How To Avoid Talent Agency Scams

If you’re just breaking into the entertainment business, finding representation can be a thorny and difficult issue. There are plenty of great talent agents out there, but unfortunately, there are also many unscrupulous ones ready to take advantage of those who are new to the entertainment business and may not know all they need to about how talent agencies typically work.

Legitimate talent agencies typically work on a percentage basis when it comes to fees, and being aware of this simple fact can often save young talent from being victimized by less than honest people posing as agents. Honest agents very rarely demand large sums of money upfront, and while some may request small amounts in exchange for photo shoots, portfolio compilation or other tasks, they’ll be able to provide you with an itemized list of their costs if asked (and for the record, you should ask). In contrast, many scams demand money right away and say that it’s for training, advisement, or other similarly vague purposes which may or may not ever materialize but which are nearly always guaranteed to advance your career and ensure your meteoric success. Buyer beware: never is it more true than in show business that there are absolutely no guarantees in life.

While a legitimate, established talent agency will never pressure you or try to manipulate you into signing up with their representation service immediately, scam artists most certainly will. We’re always most vulnerable when we haven’t had time to sit and consider something before acting, and scam artists know that. Their goal is always to make a big first impression, promise you all kinds of success, and then get you to sign up and give them money before you have a chance to critically examine the situation. If you feel pressured or if your new agent seems to be rushing you into making a decision, chances are, you’ll be better off with another agent.

One fast and easy way to tell if your agent is an above board one is to ask if he or she is bonded by your state’s surety bond program. Most states require talent agencies to be bonded (though the California surety bond program, as you can imagine, boasts the majority of talent agency bonds) and the bonds protect consumers against fraud, misrepresentation, and unethical behavior on the part of the agent. If a bonded agent acts in an unlawful manner, the wronged party can file a complaint with the state’s licensing board and expect restitution or compensation for the damages. Moreover, the talent agency’s willingness to become bonded shows a commitment to work according to state, local, and federal laws and an eagerness to show their clients that they will represent them ethically and fairly.

Making sure that your talent agency of choice has a current surety bond will protect you and give you the added reassurance of knowing that your representation has your best interests at heart. Having confidence with your talent agent also means that you have the energy to focus on your career which is the most critical component of success, particularly in the entertainment industry.

Guest post by Kevin Kaiser of SuretyBonds.com, the nationwide leader in surety bonds, committed to informing consumers about fraud and how to avoid becoming a victim.

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