How To Get An Agent

There are two types of talent agents, theatrical (television and film) and commercial (for television commercials). Being with the same agency for both is called being "signed across the board," but many actors prefer to have separate agents for different types of work, become some agencies can be better commercially, but not as good theatrically, or vice versa.

Agents get information about auditions for roles, either directly from casting directors and producers calling them asking for client submissions, or from a service called "the breakdowns," a daily list of roles being cast, sent only to agents and managers.

Agents work for you, but they only get 10% of what you make, so that means you need to do 90% of the work - especially when you are getting started. That means always be professional, be skilled in acting, network and let casting directors, producers and directors know about your work & upcoming performances by sending out postcards & invitations, know your "type", and make sure you and your agent have an understanding about what kinds of parts you will be submitted for.

The Strategy:

Do not randomly stop by agents offices unannounced, they do not accept personal drop-offs. Avoid calling the office for now. Simply send in your 8" X 10" color photo and resume, along with a brief cover letter. Show the agents that you understand how valuable their time is by keeping the cover letter short and sweet. Far too many actors end up writing a long cover letter, and the agents end up just trowing it in the "circular file" aka trash can.

This is a sample of a good cover letter:
________________________________________________

Savannah Starlet
4321 Superstar Street
Beverly Hills CA 90210
savvystar@email.com
555-986-6754

Attn: Mr. Agent

Enclosed you will find my photo and resume for your consideration. I am currently seeking theatrical (and/or commercial) representation. Please feel free to contact me at the above phone number or email address.

Sincerely,

Savannah Starlet

_________________________________________________

Now the agent even has a few moments to actually look at the photo and resume!

Then after about a week, give them a quick call and just say your name, tell them that you sent in a photo and resume, and that you are calling back as a follow up. They will usually write your name down, and say that they will give you a call if interested, or we are reviewing it, etc. Again, just keep it short and show them that you value their time. They will be pleasantly surprised.

Say something like.....

"No problem, I don't want to take up your time, but wanted to make a quick call to see if you are interested".

They'll either be impressed (and relieved) at the brief conversation, or will be so caught off guard that they'll try to explain further. If they haven't said goodbye, then just repeat a variation of your previous words (always offering them a chance to end the conversation and reinforcing that you know their time is valuable). Agents get tired off so many actors calling and somewhat begging, "can I come in for an interview", or "I am very talented and would be a great addition to your roster". If you follow these steps, keep your letter and conversation brief, the agent will most likely appreciate it.

Many agents these days do not track submissions and will merely inform you of this when you call. Also, several of the top agencies do not accept unsolicited photo and resume submissions, they only accept new clients through industry referral.

Tips & Warnings

* Agents making their living by earning a percentage of each job they book for a model. Do not pay any up-front fees to an agent.

* If you're not happy with the number of auditions or bookings you are getting, set up an appointment with your agent and discuss what you can do to generate more jobs.

* If the agent lies to you, makes outrageous promises or asks for up-front money (to cover phone calls or mailing expenses on your behalf), keep looking. Legitimate agents do not ask for expense money.

Notes:

I highly recommend that your 8x10 color headshot and resume along with the cover letter be sent in a 9 x 12 Clear Full Face Window Envelope with the photo visible in the window.

Click Here to purchase 9 x 12 Clear Full Face Window Envelopes.

The casting directors address should be written in all capital letters on the solid side of the envelope, with the name of the project you are submitting for written directly above the casting directors name. If the role that you are submitting for is available, it should also be written above the casting directors name.

Example:

"Project Name"
"Role of _______"
CASTING DIRECTOR NAME
CASTING DIRECTOR ADDRESS
CASTING DIRECTOR CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

How Much Do Talent Agents Make?

Agents get 10% commission from your income after you work. Now figure if Bruce Willis' agent books him on a job, and Bruce makes $25,000,000 per film, then the agent gets TEN PERCENT after taxes. That would be roughly $1,700,000 for booking Bruce Willis on that job.

But of the hundreds and hundreds of Agents and Sub-Agents in the business, only a tiny fraction of agents make over a million bucks a year. Most agents make less than $30,000 a year, and many don't even make a living off of it, they have other means of finances that allow them to be agents.

There is a HUGE turnover of agents who are starting out within the first two years of becoming an agent because it is extremely hard to become a successful professional Theatrical and/or Commercial Talent Agent. The "average" annual income of a Talent Agent (including these sub-agents, associate-agents, etc.) is roughly $25,000 per year.

What is Commissionable by Your Agent?

Independent Agents

If your agents are Independent (i.e., not affiliated with either ATA and/or NATR), and therefore still franchised by SAG, then these agents (as well as the SAG members they represent) continue to be protected by and bound to the terms and conditions of Rule 16(g). Hundreds of SAG franchised agents across the country have maintained their on-going relationship with SAG, and continue to loyally serve SAG’s members pursuant to the requirements of Rule 16(g). Any standard SAG agency contract you sign with an Independent Agency may be filed with, and processed by, the Guild.

How Film and Television Shows Are Cast

The Film and Television Studios give the "green light" for movies and TV shows to be produced.

Then the production companies hire casting directors, who in turn send out "breakdowns" of the characters being cast.

These "breakdowns" actually are sent out by a service called "Breakdown Services" and are only available to licensed Talent Agencies.

Then the agents at these agencies submit photos, resumes, and sometimes "demo-reels" to the casting directors.

Then the casting directors call in the actors that fit the roles they are casting, usually many many actors are called in.

Then they narrow it down to the best actors who came in and "call back" these actors to read again for the director, sometimes the writer, producer, etc.. Then they narrow it down further, and sometimes there are 3 - 4 "call backs" before an actor is finally hired.

Do I Need An Agent To Be Cast?

Although it is possible to be cast on a show or film with out having an agent, it is very difficult. This usually only happens with smaller roles, and of course with extras. The studios usually only deal with reputable licensed talent agencies when casting acting roles.

In addition, agents are the only ones who receive the "breakdowns" of what roles are being cast at a given time. And in most instances, a studio or production company will not negotiate a contract directly with talent.

I have personally landed several acting roles by randomly sending in my photo and resume to casting directors when I did not have an agent, but it is not common to land roles in this manner.

However, I do recommend sending in to casting directors randomly because you never know if they will be looking for your exact type when they receive your photo and resume.

Important Safety Information

Do NOT incude a home address when sending out your photo and resume. I always recommend using a PO BOX.

Also, NEVER meet someone outside of a professional environment such as a studio, agents, or casting office. Do NOT meet someone at a restaurant, private residence, etc. You should ALWAYS let someone else know EXACTLY where you are going, WHO you are meeting, and WHEN you are going there.

And a parent or guardian must ALWAYS accompany minors. A parent or guardian should NEVER be out of eyesight of the minor, whether it be at auditions or on set.

Talent Agents