An agent is perhaps the most important thing any actor can have. Agency representation can benefit every actor no matter what field they specialize in, as they will maximize your exposure within the industry. This leaves you free to focus on other things, rather than worrying about finding and booking work yourself. While a Talent Agent is invaluable, acquiring representation can be a daunting task for the uninformed. You must be able to effectively market yourself or demonstrate your competency before they'll consider representing you.
Perhaps the most important step in this process is ensuring you have current headshots. You will not get anywhere with old or outdated material, even if they're look better than your current photographs. You're selling yourself, not your photographer or make-up artist. If your headshots differ greatly from how you look, an agency will be less likely to take you on. A good timeframe to keep in mind would be a year to eighteen months before you update your photographs if you can afford them. You don't need to get new headshots every month! The same can be said for your reel. Make sure it's as up to date as it can be. You want as much material as you can to sell yourself.
Don't ever assume that bright colors, exotic backdrops, fancy costumes, or crazy angles will make your headshot stand out. You're selling yourself, not your photographer's creativity, and anything that detracts from you will make you less memorable. Simplicity is your friend, and if your photographer wants to do some experimenting, find another one less inclined to "have fun." You aren't displaying these photographs. They're not supposed to be "cool," they're supposed to be you. They're your link to the industry, so keep them simple and focused on you. Find a photographer willing to work with you, and tell him to leave his fancy gel filters at home.
There are many types of agencies out there, from film to television to commercial, so make sure you find one in your chosen field. If you want to work in film, hire a film agent, as they'll find you work in film, feature-length or otherwise. The same is true for television, commercials, even modeling. Unless you're shooting to be an all-around actor or a jack of all trades, this will ensure you grow in your field. Spreading yourself around will potentially get you more work but it will limit your growth. You'll develop faster if you focus in one place.
Above all else, never forget this one thing: do not ever pay up front! Typically, agents will not ask for fees or an upfront payment to represent you. They make their money by taking a percentage of what you earn. The more work you do, the more they get paid. Paying up front can have disastrous results, especially if you don't get any work at all. In this case, you would have paid for nothing. On that same token, be mindful of what you sign. Read the fine print and don't ever sign immediately. Think about it, take their offer into consideration, and make an informed choice before you lay down your John Hancock.
Be smart and be careful, and you'll never put yourself in an unfavorable situation. Your career practically depends on being represented, so do not skimp! A great way to start is by using a site like TalentPostings.com where you can create an online profile to allow agents to find and contact you directly. Good luck out there. - 31887
Perhaps the most important step in this process is ensuring you have current headshots. You will not get anywhere with old or outdated material, even if they're look better than your current photographs. You're selling yourself, not your photographer or make-up artist. If your headshots differ greatly from how you look, an agency will be less likely to take you on. A good timeframe to keep in mind would be a year to eighteen months before you update your photographs if you can afford them. You don't need to get new headshots every month! The same can be said for your reel. Make sure it's as up to date as it can be. You want as much material as you can to sell yourself.
Don't ever assume that bright colors, exotic backdrops, fancy costumes, or crazy angles will make your headshot stand out. You're selling yourself, not your photographer's creativity, and anything that detracts from you will make you less memorable. Simplicity is your friend, and if your photographer wants to do some experimenting, find another one less inclined to "have fun." You aren't displaying these photographs. They're not supposed to be "cool," they're supposed to be you. They're your link to the industry, so keep them simple and focused on you. Find a photographer willing to work with you, and tell him to leave his fancy gel filters at home.
There are many types of agencies out there, from film to television to commercial, so make sure you find one in your chosen field. If you want to work in film, hire a film agent, as they'll find you work in film, feature-length or otherwise. The same is true for television, commercials, even modeling. Unless you're shooting to be an all-around actor or a jack of all trades, this will ensure you grow in your field. Spreading yourself around will potentially get you more work but it will limit your growth. You'll develop faster if you focus in one place.
Above all else, never forget this one thing: do not ever pay up front! Typically, agents will not ask for fees or an upfront payment to represent you. They make their money by taking a percentage of what you earn. The more work you do, the more they get paid. Paying up front can have disastrous results, especially if you don't get any work at all. In this case, you would have paid for nothing. On that same token, be mindful of what you sign. Read the fine print and don't ever sign immediately. Think about it, take their offer into consideration, and make an informed choice before you lay down your John Hancock.
Be smart and be careful, and you'll never put yourself in an unfavorable situation. Your career practically depends on being represented, so do not skimp! A great way to start is by using a site like TalentPostings.com where you can create an online profile to allow agents to find and contact you directly. Good luck out there. - 31887
About the Author:
Author Mike Fenward holds over 25 years industry knowledge. He currently specializes in helping aspiring actors find Casting Calls. If you would like to gain exposure to agents looking for talent, click here.
