, Submission Tracker, and Notes.

When you align your outreach with your rep’s activity, you’re not stepping on toes — you’re extending the team’s reach.

The Takeaway

Self-submitting a Specific General Submission while represented isn’t a sign of impatience — it’s a sign of professionalism.

It shows casting you’re engaged, your rep that you’re a partner, and the industry that you’re actively building your network.

When you use your Talent Report for strategy, keep your communication open with your rep, and approach each submission with authenticity and purpose, you’re doing exactly what successful, working actors do:

You’re staying visible, prepared, and in control of your own momentum.

Use Up-To-Date Actor to research casting offices, track your outreach, and manage your professional visibility — so you can build lasting relationships while your reps focus on the next big opportunity.