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Hollywood Talent Agents

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September 18, 2007

About This Editor: Karen has enjoyed her many varied experiences in corporate business management, dance education, and preschool assistance. She hopes to write about these past lives-and more-from her home in Pittsburgh, PA, where she lives with her husband, daughter, and 3 cats.

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OK, you’re ready to take the plunge in Hollywood; what’s the best way to proceed?
Assuming that you’ve had professional training in modeling or the performing arts, and already have school and/or amateur experience, the first thing to do is to prepare a resume. Along with training and previous work, it may be helpful to include any contacts in Hollywood. (Your current acting school may be able to assist with this.) Possibly, a talent agency may help in revising your resume in order to meet standards expected by casting directors. While this is in progress, it’s a good time to acquire outstanding head shots. Since a resume and photograph are the most important tools for any new actor, plan on spending several months on this process. It is imperative to be remembered out of the hundreds who audition for any role.

The next step is to shop for a talent agent who will intercede on you behalf with studios. An agent is absolutely necessary, due to studios utilizing agencies for the hiring process. Agents wield much power in Hollywood, and actually “discover” talent much more than studios did in the past. They are also indispensable regarding all of the legalities and monetary issues regarding your contracts and can actually get you an audition with casting agents and producers. Agents receive daily information from casting directors and producers (called “breakdowns”) regarding roles and parts to be filled, so he/she can work quickly on your behalf.

As a new actor in Los Angeles, you should know that you cannot approach what are considered “A” list agencies; they work only with big name celebrities. An actor must already have achieved film success in order to be approached by such an agency. (In this category would be William Morris, Creative Artists, United Talent, and International Creative Management.)

That’s not to say that other professional agencies can’t help you find work, however. On the contrary, that’s where many studios turn for the majority of their acting needs. The agency should be registered and licensed with the Screen Actors Guild, and you must become “SAG” as well in order to get work. If you happen to have different talents, you may find that it’s best to have different agents, rather than just one (which is called being “signed across the board”.) There are agencies specifically for commercials, dance, and voice-overs, as well as the primary television and film theatrical agents. Remember that agents normally receive 10% as a commission on the jobs that they find you, so don’t fall for any schemes demanding more. As your experience in Hollywood increases, you may decide to change agencies for one with more prestige and contacts. This happens often in the industry, so don’t feel as if you’re being disloyal.

Eventually you’ll find a Hollywood agent who’s a good fit for your talent and needs. Just remember that agents work for you, and their main job is to get you auditions. The rest is up to you! Good luck!