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Acting Advice , Finding an Agent , The Daily Roundup

11 Tips Actors Should Consider When Looking for a Talent Agent


October 15, 2024

An agent can create opportunities, guide you through the challenges of the entertainment industry, and play a key role in your growth as an actor. Yet, not every agent will be the right fit, and finding one who matches your career goals can be more difficult than it appears.

Here are 11 key tips actors should consider when seeking a talent agent to make sure you choose the best fit for your career.

Insights: What you need to know when you’re looking for an agent.

    • Investigate agencies and agents that align with your career goals. Look for those with a strong track record in your area of interest, be it film, television or theater. Read reviews and consider their reputation for supporting actors’ growth.
    • Clearly understand and articulate your acting type, unique strengths and the roles that best showcase your talents. A well-defined personal brand will help you find an agent who can effectively market you to the industry.
    • Ensure your resume and reel are updated and of high quality, highlighting your versatility and depth as an actor. These materials are your first impression and should showcase your best work.
    • Actively build relationships by attending acting classes, workshops and industry events. Referrals from industry peers can lead to introductions with reputable agents.
    • The search for the right agent may take time. Focus on finding someone who believes in your potential and is willing to help you achieve your career objectives.
    • Before signing, understand the agent’s contract terms, including the commitment length, commission rates and any exclusivity clauses. Ensure their vision aligns with your career goals and that you’re comfortable with the professional chemistry.

1. Do Your Research

Be sure to thoroughly research agencies and agents to find those that match your career aspirations. Check out the types of clients they represent, their standing in the industry, and the kinds of projects they usually work on. Determine if they have a background in your particular area of interest, whether that’s film, television, theater, voiceover work or commercials. Read reviews or testimonials from other actors about their experiences with the agency. Investigate how the agency supports the career growth of its clients and if they’re known for helping actors land roles in well-regarded productions. This due diligence will help you target agents who can help you advance your career.

2. Know Your Type and Brand

Know exactly what sets you apart as an actor and how to present it to the industry. Take the time to understand your unique strengths, acting style and the roles that truly showcase your abilities. Think about how others perceive you on screen or stage and the kind of characters you naturally connect with. Think about the characters you naturally embody and the traits that make you stand out.

It’s not just about the roles you can play, but about the roles that truly resonate with who you are and what you bring to the table. When you have a clear sense of your type and brand, it becomes much easier to find an agent who sees your potential and knows how to position you in the industry. When your agent knows exactly how to market you, it increases your chances of landing roles that play to your talents and helps you build a consistent career trajectory.

3. Build a Solid Resume and Reel

Make sure your resume and reel are polished before reaching out to agents. Your resume should showcase your acting experience, such as work in theater, film, television, commercials and any training or workshops you’ve completed. Instead of merely listing roles, emphasize each one to demonstrate how you’ve grown as an actor and your commitment to refining your craft.

Your reel is just as important, if not more so. Choose scenes that not only display your acting range but also show the different types of characters you can portray. Focus on quality over quantity; a few well-chosen clips that demonstrate your versatility and depth can make a stronger impression than a longer reel with less impactful material. Both your resume and reel should work together to give agents a clear sense of your skills, potential and what you bring to the table as a performer.

4. Network in the Industry

Get involved in the industry by attending events, workshops, and acting classes where you can meet other professionals. Building relationships in these settings can be valuable, as referrals from trusted contacts or industry insiders often lead to opportunities with well-regarded agents. Networking is about actively building relationships, staying in touch, and contributing value while also being open to support from others. It’s about creating a community of connections that can mutually help each other succeed.

5. Be Patient and Persistent

Be prepared for the search for the right agent to take some time, and approach it with patience and persistence. It’s better to wait for someone who genuinely believes in your potential and is committed to helping you achieve your goals than to rush into the first offer that comes along.

6. Ask for Recommendations

Seek recommendations from fellow actors, casting directors, or mentors in the industry. Their firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights into which reputable agents genuinely support their clients. They can offer honest feedback to agents with a proven track record, effective communication and a history of securing opportunities. Consulting these trusted sources can help you avoid potential setbacks and connect you with agents who align with your career goals and approach.

7. Stay Professional and Prepared

During meetings, be punctual and well-rehearsed, and come ready to discuss your career goals, recent projects and what you’re looking for in an agent. Being prepared shows that you take your career seriously and are committed to working as a team with the agent to achieve success. Additionally, be ready to ask thoughtful questions about how they plan to help you advance your career, as this demonstrates your understanding of the business side of acting and your dedication to finding the proper representation.

8. Understand the Agent’s Track Record

Spend time carefully evaluating the agent’s background and professional history. Look into their current and former clients, and consider how often these actors can secure auditions, land roles and progress in their careers. Take notice of the types of projects their clients work on, whether feature films, television series, theater productions or commercials.

9. Be Clear About Your Goals

When meeting with agents, clearly express your career goals and aspirations. Outline the types of roles you aim to pursue, the genres that excite you and the path you envision for your career in both the short and long term. Be specific about your objectives, whether it’s working in feature films, focusing on television, building a strong theater presence or pursuing commercial work.

It’s important to convey not only what you want to achieve but also why those goals matter to you. This helps the agent understand your motivations and what drives you as an artist. Make sure the agent is genuinely excited about your vision and is on the same page about how to move your career forward. Discuss how they can help you reach those milestones and what strategies they will employ to get you the right opportunities.

10. Know the Agent’s Contract Terms

Before signing with an agent, carefully review the contract terms to understand the length of the commitment, commission structure, and any exclusivity clauses. Some agents may ask for exclusive representation across all areas (film, TV, theater, etc.), while others might only represent you in specific areas. Be sure the commission percentage is industry standard (usually around 10-20%) and that you are clear on what happens if the relationship doesn’t work out. Clarify the termination clause, including how to part ways if things aren’t progressing as you hoped. A clear understanding of the terms will protect your interests.

11. Trust Your Instincts

Finding the right agent is also about chemistry and trust. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to walk away and continue your search. The right agent will feel like a true advocate for your career. Break a leg!

Looking for representation? Sign up for Casting Networks to get access to our Talent Scout® tool, plus a free trial today!

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Ilana Rapp is a media-savvy Generation Xer with instinctive wit, quick humor and a taste for deep human emotions. As a former (child) actress with Broadway, film and television credits, she is adept at, well, lots of things.



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