ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

12 years, 1 month ago - EMILY MAGUIRE

Hi... Has a talent agent myself, I receive applications all throughout the year... And yes we take a percentage, but the good ones, like our agency, work very hard to get the Talent on our books work... We constantly push and market our guys via our social media etc. You only need to read our reviews to see this.

Yes, they're are the bad ones... I has an actor have experienced them, hence why I started this agency... But there is as I mentioned, also a lot of good ones.

Check to see if their books are open, via their websites and also the application procedure... Everyone is different. Get yourself a good Cv, reel and head shots etc in place, this will strengthen your applications. Once your details are sent, DON'T contact them every few days, leave it 2-3 weeks before contacting. We get a lot of applications and it can take a while to process/go through them. You're looking at an average percent of 20% commission per job.

My advice, don't join those that take a percentage of work you find and don't go with those who charge a fee to join, they shouldn't charge, but some still do.

Regardless of your place in the industry beginner or expert... You can still apply to an agency... we take on new comers, if we see the potential, so don't be put off.

Hope that helps and wishing you every success.

12 years, 1 month ago - Kristina Hughes

First of all, what are you focusing on? Not sure, start with this. It's free, it's 15 minutes: http://www.performertrack.com/webinars-home-pw-tot-od.html
Now that you know that. What level are you at? Do you have good headshots? http://www.IndustryDeal.com is a good start 50-95% off . No? You need them. Do you have a demo reel? HINT your demo reel should reflect work that is in line with what type of work you want to do...i.e. you want to work in TV...sitcoms? Which sitcoms? Is you acting in this demo reel in line w/these types of shows? YES? Then head on over to IMDb...if you are starting out, what actors are working on sitcoms that you want to work on. If you are at the co-star level, which actors, are you like that have ALREADY worked on these shows? These are the agents you WANT to approach. WHY? B/c they have wait for it, wait for it ESTABLISHED relationships with the CD on these shows. This is a good start. Check out the free webinars & seminars that I co-host and reach out! http://www.PerformerWebinars.com, http://www.PerformerSeminars.com.

12 years, 1 month ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Oh agents... Ok one of the first things to realise is they are parasites, they live off you. You would think that would mean they would be working hard to get you roles, in a parallel universe. In our universe many will tell you to go out and find roles then they will do the delicate taking of the 15% for doing the negotiations. They do, however provide a cut out to prevent your fans from writing directly to you, so can be useful. I would say don't be in a rush, there is no point being with a bad agent, and that's the bulk of the agents available to you early on in your career. Instead pump places like casting call pro, and apply for suitable roles without having to hand over 15%. When you have a bit of profile on the go, when you become worth representing, then it's time to maybe consider one.

Dealing with agents can be the most idiotic, wasteful, frustrating business. What should take days takes weeks or months. Some get power trips on being the gateway to the stars, some can even lose you work by frustrating the producers with lazy inattentive arrogant dealings. Do your own deals for as long as you can ;)

12 years, 1 month ago - Alfie Barker

Thank you everyone for your answers, really interesting to hear different perspectives.

12 years, 1 month ago - Philippe De Paris

Thank you Kristina and Paddy for the sound advice. I'm in the same situation as Alfie and your answers are useful to me.