Careers

Finding a Talent Agent to Represent You

In order to further your career as an actor, you must consider a Talent Agent. Having talent agency representation will benefit you no matter what your chosen field is. They will ensure you get noticed by industry professionals and will book work for you while you focus on other aspects of your career. Agents are perhaps the most valuable tool you can have, but they can be difficult to come by. Typically, an agent will only consider representing you if you’re marketable and you have experience to prove yourself. There are some things to consider when looking for representation.

The first thing you must do is ensure your headshots are up-to-date. Never show any agency old headshots, even if they’re “better” than your current ones. Agents want to see you, even if your headshot isn’t glamorous, and they’re less likely to consider you if your headshots are drastically different than what you look like. This doesn’t mean you should get new headshots every month; a new set every year to eighteen months would be ideal if you can afford them. Also, if you have a reel, make sure it’s up to date, too.

Speaking of headshots, make sure yours are simple and to the point. Contrary to popular belief, loud or eye-popping headshots don’t mean more work. If your photographer wants to experiment with focus, backgrounds, loud colors, or anything else unorthodox, walk away! You are the focus of your headshots. Do not let a photographer experiment with crazy angles or crazy costumes. You want agents to remember you, not what you’re wearing or the exotic car in the background. These are not pictures you have on your mantle! These are often the only link you have with various agencies, so make sure they’re simple and refined. If your photographer won’t work with you, find one that will.

There are many types of agencies out there, from film to television to commercial, so make sure you find one in your chosen field. If you want to work in film, hire a film agent, as they’ll find you work in film, feature-length or otherwise. The same is true for television, commercials, even modeling. Unless you’re shooting to be an all-around actor or a jack of all trades, this will ensure you grow in your field. Spreading yourself around will potentially get you more work but it will limit your growth. You’ll develop faster if you focus in one place.

There is one aspect of representation that you must always keep in the forefront of your mind: never pay up front! Most good agents will never ask for payment or fees to represent you. They make their money by taking a percentage of your earnings. When you work, they get paid. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. If you pay up front, you run the risk of losing your investment or not doing any work at all. Agents who take a percentage will actively seek work for you, which cannot always be said for an agent you pay up front. This fact also goes hand in hand with the old adage, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” Never sign the first thing handed to you, always read the fine print, and always “get it in writing.”

Do not take shortcuts and don’t paint yourself into a corner. Being represented can make or break your career, so don’t settle for anything you’re uncomfortable with. TalentPostings.com can be a great way to get immediate exposure to talent agencies and talent industry representatives, which is great for people starting out. Best of luck!

Author Mike Fenward has a total of 25 years industry knowledge. He currently specializes in helping aspiring actors find Casting Calls. If you would like to gain exposure to agents looking for talent, click here.

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