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How to Find a Talent Agent
First, decide what you want in an agent. Consider how strong your resume is, what kind of experience you have, whether you are a union member, whether you have had an agent before, and what kind of work you want to do. You must look realistically at yourself, your ambitions, your talents, and decide what kind of agent you need at this stage in your career. Few actors spend their entire professional life with one agent. Agencies can be categorized in many ways: do they represent clients for extra work, or for actor and principal roles; do they promote clients for union or non-union work; are there many agents, or only one or two; does the agency maintain a large or a small roster; does the agent pay close attention to each client's career, or act as a booking agent; do they represent established, experienced actors, or develop new talent. Some of this can be found in the listings in this book. The rest you must learn from the agent and others in the industry.
Don't give in to desperation. While many kinds of work can only be accessed through an agent, there are projects that are available to the unrepresented actor who works at self-promotion. Signing with an agent is a major step in the development of your career. Make sure that the agent is right for you. Committing yourself to the wrong agent out of panic may place you in a worse situation than when you had no agent at all. In order to get what you want in an agent, you must also be able to offer an agent what they want in a client. Compromises may be necessary, particularly in the early stages of your career. However, once the negotiations are over and you have a mutually satisfactory agreement with your agent, keep in mind that you are the client; you have hired the agent to perform services on your behalf. Getting a good agent is not easy. There are many things you can do to improve your chances. Take classes to improve your skills and make contacts; do whatever you can to gain experience: community theatre, fringe theatre, student films & videos, non-union work, co-op productions; create your own projects; develop your craft at every opportunity. Keep in contact with receptive agents; invite them to see you in theatre projects you've developed. Once you have an agent, don't expect your agent to make it happen for you while you sit back and collect cheques. Keep in touch with your agent, and continue to develop your skills. Your agent may be able to suggest ways to do this that you have not yet considered. Work with your agent to improve your chances and build your future. From "An Actor's Guide to Agencies in Toronto," published by Moonlighters Publishing Inc. Copyright © Moonlighters Publishing Inc. Used with permission of the author. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced or distributed by any means without this copyright notice. email:moonpeg@inforamp.net Related Articles
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Reader Comments What would an agent do for me if i wanted to be in plays? Posted by Chrissy (2007-12-18) 13 i would like to know how to find a agent or where can i look for castings i`m studying at the london a cademy.isabel reis Posted by hi (2008-02-01) 30 i need to found talent agent Posted by miroslav mihalev (2008-02-26) 56 please help me find an acting agent id appreciate it if u got back to me on 0782443017 Posted by kgothatso mabitsela (2008-05-01) 79 i need to take acting classes and i need to find a good agent one who has worked with famous teen actors i really need this i want to be famous more then anything and i would like to start off in movies
Posted by Azaria (2008-06-25) 111 I would like to find an agent who has dealt with other teens before, i would only like to start off in smaller projects, example,commercials, or movie extra, and move on from there, if any agent out there wants to work with me, contact me on my Hotmail at hockeystar4life2
at hotmail.com Posted by Eric (2008-07-17) 132 I would like to be on Disney Channel, but I don't have an agent. Could you reccomend any Disney Shows that I could audition for where I would not need an agent? Posted by Kayla (2008-08-07) 188 i need an agent Posted by gabrielle (2008-08-28) 297 hi mine nam is steve koroma mine dream is to makemne own show on disneychannel i am lookinf fo the best talents agents. Posted by steve koroma (2008-08-29) 307 HI!!to be an actor is my biggest and strongest desire and dream!! I will do anything managers or agents, cast directors or producers and directors will tell me! I really want to change thiS world. To bring something new in this movieWorld.I want to be a successful actor and play in a good movies. Im looking for the way to get into this buisness almost all my teen life. If there someone of the people I've counted please Just Give me a chance! Posted by MeRuErT WALIE (2008-11-08) 530 I've always dreamed about being an actor but always dismissed the idea as unreachable. Lately I've been giving it some serious thought, though. My friends and I have always kind of joked around and been "dramatic" and I can manipulate my voice some but I don't really have any professional idea if I'm good or not. The problem is, I don't really like crowds, but being a movie actress isn't like theater; you perform only in front of a few people (director/cast/etc.) not thousands of people. And with some practice I might get over it. I was wondering if a raw teenager of fourteen could be cast as something small without having any background (not even in plays) and go anywhere from that. Posted by Grace (2008-11-18) 582 Hi. I am an aspiring actress with little experience. But this is something I really want to do. If you could either help me find an agent or reccommend auditions that do not require an agent that'd be awesome. If you could reply soon, I'd really appreciate it Posted by Bgirlfan (2008-11-19) 591 I wanna show the world what i have got some talent been in the few commercial,looking foward to be in the movie been in acting school very talented looking for agent to help me whit my career Posted by Roudy dieudonne (2008-12-05) 644 I would like to show the world my talent , no matter what kind of sacrifices i have to make.....who wants to help me....it`s the only thing know how and i want to do and i am at a dead end here in my country Posted by Richard Gamma (2009-01-15) 874 hi, im Alex. My friends and I want to get famous. But the problem is, we dont know where to get one. Please help us. Posted by Alex Alaurin (2009-06-09) 1560 I'm 16 and a junior in high school never acted, but I'm very good at making people laugh and i was thinking of doing stand up/ Acting/ improv for starters and getting my name out. Me and my family are low on income I'm not looking at acting as a way out, its just that i have a desire for some reason to act. I have no previous experience in acting. I'm new to this game. But is it to late to start at 16? Ive done my homework and i see that most "actors" are born with middle class parents who can afford acting lessons and taking them all over to make their kids known. My mom and sis are all i have. And we have trouble making it. But through our odds we're making it. Also say i did get it, my family cant move to Hollywood or New York. If your in a low income family then what happens were do you go? Anyway I'm in band right and i play the drums i was going to change one of my electives to drama class. And beginning my career their. Before i wanted to be an actor i wanted to be a doctor or a video game designer. I figure that if i had to choose between those i should choose the one ill most enjoy. So what if you were in my shoes. what would you do?
P.S. this letter is to help me figure out what i should do and thank you for your time. -Michael. Posted by Michael Young (2009-06-19) 1610 could you please tell me where i can find a legit agent. i really think im ready for an agent and i really need one. i just dont know where to look for one. Posted by jullian (2009-06-29) 1692 how come other's get to be known and not me..
i wanna be known.. for beatboxing.. cause im hispanic.. Posted by DavidG (2009-08-09) 1923 All of us must USE the talent in us that we came to earth with. Many actors are wannabes and should persue other work. You know by gut feel what you have in you if you take time alone and meditate. Posted by Joe (2009-09-29) 2126 Hi
Im from The Bahamas. I think I can be one of the best performer out of the Bahamas. im a steelpan performer. people call me King David The Bahamian Pan Man. I would Love to tour around the world performing concerts just like michael jackson did. and i would love to meat some woderful kids and familys. you will love to work with me and have fun. God Bless Posted by David Nathaniel Hoyte (2009-11-10) 2177 Hello, my name is Shama, im 16, and a junior in high school. I currently reside in New York City, i am inexperienced, however i've done school plays. I wish to find an agent, and if anyone knows how i can find one in my area that would be eager to help me set off my career, please contact me on my tmail: wtfuhsam at tmail.com
Thank you for your help! Posted by Shama (2009-11-16) 2186 i need to find a agent ASAP please contact me Posted by jennifer (2009-11-23) 2199 Hey, Im Ryver
Im 15 in tenth grade, ive never acted before except for in school plays, and i reeally want to be an actress, it's my dream. I am doing everything I can to get into acting, but i'm not exactly sure what to do so can you please tell me how to get an agent and how to start acting in movies. Thank you for your time. Posted by Ryver Knutson (2009-11-25) 2206 Im an 18 year old Actor who can be the next Eddie Murphy with the right amount of help. I love attention from anywhere and can te the scene. I think I have the potential to make it as far to the top as possible. Im 5 feet, 10 inches tall and 138 lbs. Im African American from Fayetteville,North Carolina and I, at least need to star or co-star in a T.V. show if not a movie. I don't get a lot of chances like this, so i really would appreciate some support. Don't miss out on my talent you will regret it.
Posted by Anthony R.Harris (2009-12-03) 2229 I REALLY NEED AN AGENT TO HELP ME!! PLEASE WITH ALL MY HEART CONTACT ME PLEASE!I WANT TO SING AND ACT ON DISNEYCHANNEL AND I HAVE THE RIGHT TALENT TO DO IT , PLEASE HELP. IVE BEEN TRYING TO LOOK FOR AN AUDITION FOR SOO LONG AND YET NOTHING SO IVE DECIDED TO FIND AN AGENT , IF YOUR READING THIS YOU WILL REALIZE HOW MUCH I WANT THIS OOPERTUNITY PLEASEEEEEEE HELP! Posted by Linda (2010-01-03) 2282 Hey Dear !
I' am a young black male from burundi , with a a full talent to be on the screen tv. but today i live in cape town .south africa, i' am looking for acting job theatre, shot film, feature film,anything, I' am an athlete and dream of beinng in a sport film, i have been seaching sites on google and all of them are for teen i' am not skinny not fat though just musculan, afootball body, but watever , really ned some help, would be of the up most appreciation, to show case my talent ,thanks.!!! Posted by joseph kiwawa (2010-01-16) 2304 Hi,i am an 18 year old girl from Lesotho.I am so passionate about acting i would give up the B.COMM degree that i am currently majoring in just to achieve my acting dream.The acting industry of Lesotho is so small that it seems not to exist at all.i have experience of stage acting,which i have been doing for roughly six years in high school.I am also mad about t.v presenting and being on t.v adds-i am simply in love with the screen,t.v acting stands out for me.i really need your help,i am willing to give it my all,even if it means going through all hard procedures to get to South Africa.
i would so much appreciate your help,please get back to me,THANK YOU. Posted by KANANELO KOBO (2010-01-25) 2311 If you are looking for a great actress ,Here I am , My experience is in Theatre,work ,and some film work Thanks
Cora Anne Posted by Cora Anne Williams (2010-02-08) 2337 i am a 16 year old girl i can sing opra soprano 1 and anything alto i have a very wide range and i also act i also consider my self "gorgoues" =) can you help me? Posted by shayna mulhall (2010-02-16) 2357 Hi my name is jasmine abdullah artist name "prinssa Jazmin" i am experinced and can sing very well . I am 5'll so i am also able to model and i have alot of fun doing what i do . I make my own song and so far people have loved them Posted by Jazmin (2010-03-02) 2406 I am a 56 year old experienced Singer, Actress and Comedian . I attended the Perfoming Arts School , 4 years of Theater and Stage Acting at the University of Puerto Rico. I worked for many year in Plays, singing and comedies on PR TV. I am older now and a heavy- duty woman
With lots of experience and talent and I need a good agent in New York. Posted by Lillian Hernandez (2010-04-12) 2475 Hello,
My name is Albert Estrada i am 15yrs old and i am currently a freshmen. i would love the oppurtunity to become a actor it is my dream to become one. i was told to chase my dreams and never look back. i really would like for help looking for an agent. so please if you guys can help me get an agent. Posted by Albert Estrada (2010-04-18) 2484 Hi, My name is Carmen and I am looking for an acting and singing agent. I've loved acting since I was a really little girl. And I love singing, I'm 16 years old. If you can help me get an agent I would really apreciate it. You would make my dream come true. Thanks Posted by Carmen (2010-05-08) 2511 Hello, my name is Maritza Larios and I am 16 years old. I'm looking for an acting/singing agent in the Los Angeles area. My experience in acting and singing consists of community theater, highschool theater and choir. I can play very serious roles and be a good comic relief. I've known that I wanted to be in the industry since i was little. I look forward and would appreaciate a reply. Posted by Maritza Larios (2010-05-18) 2539 I realy wnt 2 be an actres o do an advertisements.i jst nid an agent 2 help me.any1 wilng 2 help. Posted by Lindiwe nomqa (2010-05-20) 2543 hey, my name is Emily, and my biggest dream is to become an actress on Broadway! I am thirteen years old, and have searched what seems like all of the internet for agents, or opportunities to become a Broadway star. Please help me if you can. Posted by Emily (2010-05-24) 2553 Im Marina , im 11 and ive had alittle acting expierience. Ive been in a few plays and im gonna be in 2 more this summer . Im interested in being in music videos , extras in movies , tv shows , commercials... and maybe alittle modeling . Im trying to find a really good talent agent . I have a lot of free time soo i could do an audition anytime. I also sing and play alittle guitar . If you know ANY good agents please comment . THANK YOU Posted by Marina Scherer (2010-06-07) 2579 i am 12 i have been singing since i was 4 i have a good voice i love to sing but i need to find an agent please help
Posted by dakotah (2010-06-13) 2585 Hey, People! My name is Ginnie. I've been going to my local children's theatre since I was 5 or 6 and I have been in MANY plays. Those plays include Harry Potter and High School Musical (with singing and dancing!) and some made up plays we made up as a group. Anyway, I need a fantastic agent. I'm interested in music videos, tv shows, commercials, and movies. If we do an audition this summer I have a lot of time except for July 11-17 when I will be at overnight camp. I'm also getting singing lessons and guitar lessons on thursdays from 11:30-12:30. Of course, a lot of camera's were out when I was on stage... thanks! Posted by Ginnie (2010-06-23) 2607 Hi my name is Mase I need an agent for doin extras on soapies and do adverts. M a 25yr old Female currently workin in da SANDF Posted by Mase (2010-07-03) 2623 Hi I reaaaaaallllllllyyyyyyyyyyy want to become famous i can act and sing well. I live in South-Africa and i need an agent please contact me if there's anyone available!!!!!! Posted by Sabrina (2010-07-13) 2637 hello i'm looking for someone willing to hire me as an actress i really love acting and i think im really good all my life i've wanted to be famous and fufill my passion on the big screen and in the homes of millions of people and make a living while i'm at it Posted by capria (2010-07-16) 2638 Hello, i'm a attractive 18 year old aspiring actress and singer from cape town, south africa. i'm searching for a legit agent to guide me on my road to success. Posted by Fijonica Blaauw (2010-07-16) 2640 hi, im looking for someone who will be able to hire me for acting, modeling or rap. I am very talented. I am only 16 years old and i have been told that i am very dramatic. I know that i can work with so many different people and things. Im not really looking for fame im looking to inspire young people like me. i can tell them if i can do so can they, Posted by arie monae (2010-07-20) 2643 Hi, im looking for an agent who will be able to hire me for singing and acting because people say im a drama queen very energetic and i would be could on the big screen. i can work with ANYONE! and i would love the opportunity to be hired i really need help and this would be a lot of help for me and my family! and i am very easy to work with and im really nice and fun once you get to know me! thanks for your time. im very talented and shy and i have dimples and im 14 years old Posted by Kenya (2010-07-23) 2648 I am looking for an agent in South Africa JHB. I am an actress and I want to get into Radio DJ and also TV presenting. Please call me if you know of reputable agents.
Posted by SamQ (2010-07-31) 2653 Post Your Comments No HTML, links, emails, phone numbers, addresses, or profanities please. (Message Rules) |
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