Finding an Agent is like finding a parent or guardian! They can help you get your career off the ground, help you make the right decisions, and represent you in the best way. Representing yourself can often appear as unprofessional. I've worked with tons of people who do not have any representation, they're are amazing actors, but to get to the next level, it's best that you have representation and professional guidance. It's a tough business out there, leave the management to someone else so you can perfect your craft.
Here's a List of great ideas that center around one thing. "It's who you know." If you don't know them, get to know them.
1: When you go to a show at a Theatre introduce yourself to performers and ask them about who represents them. Don't be shy. You'd be surprised how much fellow actors are willing to help you out if you just ask.
2: Photographers, Directors and Indie Filmmakers usually hire Models & Actors through agencies. Give them a call and simply ask them for a small list of people they work with. In turn you may have found someone to take your headshot anyway!
3. Here at AuditionPortal we're a saavy (and cute) little group of Actors, Singers, Dancers, Graphic Designers, Ad people, and even the geekiest of geeks. You'd be surprised how many people an ad agency can hook you up with. If you have a website, you've probably worked with creative people, right? Well, call them. Ask if they know someone, who knows someone who knows an Agent. I'm sure they do.
4. Okay, here's a total no-brainer: Go to the SAG or AFTRA website. They have lists, and boy do they have lists! Call them and ask them to share a little love. Most of the Agencies there are franchised agencies and are totally legit. Here is a direct link to the Franchised Agency list at AFTRA http://www.aftra.com/member/agentlist.htm
If you feel like something's not right when you go to an audition call them and report them to either of these unions immediately. When on an audition, Casting Directors should never require nudity. If they do, and that's not cool with you, you should report them as well. See, a reputable agency will have you covered. They will make sure they find out all they can prior to an audition so they have your best interests in mind.
5. Never meet an Agent for the first time (or even the second time) at an unfamiliar place or in a private place.
You may want to consider meeting at a Coffee shop, restaurant, wherever there are other people. Hey, we're not being too paranoid, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. We love our fellow talented people to stick around.
6. When you arrive at at Agent's office, remember YOU are the person interviewing Them. Ask them tons of question, ask to see who they represent, and ask if you can call that person....hey, it's a little pushy, but this is your career we're talking about! If they find excuses, then simply say "Oh I had my heart set on getting references, maybe it's best that I check back with you at a later time." Pack up and leave.
7: Make sure you've checked them out with SAG or AFTRA or any Union if they came as a referral from another actor. What may be good representation for them, may not work so well for you. Make sure they are busy and don't have lot's of free time. That's usually not a good sign. A busy Agent...that's a good sign.
8. If there are any red flags like, a slow office, no employees, just one person there, no lobby, a bottle of champaign on the table, just be polite and leave. It's a good idea to call the Better Business Bureau to see whether people have made complaints against them prior to your meeting as it will save you a trip.
9. If you can bring a friend (this applies to guys and girls) have them wait outside. We're not saying all agents are serial killers or sex offenders. They're not. There are amazing Agencies out there. If you don't feel right about something just know there are hundreds of others out there.
10. If you're taking acting classes or even short-term workshops at a school like HB (my alma mater), ask your coaches or teachers to refer an agent to you. They are bound to know someone, or may even recommend their own agent to you. P.S. If they do, that's a good sign.
Remember: It's your life. Your real life. You are not acting, nor are you on stage when you're picking someone to represent you. You must protect yourself and your interests, and be cognizant that there are some unscrupulous practices out there. They mess things up for the hard-working, legitimate actors like us and others in their field. If you're a singer or dancer, the same holds true for you as well. When finding a producer or manager to work the same criterion should be followed. The mentality that old-school Reps, Agents & Scouts have is that they expect you to be beholden to them because we apparently NEED them. What a competitive marketplace of reputable and "A-Listed" Agents do is create competition, so that actors like us don't necessarily NEED them. We have choices.
We have the freedom to say "no thanks." There will be others, many others, who will want to work with us. Create your own opportunities.
Author's note: Reputable agencies have signed on with Audition Portal. If you'd simply like to post a reel/video and profile, and have professional exposure to agencies online, just pre-register at www.auditonportal.com.
Written By Paul Brighton
Producer, Director, Actor, Co-Founder, Blogger
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