Handbook for Actors-How Do I find and agent?

Introduction

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The first thing to remember is that no agent – no matter how good or how well-known – gets you or your child work. He must do that himself!

Agents can, however, find out about jobs that might be right for you or your child. Their job is to nurture and promote their actor/model. As a matter of fact, it is possible in some areas (e.g. New York) to freelance; and it is probably to the beginning child’s advantage to do so. When your you garner some experience, or if you’re trying to get work in other markets, an Agent can be absolutely vital. Some casting agents will not even consider an actor who does not have representation.

Start by sending snapshots of yourself to a local reputable modeling agency. Look under modeling agencies or talent agencies in the Yellow Pages. Be sure to ask what their policies are for seeing new models. Bring your photos and resume with you to your interviews

Go to contests, auditions and open calls. Join a union. PhotoCelbrations Sponsors a National Contest where the winners get lots of free promotion to the Industry.

Beware of bogus agencies that try to prey on the inexperienced. Legitimate Agents are regulated by the states and union-franchised (except Modeling Agencies which do not have to be Equity, AFTRA or SAG-franchised). Although Agents may be paid up to twenty-five (25%) of your child’s earnings (including residuals), they do not get a dime unless and until they produce. They are only paid by commission – never by fee. They only make money when you or your child does.

A reputable agent will not sign you or your child just to enlarge his roster. If he signs you or your child; it is because he thinks you can make him some money. So, if he calls you in for an interview; you know he has already seen something in your child’s photo or videotape that appeals to him. When you go for the interview, you should look as much like his photo as possible, but you should take other photos with you that you think might demonstrate additional versatility. For actors: you will probably be asked to perform a monologue or participate in a skit.

In order to sell you, the Agent must be sold on you. He must be excited about your talent and possibilities. If the Agent displays anything less than absolute enthusiasm, he probably is not be the right one for you. Better to be with a lesser known Agent who recognizes your unique qualities than to be with a larger "stable" of actors/models some of whom seem pretty much like all the others.

Some agents will operate on a verbal basis until you book your first job. Many Agents do this with new talent, and you could continue on this basis for several months as a way of setting up a trial period. During this time, the Agent will work diligently to get you auditions. If you are hired, the Agent will then negotiate the best contract he can. He is, remember, working on a commission basis. If you do not receive any work, or are only sent on one or two auditions over a few months, you should move on – and there is no contractual obligation to worry about.

Although it may include some options that are dependent upon performance, you should not generally sign a contract with an Agent that is longer than one year. DO NOT sign an exclusive agreement if you are just starting. Even when you are established, only sign when guaranteed a certain amount of work or money per year. Once you are signed, keep in touch with his Agent on a regular basis – at least weekly. This keeps your (child’s) name in front of the Agent and is especially important if he is not being sent out on call frequently. Try not to tie up too much of the Agent’s time, but remember that an inability to communicate usually indicates a poor match. Check with the union/guilds in your area, because it is illegal in some areas to have multiple agents unless they are handling different scopes of your career; e.g. commercials vs theatre.

Most Agents will ask you for about twenty-five of your (child’s) photos and to have your resume reprinted on agency stationery. They make ask you to set up a photo shoot for a composite. They will also have you sign a release form so that money earned by your (child) (through the Agent’s efforts) will be deposited into the Agent’s account. This is a necessity, because production companies will only deposit money into the Agent’s account. The Agent is then responsible for issuing a check to you.

Signing with an Agent does not mean that you should rest on your laurels. The name of the game is to be seen. Continue to hustle and seek out opportunities for your (child). Try to get into showcases and invite directors, casting directors, etc. Subscribe to and scour the trade papers. Send out photos and videotapes of yourself. Continue to cultivate leads and contacts.