There are many different people in the entertainment industry who are essential to an actor. It is important that you know who these people are and what they do since you may be working closely with them really soon as your career begins to take off. Here are a few you should know.

Talent Agent
A talent agent is someone who finds work for an actor in exchange for 10-15% (10% for union actors, typically more for nonunion) of the actors' earnings. They have an extensive network of contacts and clients, and use this network to get interviews and auditions for the actor. They also will work on the terms of your contract when you good a job. As an actor, you are a product and the agent is your salesperson.


Manager
A manager is a person hired by the actor to find work, give advice, and generally guide the actor's career. With the exception of child actors (who often need extra development and guidance into the business), most actors will not require a real manager until they are well on the road to success.

Casting Director
The CD is hired by the producers of a show to find talent (or "cast") for the show. These are the people who the agent will send photos and resumes to, and the actor will audition for. While it is possible to submit your photo and resume directly to a Casting Director, they usually only seriously consider actors submitted by an agent.

Producer
A producer is the person in charge of all the "behind the scenes" work of a show or film. They bring together a script, director, and actors, then oversee the film until it is released. The easiest way into Hollywood is knowing a producer, be they family or friend. Unfortunately for most of us, this isn't possible. But if you do happen to have a connection, don't hesitate to use it. Who knows, you could be the next Tori Spelling.

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Joshua Siegel is an actor and short subject director.
Copyright © Joshua Siegel. All rights reserved. Used with permission of the author. Not to be reproduced or distributed.

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