Getting an Agent

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Even though you might be able to find acting roles without the help of an agent, there is still work out there that you won't be able to find and the agent is there to help you find those.

The agent will also to be negotiating contracts for you, which saves a lot of time. You want to find the best possible agent who meets you're needs and who you're comfortable working with.

Finding an agent when your just starting out can be tough. Especially if you don't have professional headshots and no experience. First get your headshots done by a professional photographer, agents won't represent you unless you have headshots.

Then, try to gain some experience, acting in school plays, classes, workshops, whatever you could find and put that on your beginners resume.

Contacting Agents

Below is a link for SAG franchised agents in different cities and states.

When contacting an agent you must send them these items:

• Headshot
• Resume
• Cover Letter

Now your goal is to get an agent to agree to meet with you in person to evaluate you. Send them your best looking headshot, your resume with stating your seriousness in gaining experience and training as an actor, and a well written cover letter.

 - In the cover letter, introduce yourself of course.
 - State that your seeking representation from them.
 - List a any reasons why you think they should represent you.

*EXAMPLE Cover Letter*

Find an agent that you would like to submit to. You're probably better off submitting to several agents because it's going to take like 4-6 weeks to hear back from them. Don't call agency and try setting up a random appointment to meet with them, they are busy people and will probably be annoyed by you.

Instead, send them your headshot, resume, and cover letter, and if you wait a couple weeks and then give them a call to set up an appointment. The best time to call an agent is probably towards the end of the day when they aren't as busy.

Be polite, and say "Hi my name is Andy Actor, I mailed my headshot and resume a couple weeks ago. I am seeking representation and would like to setup an appointment to meet with Mrs. Agent."

They will either tell you, Yes, she would like to meet you on Friday at 1pm. But be prepared for rejection, they might say "sorry but your type is not the type of talent we are looking for right now." If this is the case, then just move along to the next agent and don't sweat it.

Find an Agent In Different Cities and States

Agency Interview Day

Just sit and wait patiently. Don't bother them every 2 minutes to see how much longer.

Make sure you have everything, headshots and resume are ready.

Take this time to practice your monologue.

Don't smoke, eat, chew gum, while waiting.

Don't complain, moan, or whine about waiting, just sit and be patient.

Try your best to stay relaxed.

NEVER insult or talk trash about someone else in the business like a director, actor, or producer. You just might be burning bridges by doing that.

Questions to Ask the Agent

Who will be representing me from your agency?

How many clients do you represent?

What category type do I fit in?

How many other actors do you have in the same category as me?

What type of work have you gotten for current actors you represent?

What do you expect from the actors and models you represent?

How do you prefer a client of yours to keep in contact with you?

 Signing With an Agency

Awesome, you got accepted by the agency, now it's time to do the paperwork. NEVER sign any contract without reading and understand it completely. I would recommend staying away from agents that are non-union franchised. If you have any problems with them you won't have the union to back you up. 

When reading the contract, look for the "out" clause. This states the conditions under which an actor may legally get out of his/her contract. So if your agent hasn't gotten you any work for a certain amount of time, you can legally get out of the contract and dump that agent. No reason in having them if they aren't finding you work.

Also, normal commission for an agency is between 10-15% which is not too bad. So let's say you get a 1 day role on a feature film, and they pay you $500 for the day, the agent is going to take minimum of $50 for his cut but no more than $100 depending on what the contract states.