Acting agents + agencies

Burn No Bridges

It may seem like a no-brainer, but always be kind and respectful to agents, whether or not you agree with the way they handle their business. It may seem as though everyone wants to be a famous actor, but the industry isn't that big, and most agents are well-connected.

Leaving a bad impression with one acting agent can destroy your reputation with others. Conversely, if you impress an agent, she or he may recommend you to colleagues. Remember that many acting agents are creative people as well; they work in the same industry that you do. The more you respect your agent and work hard for them, the more they will work for you. Not to mention that being respectful and professional in all you do establishes you as someone anyone would want to work with.

Choosing an Agent

When you look for potential acting agents, consider where you are in your career. If you're just starting out, a smaller agency will probably suit you better. This doesn't mean you have to skimp on professionalism. Any good agency -- large or small -- will be well-versed in the industry or industries it represents.

Find out how many clients your potential agent represents. This will give you some idea of how much work s/he will have to do while representing you. If an acting agency is handling many actors, then you may add up to only a small part of their business. With large and reputable agencies, this is not necessarily a bad thing, as top names in the industry often have high status attached to them. Be sure the agent who is representing you is not so booked with clients that you become just another headshot and resume on his/her desk.

Making Connections

How connected is your agent? How well-known and well-respected is your agent among casting directors, actors, and even other agents? In order to get you seen by directors, agents need to be seen themselves.

It works like this: An agent will send your acting headshot and resume to a casting director asking for an audition slot. Probably, s/he will attach a cover letter expressing why you are a prefect fit for the role in question (another nice advantage to having an agent!). The better-known the agent, the more likely you are to get that audition. Any successful agent is well connected to the industry, so it doesn't hurt to ask if the acting agent is connected to any producers, directors, and writers. If your agent is very well connected, it's a good chance s/he will send you for auditions or interviews that will land you a job more readily.

The Importance of Being Represented

How important is it for you to have an acting agent? The truth is that many actors make a fine living in the acting business without being represented by an agent. It's a lot of work, since actors who represent themselves have to split their time between honing their craft and doing the business of acting.

The business end of acting includes compiling, updating, mailing out headshots and resumes; researching auditions; networking with casting directors and/or production houses; handling finances, and more. When you have an agent working for you, much of the business is taken care of for you. With an acting agent in your corner, you really only need to keep track of your audition schedule, show up on time, and bring the best of your talents to each meeting. The time you then have to work on your craft and presentation can certainly pay off in the end with more successful auditions...and more acting jobs.

Using Ross Reports to Find an Agent

A great source for agent listings is the Ross Reports. Typically, you can buy the latest issue (they run monthly) at any dramatic bookshop or even some commercial booksellers.

The Ross Reports website lists members of the industry by region, medium, and genre. You need a good idea of what your areas of interest are before you begin. Start with your location (New York, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Philadelphia, etc.), and begin researching acting agencies that represent actors of your type (commercial, comedic, musical, etc.). Make a list of possible candidates, and then do your research on each potential agent. Ask your contacts if anyone they know has worked with the agencies on your list. Search the Internet for any information about each agent. Best yet, visit the agencies in person to get a fist-hand view of the offices and agents within.

What is an Acting Agent?

So, what is an acting agent? Acting agents are the professionals who have an inside edge on the theater, film and/or television industry. They act as the go-betweens for casting directors and you, the actor. Put very simply, with so many actors looking to get their career in acting going, casting directors need a little help weeding through potential performers. Good agents are well-versed in what projects are in production and for which auditions you, their client, will be best suited.

Casting directors aren't the only ones to benefit from the assistance of agents. The acting agent works for you as well. They do all the footwork of seeking out upcoming auditions, sending out your headshots and resumes, following-up on your meetings with casting directors, acting as the your professional contact person, and even promoting you one-on-one with casting directors when the agent feels you need a little push to get noticed.

You and Your Agent

An effective acting agent should have a clear idea of what roles you are looking for. Beyond that, your agent should act as a sort of career counselor, letting you know which roles you should be looking for. Your acting agent should be acutely aware of your "type," in other words. We can't all be leading men and women - some of us are . Some of us are character actors who thrive on the diversity of the business.

In order to develop a rapport with your agent, you need to help him/her get a better understanding of who you are. Ask the agent how s/he sees your career right now and where it could be in a year, 5 years, 10 years... You may not agree with your agent, but do listen to what s/he has to say. Objective feedback is a huge asset for any artist.