How to Get an Agent for Acting

How to Get an Agent for ActingHow to Get an Agent for ActingIf youre like many actors, you may realize you need an agent but dont know why or what they do exactly. The value of an agent is they have industry contacts and insight that you dont- and more importantly, they can find acting gigs for you. When you enlist an agent to represent you, they platzset up general meetings with executives, producers, and casting directors around town to make an introduction. The purpose of these meetings is to put a bug in the ear of the prominent decision-makers. That way, when an acting opportunity comes up that matches your gender, age, appearance, and skill level, youll be considered. Beyond those initial meetings, an agent will also ensure that youre top of mind for fellow agents in related departments at their agency for parts in movies, television, and commercials. Getting an Agent to Notice You The best way to attract an agents attention is to do things that stand out. Start with compil ing a compelling demo reel. Its unlikely that an unknown actor will convince agents to come to see them act in plays, short films or student films. Even so, its still worth seeking out those types of roles- and documenting them. Agents can review your headshot and resume, but seeing your acting ability in action makes a much better case. You can also try creating a buzz for yourself by becoming your own producer. Andy Samberg is perhaps the most well-known example of taking this approach. Together with a pair of friends, Samberg created comedy videos with their sketch troupe The Lonely Island and posted them on YouTube in the mid-2000s. The popularity of those videos led them to get an agent, which then led to jobs at Saturday Night Live. From there, Samberg went on to become a featured player on the series and later starred in movies and other TV shows. A more recent example is the stars of the sitcom Those Who Cant. Before landing their own show, this trio of comedians, Adam Cayto n-Holland, Ben Roy, and Andrew Orvedahl, wrote and produced a pilot with friends that they sold to Amazon Studios. Although Amazon Studios didnt order more episodes, the sitcom was later picked up by TruTV and was renewed for two more seasons. Agents are more inclined to work with actors like this who take the manahme and create their own opportunities. Make It Known That Youre Looking for an Agent Networking is essential to finding an agent. You might be at a casting call where they ask about your agent. Dont lie.Tell them youre in the process of looking for one and ask for recommendations. Many agents find clients by word of other actors, producers, directors, or casting directors. Being active on social media can likewise plug you into a community of like-minded actors. You never know who might be in a position to help you. Establishing a digital presence is also imperative. Having a site dedicated to your acting gives agents a convenient way to download your headshots, revie w your resume, see your demo reel and contact you if theyre interested. You Dont Need to Wait for an Agent to Start Your Career Even when youre fortunate enough to find an agent, youve still got to keep working hard to make a name for yourself. Its a big misconception that all you have to do is wait for the phone to ring once you have an agent. Thats bedrngnis the case most of the time. An agents livelihood depends on finding work for their clients. Typically, they get paid a percentage of the roles they help land- usually between 10 and 20 percent depending on whether the job is union or non-union. Just the same, you might not be their top priority, initially. The reality is that while agents work on your behalf, they have other established clients, and those actors will likely get work first. Its simply easier to attract attention from the industry for known quantities. So sitting around waiting for an agent to generate momentum isnt time well spent. Instead, focus on continua lly pushing your career forward.