What Do Talent Agents Do?

It took me quite a while before I really understood the roles of various people involved in show business careers.  I was too embarrassed to just come out and ask about it, so I stumbled along without really knowing what was going on and trusting that the right things were happening.

Looking back, I realize I could have done a better job of managing my child’s career if I’d known more than I did in the very beginning.

If you are just getting started in showbiz, you are probably wondering “What do talent agents do?”

Some talent agents do more than others and some do less, but the primary job functions of talent agents are:

• Submit and pitch clients to casting directors to try to get them into auditions appropriate for them,
• Attempt to obtain employment for clients represented by them, and
• Negotiate contracts for clients when they book a job.

Since talent agencies only get paid when the talent they represent gets paid, it is in their best interest to do a good job doing these things. The more work and the better pay clients get, the better pay the talent agencies get.

Good talent agents also network with other industry professionals.

Additional things that talent agents often do for their clients are:

• Select appropriate headshots,
• Provide names of reputable acting teachers, coaches, and photographers,
• Help with the promotion of their careers,
• Work well with their talent managers (if they have them),
• Suggest reputable personal talent managers that work well with them (when asked),
• Help them handle any disputes or problems with payments for their  work,
• Answer questions about auditions, scripts, and jobs and anything related to the industry.

How talent agents function varies from state to state. For example, in some areas (such as Los Angeles), agents are exclusive, meaning you can have only one talent agency representing you for a particular category (i.e., commercial, theatrical, voiceover, print).

In other places, you can be represented by several different agencies for each category, and the agency that gets you the work gets the commission. This is generally true in right-to-work states and also in New York.

In the state of California, talent agents (except for print) are only allowed to take 10% of an actor’s gross pay for their work.   For print work, talent agents typically get a commission of 20%. In other states, agencies are allowed to take more than that, commonly up to 20%.

You need to check to see what the appropriate amounts are in your particular state as it does vary from state to state.

Keep in mind, you should never pay a talent agent up front.

Talent agents should only take commissions from work that you get while being represented by them and residuals from that same work. If they get you a job, even if you leave them before completing work on that job, they still get paid from your earnings for that job.

If a talent agent asks you for money to sign with them, absolutely do not pay them or sign with them.

Before signing with any talent agency, do some research. Ask in forums and ask other actors or parents of actors about them, and search online. Make sure that it is a reputable and licensed talent agency.

Also, remember that talent agencies often represent thousands of clients and are very busy trying to do their jobs. While you want to check in with them every few months, do not call them on a daily or even weekly basis.

If you have an important question that can’t be answered by anyone else, call them about it. But keep in mind that you want them to spend their time doing what they are supposed to do–getting you into auditions that could result in gainful employment.

While you can start an acting career without a talent agent, finding a talent agent is important if you want to advance your career.  Their knowledge and contacts in the industry can be invaluable to your success.

I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about talent agents and other show business professionals and your comments are welcome here.

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