Importance of Acting Agents
Hardly any actor or actress can make it up to the big screen without an agent. Acting agents play an important role in the career growth of an actor. The acting profession is like a business, where the actors are represented as products. The agents play the role of salesmen and the directors or casting crew is the buyer.
Finding an Agent
Although Los Angeles and New York are the main hubs of the entertainment industry, agents can be found everywhere across the globe. Getting any agent, or some form of representation, will give you a step up.
Working with Agents
Talent agents typically charge a commission on the work they secure for their clients. This commission is usually a percentage of the client’s earnings, ranging from 10% to 20%. Without an agent you have two options: throw in the towel, or get proactive and join a small, self-managed group of actors who hustle for work.
Is it hard to get an acting agent?
Getting an acting agent is very important. To get any job or acting project, you need to showcase your skills. Ultimately, it’s about doing the work and honing your craft; at which point, agents tend to take notice. Although Los Angeles and New York are the main hubs of the entertainment industry, agents can be found everywhere across the globe. Getting any agent, or some form of representation, will give you a step up.
Where do actors get their agents?
Acting agents play an important role in the career growth of an actor. Through their relationships and access, they can submit you to auditions you’d normally never have access to.
Most actors or other entertainment talents retain an agent or manager to represent them. Agents and their talent agencies are the behind-the-scenes power brokers in the entertainment industry. Agents grease the wheels, cut the deals, and find work for actors. An acting agent doesn’t cost anything upfront. Legitimate talent agents will usually only take a 10-20% commission on the work you take. This serves as an incentive for agents to find their actors work, as they don’t get paid unless the actor gets paid.