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| How To Get An Agent |
Published: Oct/Nov 2009 - Vol.1, Iss.1 of IAE Magazine
Copyright © 2009, N'Fluential Publishing. All Rights Reserved.
PAGE 1 of 4
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Ever seen a dog chasing its tail? It seems ridiculous
to humans because we understand that the endless
spinning around and around to bite yourself in the
butt, not only looks silly, but is a total waste of time
and energy.
Well, an actor/actress without a great agent or
manager is pretty much doing the same thing as the
dog; chasing his/her career in a non-stop circle only
to keep ending up dazed, confused, frustrated, and
Copyright © 2009, N'Fluential Publishing. All Rights Reserved.
PAGE 1 of 4
------------------------------------------------------------------
Ever seen a dog chasing its tail? It seems ridiculous
to humans because we understand that the endless
spinning around and around to bite yourself in the
butt, not only looks silly, but is a total waste of time
and energy.
Well, an actor/actress without a great agent or
manager is pretty much doing the same thing as the
dog; chasing his/her career in a non-stop circle only
to keep ending up dazed, confused, frustrated, and
never making any progress.
The definition of insanity is to repeat the same cycle of events over and over again,
but expecting a different outcome each time you run the cycle. So if you’re an actor
who has repeated the same cycle over and over again, with no success, maybe you
should try a different route because nobody wants to be called insane.
So here are a few tips to help you move in a direction toward success, when
attempting to choose the right agent for your acting career.
1. KNOW WHAT TALENT AGENTS DO
Agents, in most cases, are the direct link to casting directors (CDs) and producers
who hire actors for various on-camera jobs. In return for helping you secure auditions,
your agent will receive a 10% commission from your gross earnings if, and when, you
book a job. Look out for agents who try to ask for more than 10% on union projects
(or 15% for non-union work). In many cases, mostly on union (SAG or AFTRA)
projects, the agent’s 10% fee is separate from the actor’s compensation for the job,
so the agent should not seek to take an additional 10% from the actor’s earnings.
There are various types of agents who can represent you in your career. The most
sought after types of agents are theatrical (film & TV) and commercial. There are also
print (usually combined with commercial), voice-over (for TV, film, radio commercials
and cartoons), and legitimate (theater) agents. Some agents prefer to represent you
in every category, which would mean you are “signed across the board.” But some
actors prefer to be represented by different agents for different types of work since
certain agencies specialize in certain types of castings. Some actors also prefer to
have multiple agents represent them for the same category; just in different
regions/markets of the country (you may have a theatrical agent in Los Angeles and a
separate agency repping you for theatrical in Atlanta or New York). You just have to
decide how you prefer to be represented as an individual.
2. BUILD YOUR RESUME AND GET GREAT HEADSHOTS
In order to grab an agent’s attention you need the right tools. The most important two
tools you need are an 8x10 headshot photo and an acting resume. If you have a
speed reel, then you’re light years ahead of most of the up-and-coming actors you’re
up against. A speed reel is a medley of short video clips of your work, and while it is a
great way to showcase your talent and appear more viable, if you’re just starting out
don’t worry about this because it’s not mandatory to get an agent.
With your headshot and résumé being the most vital parts of your toolkit, you must
make sure you understand the proper way to prepare them. The photo is definitely
the actor’s most important marketing tool because it is the first thing agents,
managers, and CDs look at; so don’t skimp on quality in this area!
Commercial Headshots & Theatrical Headshots. These are the two main types of
headshots; one shot will be used for casting commercials, and the other for film,
theater and TV. It is said that the commercial shot should be happy-go-lucky looking,
while the theatrical shot should appear to be more serious. For both types of shots,
think about how you will be cast and tailor your photos to those particular directions. It
is also a good idea to have more than two shots of each type. In the meantime, get
one great photo reproduced for your agency search.
The definition of insanity is to repeat the same cycle of events over and over again,
but expecting a different outcome each time you run the cycle. So if you’re an actor
who has repeated the same cycle over and over again, with no success, maybe you
should try a different route because nobody wants to be called insane.
So here are a few tips to help you move in a direction toward success, when
attempting to choose the right agent for your acting career.
1. KNOW WHAT TALENT AGENTS DO
Agents, in most cases, are the direct link to casting directors (CDs) and producers
who hire actors for various on-camera jobs. In return for helping you secure auditions,
your agent will receive a 10% commission from your gross earnings if, and when, you
book a job. Look out for agents who try to ask for more than 10% on union projects
(or 15% for non-union work). In many cases, mostly on union (SAG or AFTRA)
projects, the agent’s 10% fee is separate from the actor’s compensation for the job,
so the agent should not seek to take an additional 10% from the actor’s earnings.
There are various types of agents who can represent you in your career. The most
sought after types of agents are theatrical (film & TV) and commercial. There are also
print (usually combined with commercial), voice-over (for TV, film, radio commercials
and cartoons), and legitimate (theater) agents. Some agents prefer to represent you
in every category, which would mean you are “signed across the board.” But some
actors prefer to be represented by different agents for different types of work since
certain agencies specialize in certain types of castings. Some actors also prefer to
have multiple agents represent them for the same category; just in different
regions/markets of the country (you may have a theatrical agent in Los Angeles and a
separate agency repping you for theatrical in Atlanta or New York). You just have to
decide how you prefer to be represented as an individual.
2. BUILD YOUR RESUME AND GET GREAT HEADSHOTS
In order to grab an agent’s attention you need the right tools. The most important two
tools you need are an 8x10 headshot photo and an acting resume. If you have a
speed reel, then you’re light years ahead of most of the up-and-coming actors you’re
up against. A speed reel is a medley of short video clips of your work, and while it is a
great way to showcase your talent and appear more viable, if you’re just starting out
don’t worry about this because it’s not mandatory to get an agent.
With your headshot and résumé being the most vital parts of your toolkit, you must
make sure you understand the proper way to prepare them. The photo is definitely
the actor’s most important marketing tool because it is the first thing agents,
managers, and CDs look at; so don’t skimp on quality in this area!
Commercial Headshots & Theatrical Headshots. These are the two main types of
headshots; one shot will be used for casting commercials, and the other for film,
theater and TV. It is said that the commercial shot should be happy-go-lucky looking,
while the theatrical shot should appear to be more serious. For both types of shots,
think about how you will be cast and tailor your photos to those particular directions. It
is also a good idea to have more than two shots of each type. In the meantime, get
one great photo reproduced for your agency search.
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