So, you’ve polished up your acting skills - maybe you’ve even gotten a few promising callbacks or acting jobs. You’re ready to take your career to the next level, and you know there's one key player you need on your team — an acting agent.
Securing the right agent can be a game-changer in your acting career. They're your advocate, negotiator, and guide through Hollywood's labyrinth. But how do you get one?
In this article, we'll demystify finding and securing an acting agent. We'll provide actionable steps to help you stand out in this competitive business and catch the eye of the right talent agent for you.
Understanding the Role of an Acting Agent
Before diving into the "how" in "how to get an acting agent," it's crucial to comprehend an acting agent's role and its importance in your acting career.
Why You Need an Acting Agent
An agent can be pivotal in advancing an actor's career. They link talent with the right people in the entertainment industry—like directors, casting directors, and producers. There are many auditions today that you can only access through an agent. But an agent’s job goes beyond just helping you find acting jobs. They negotiate contracts on your behalf and guide you in choosing the right roles for growth. A good one is like your career’s custodian- constantly scouring for opportunities and steering you clear of potential pitfalls.
What to Expect From Your Agent
A legitimate agent is active in strategizing your career plan. They submit actors for suitable roles to casting directors and negotiate contracts, ensuring you get a fair deal.
Your agent can also provide you with crucial guidance like recommending acting classes or coaches worth your time and money, helping boost your social media presence, or refining your acting resume and headshots.
Your agent is your advocate. Remember- agents charge a commission taken from your acting pay. (Industry standard is usually between 10-20% of whatever money you made from a job they assisted in getting you.)
Understanding how an agent works can empower you to secure one. It gives you a clearer picture of what to expect, preparing you for a beneficial partnership and a thriving acting career.
Preparing to Approach Acting Agents
Finding an agent isn’t something you do on the fly. It's crucial to prepare strategically.
Polishing Your Acting Resume
Your acting resume paints a concise picture of your craft. It should showcase your acting credits, training, unique skills, and physical statistics, like height and eye color. And it should always, always be contained to a single page!
Your contact details should be clearly listed, guaranteeing any agent who wants to connect with you won’t have to work hard. Don’t make them search for your email! And no matter what, always avoid exaggerating your abilities or experiences on your resume. You don't want to start any business relationship out on a lie.
For a more in-depth look at how to create your best acting resume, check out our blog.
Building an Online Presence
Another tool you can use to attract potential agents and acting agencies (especially good ones) is building your social media presence. If you have a public-facing Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok, make sure they're professional. Remember that everything you post online can either help you win or lose a job.
You may also want to build a website to showcase your career as an actor further. Platforms like Wix and Squarespace make this process incredibly simple. They have fully-built templates you can choose from and customize to sell you best. Think of your actor's website as a portfolio of sorts. Options of what you can add include:
- Resume - Dedicate a page to this and leave a downloadable PDF link for any interested parties.
- Headshots - Show the full range of characters you can embody.
- Clips/Reel - Let visitors to your site see what you can do! Beyond acting, you can add in a voice over reel, dance reel, etc- whatever is appropriate and that you have high quality footage for.
- Bio - Draw viewers in by telling them more about your story and who you are as an artist.
- Blog - Highlight different gigs you've gotten or classes attended. Any kind of career news is good to publicize!
The Importance of Headshots and Reels
Headshots and reels serve as your first impression, making their quality paramount. Are yours going to attract the quality agents and managers you'd want to work with?
For headshots, always use a professional photographer who is well-versed in industry standards. If possible, also hire a professional hair and makeup artist. Letting those with specialized experience help you when you shoot your headshots means less for you to worry about!
Reels highlight your acting skills and give agents a glimpse of your talent. When done well, reels leave the viewer wanting to see more. Don't you have high-quality footage of previous acting work? Don't worry - that's where Reelarc comes in!
Finding the Right Acting Agent
Finding an acting agent isn't as important as finding the right acting agent for you.
Researching Potential Agents
Don't rush your research process. Your primary focus here is to find talent agents & agencies who align with your acting style, goals, and career level. For example, if you're uninterested in theatrical work, don't waste your time and energy running after agencies that represent only stage actors. If you're relatively green in the industry, maybe don't chase after the top Hollywood agents.
Use tools like SAG-AFTRA's franchised agent list for a comprehensive directory of legitimate agents and agencies. Additionally, investigate talent agencies' submission guidelines in detail. Examine their client roster and ask yourself-
How many clients do they manage?
What kind of successes are their clients having?
Do they have a focus in the types of actors they represent? (Theatrical, stand-up, models, film, etc.)
Even more online research options include websites like IMDb, which has a wealth of industry information about casting directors, agents, and managers.
Stay informed about the acting industry. Regularly read industry trades (Deadline, Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Indiewire, etc.) to keep up on casting and agent news.
Review your prospective agents' social media presence. Is their website professional? Do they have client successes to brag about on their Instagram? Have they ever done a Q&A on YouTube? Google is your friend!
Ask around to your friends in the industry- do they know these agents? Have they ever work with a certain agency? Do they have any recommendations (or, just as important, anti-recommendations)?
Networking and Industry Events
Networking remains indispensable in the entertainment industry, especially while trying to land an agent. Industry events provide great opportunities to meet acting agents, casting personnel, and other actors. Make it a habit to attend acting classes, workshops, panel discussions, and film festivals.
Remember, your acting coaches or acting teachers often have established contacts in the industry and can provide word-of-mouth referrals. So keep it professional, even in class. You want those recommendations!
