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Talent Agents

Talent agencies fall into many categories—but often play a vital role in the success of any actor. Talent agents represent clients for work as extras in films or television, as well as lead and principal roles. Talent agents will help you find both union and non-union work. Some agencies have a lot of agents, and in some agencies there are only one or two.

You need to look for certain things when choosing a talent agent. Your talent agent is the one who will find auditions for you. Whether you are looking for substantial parts in commercials, modeling, television, films or theatre. You will need a strong resume—if you have little experience, your talent agent should be the one to help you build up that resume. Your talent agent may be quick to recommend that you become a union member. Becoming a union member will make your talent search much easier and allow you to obtain more experience as an actor. If you have never had a talent agent before, consider what kind of work you want to do and what kind of talent agency is best suited to provide you with a talent agent who can find you auditions in that kind of work. Look at yourself realistically; look at your ambitions and your talents. This will shape your decision as to what kind of a talent agent you will need at this stage in your career. Few actors spend their entire professional life with one agent. Do not be afraid to hire a new talent agent if you find one who will work better with you.

You must ask questions and learn certain facts from the talent agent or agency and from others in the industry. The agency may maintains a large or a small roster—and there are advantages to both. One of the most important considerations is whether the agent will pay close attention to each of his or her client's careers. You do not want a talent agent who simply acts as a booking agent for you. Some agencies represent well established and experienced actors, and some develop new talent. There are advantages to both. Assess what your needs are at this stage of your acting career.

Even though you want to survive as an actor and succeed as soon as possible, do not give in too quickly desperation for work. Many different kinds of work can only be accessed through an agent. Only some projects are available to the unrepresented actor who works at self-promotion. Signing with a talent agent is a major step in the development of your acting career, but committing yourself to the wrong agent can place you in a worse position than you were in when you had no agent at all. Find the right agent. Seek the advice of others if you must, but don’t panic and pick one just because he or she is quickly convenient, unless he or she is also convenient to your career.

On the other hand please realize that as much as you need to find what you are looking for in a talent agent, that talent agent also needs to find what he or she is looking for in a client. Make sure to keep in touch with your agent, and continue to polish your acting skills. Your agent may be able to suggest ways to do this that you have not yet considered. Finding the right agent might turn out to be the best thing you can do to become the actor you dream to be.