Many actors make the mistake of depending on their agent to do the bulk of the work with delusions of grandeur: submitting you for Hollywood top gigs, networking with other professionals in the field, and dictating the path your career is to take. While these are the romantic responsibilities we see agents do on tv and in movies, it is NOT real life.
Whether you are in the process of finding your first agent or going through a breakup with your current agent, this one-way relationship is anything but. I, personally, am currently going through an agency transition and am definitely learning and- slowly realizing -how wrong I’ve been regarding the intimate actor/agent relationship. See, while my actor friends are realistic in their expectations of their agents they had failed to do one of the most basic relationship duties, which is to communicate. Not just communicate, but to communicate effectively.
Now, what it is the difference and what does it all mean? I’ve heard horror stories of actors calling/emailing and just barraging their agents every other day if they haven’t been contacted for auditions for a stretch of time. While it is common knowledge that contacting and communicating with your agent is key, everything still needs to be done in moderation. By harassing your agent, you will not only achieve having your calls screened, but you will have not EFFECTIVELY communicated or proven yourself to value your agent’s time.
The agent/actor relationship is a fragile one. Communicating, in as few and impactful ways as you can makes a world of difference. Not hearing from your agent? Leaving voicemails and text messages in a panic will not work and may speak to your work ethic, that you are unprofessional and desperate. But, writing out a well-thought out email expressing to him/her that you are eager to work and also willing to take advice on what you should do in the interim of going to auditions is not only impactful, but effective. It not only proves that you value your agent’s time but that you also value your own. If you are not auditioning you should be training, studying and building your skill sets, this will prove your seriousness in the industry. And let’s not forget, this gives your agent the ability to share with you what may be causing you not to get any auditions, perhaps you need new headshots? Or your resume needs a major update.
This open and honest form of communication will allow for your agent to give you constructive criticism without feeling as though they are the only ones doing the work. It’s a two-way street. Having a platform for healthy discussion is the goal, after all an agent wants you to bend over backwards but you both have the same goal, booking gigs. And the more open your reception is, the more they will feed your criticism that pertains to your ultimate goal: booking gigs. Hence the detrimental actor behavior gets you nowhere, fast.
So you’re ready to find an agent? Don’t get scammed! There are many shady agencies out there ready to take money. The first place to look for LEGITIMATE SAG-AFTRA agents and managers is the official SAG-AFTRA website, there for free you can get a full contact list: http://www.sagaftra.org/content/agents-and-managers
3 Main points to keep in mind when searching for representation:
- NEVER pay upfront; agents make a percentage of work you book. Not the other way around.
- You are not required to get headshots/photos taken by any specific photographer
- Do NOT sign anything without reading it in full, no matter how good the deal seems. I like to take paperwork home and having a lawyer friends review it.