How to get an agent? When to get an agent? Why to get an agent? Artist have been asking themselves these questions for decades now. In this blog article we’ll break down what an agent is, how to get one and red flags to look out for - okay you talented human, let’s dive in!

WHAT AN AGENT DOES?

An agent is a personal representative of a person of talent in the entertainment industry. Talent gives this person the permission to speak on there behalf as well as submit talent to projects, negotiate better pay and contracts, and renegotiate existing contracts while also leveraging there existing business relationships for the financial benefit of the talent they represent rather that be an author, athlete, model, musician etcera. Agents and managers typically get between ten to twenty percent from the talent on any given project. An agent is an asset for talent, think of an agent as a member of your team assisting you on the business side of the entertainment industry. An agent can submit you to jobs, help negotiate contracts, and be the liaison between the talent and the client.

An agent can help legitimize you in the industry and give you advice on how to navigate your career. There are individual reasons why someone may opt out of having an agent. For instance, you may want to keep all your money to yourself and limit your work expenses. A check in the "pro column" for getting an agent is perhaps you'll want an agent once career momentum starts to pick up and juggling the various emails from the diverse gigs can become overwhelming and exhausting. Having another person speaking your name in rooms you are not in can be an asset and having them do the admin work for you is just cherry on top! Furthermore there are some gigs that won't be put on the casting sites and are only through word of mouth from production to casting to agents, so if you want a shot at certain roles you may not get to audition for without an agent then you have your choice.

HOW TO GET AN AGENT?

When you have taken time to develop your talent, created an artistic portfolio showcasing your skillsets for potential auditions (videos, photos, writing samples etc.) and perhaps have had some professional work or training under your belt - it's time to submit to an agent. I'd start by making a list of your marketable talents then making a list of agencies that have an existing roster of talent in your talent category. If you are a voiceover actor but an agencies website says nothing about voiceover it's most likely not the best fit for you. Do your research! Research is key in this process; a great tool is IMDBpro that has a monthly or annual subscription to look up agencies, agents, and their corresponding emails also Google agencies in your area.

After you've gathered the contact information create a cover letter, resume and at least three headshots to either email OR submit to the submissions page on their website. Pay very close attention to the submission details.

RED FLAGS TO LOOK OUT FOR…

The most important trait to look out for when searching for an agent and going on agent interviews is making sure the agent has your best interest in mind. No agent should ever ask for money up front - they get paid when you get paid. During your initial agent meetings ask a variety of questions such as: What type do you see me as? How many clients do you have and how many are my type? How do you feel about me submitting myself for projects? Do you recommend photographers, acting, voice, or dance teachers? And of course ask about the money! 

THE AGENT FROM HELL #storytime

A Portland modeling agent I was signed with less than a week yelled at me, cursed at me, and berated me because I didn't like a post fast enough on Instagram... not kidding. Humans are sensitive creatures but their outlet for their feelings should never be taken out on someone else, especially not in a business relationship. He also asked me to go to Hawaii with him. Red flag much! After he blocked me on Instagram I never spoke to him again. Perhaps drugs were involved on his part... but I'm glad I had that experience early in my career because I know how to handle similar situations in the future. There is no way to rationalize with the unrational, the best thing to do in that situation is to move on and remember that there is no single person that will make or break your career.