Getting a “real” Agent
Finding an agent to represent you isn’t an exact science but there are many unscrupulous phonies out there who call themselves an “agent” that you should be aware of. Did you know principal talent agencies rarely advertise? That’s right, real agencies usually have so many hopeful candidate lined up at the door overwhelming them with head-shots and resumes that they don’t even need to advertise to the public. However, extra agencies do sometimes advertise since there is such a big turnover rate in this arena.
Most well established agents also do not charge you a maintenance fees, as the agent is paid a commission when they land you a job. That’s not to say a maintenance fee never occurs, but it is a rarity. Most agency fees are only around $50 a year and should definitely not extend over $150. Be also cautious of agencies that are trying to sell you photo shoots or head shot services. The general procedure is your agent should only provide you a list of recommended photographers. Some agencies offer workshop and classes to their clients with some well-known established individual from the industry.
This is not uncommon and as long as the prices for these workshops/classes seem reasonable than everything should be okay. In conclusion, if something about the “agency” appears fishy than it’s probably already a good sign that something is not right. If all they are doing is trying to sell you products and get you to fork out a lot of cash then it very may well be a scam. In the meantime, continue to build your reel by going on auditions.
Comments
Comment from free audition listings
Time 02/27/2010 at 4:09 AM
I can not recommend any but am sure your instructors can. There are many great forums and boards, get involved with those. Best advise is always go in with a bit of skepticism when dealing with people you do not know and Google EVERYTHING. You can easily find out reputation from Googling a name or company. The sidebar of this site contains an extensive list of agents, you can also find agency lists on the 3 Union sites
Comment from maria
Time 03/07/2010 at 7:56 PM
hi!! i was wondering… im mexican..and i really love acting.. i was wishing to find auditions in which i could send my audition taped.. I have experice, actually im in a tv kids program but the company is just for the city and i really want to move on to bigger enterprices like disney…nickelodion…nbc, etc….what do u recommend me to do since i cant get an agent?
THNKS
sorry i wrote my email incorrectly
Comment from Amy Stout
Time 03/15/2010 at 5:43 PM
Hi I am a 14 year old girl from liverpool,england. I have been trying to find a decent agent for some time now and I was wondering if theres any you could recommend in the north west england area?. thanks.
Comment from theresa michelle
Time 08/21/2010 at 5:31 PM
Hey my name is theresa i am 14 in november i am in Tinie Tempah’s new music video Wrtitten in the stars. I am looking for a talent agent. I sing and i can act i speak 3 languages. Do u know where i can find a agent a link to agents or something?
Comment from om Knight
Time 02/26/2010 at 8:40 PM
Hi,
im currently studying at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in NY (just started) and wondered if you had any recommendations for agents?
Many Thanks
Tom Knight