SIX QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE SIGNING WITH AN AGENCY - Backstage Thousands of actors each year network, mail in blind submissions, and get referrals to agencies so that they can have another person helping them get into the audition room. Unfortunately, a talent agent dont just normally scouting out your talents, but also if you are marketable. Can this person work and make money? Are they marketable? So how do you choose the right talent agent? Answering the following questions will help you. 1. Do I want to work in commercials, TV/film, or theater? The first and easiest step in finding the right agent is figuring out what area of the entertainment industry you want to pursue. While a multitude of actors are represented across the board, it’s not necessary unless you are targeting all three kinds of representation. 2. Are they franchised? Do your research— a list of franchised agents can be found on the SAG-AFTRA website. Actors are protected as long as their talent agency is franchised and bonded. For instance, guild franchise agreements limit the commission to 10 percent for union work. 3. Do they have good relationships with casting directors? There are agencies that are less than reputable, having either no relationship or a poor reputation among casting directors. Beware of such agents! Even if they’ll submit you to the breakdowns, the casting directors may not want to call you in. But if your agent is respected, casting directors will listen to their pitches. 4. Do they have other clients like me? While it’s great to work with a big name like WME or UTA, you might get lost in the shuffle of all of their well-known actors. Some boutique agencies have a smaller number of clients and will give more focused attention to their developing talent. 5. Do they believe in me? You ultimately want to work with an agent that will be pro-active. While I don’t recommend asking, “Do you believe in me?” in an agent meeting, you will know by their willingness to work with you. And when an agent does believe in you, they will want you to succeed. 6. Do I like them? This is a business partnership. An agent is another person playing on your team. You have to feel good about working with them. And upon booking a role, you should feel good about giving them their well-deserved 10 percent of your paycheck. Just make sure they are willing to work for it. Ultimately, talent and parents should go with their gut. Who do you feel is the most excited by talent or your child’s talent? Who do you think will work the hardest to promote it? Trust your intuition!
Posted on: Sun, 03 Aug 2014 19:23:59 +0000