Isn’t it better to be signed with an agent? This is a common idea in the industry which I have not found to be true. Signing an exclusive contract is meant to protect the agency by preventing you from accepting any work without giving them a percentage. Many agents, also, feel that in the beginning of an actor’s career there is a lot of input; picture submissions, getting new photos, reels, and a lot more work on their part getting you to be seen. Some agents don’t want to do this extra work and risk losing you to a bigger agency once your career is established so they will tie you up, so to speak, with a contract. Plain and simple some agents don’t want to compete with other agencies calling you first.
I have been told by casting directors that for film and T.V. roles, if there is a last minute character added they will call one of the top five agencies and the role will never be posted on breakdowns. Similarly, top roles in film and T.V. are usually being shopped to name talent and top agencies before the roles are posted on breakdowns. These top agents generally require a signed exclusive.
Personally, even under freelance agreements I prefer my agents to negotiate my paying deals that I find on my own. The agent can negotiate terms that you the talent may not think of, like number of hours to work, doing an allergy test, or any number of things. A good agent should, also, be more familiar with industry rates than you are requiring and can be “the bad guy” in negotiations. Thereby, you the talent can focus on the job and positive relationship building with the client.
Free lancing is a terrific way to get to know an agent before you sign with them. The old adage “it’s like dating” is very true. Find out if you like each before jumping into bed together.
It is my personal experience that if you are freelancing with more than two or three agents for the same type of work, like commercials, it will work against you. Basically, the agents have the same breakdowns particularly for commercials, if an agent keeps being told “I already got that one from someone else” they will stop calling you first. It’s best to on the top of one agents mind than the bottom of several agents call list.
How often should the agent be sending you out? That depends on your type and the kind of work you are going out for. For me, I go out for three to ten commercials a week on average. My agents specialize in commercials but they do get me film and T.V. auditions several times in a year.
What type of work are you being sent out for and how often does your agent get you auditions?
Thought this post was dope? Then get updates and join me for other insider exclusives, expert interviews, and more.
Sign Up for my Newsletter
Join my mailing list. You will, get all the latest information on my plays, films, commercials, photoshoots, etc… Sneak peaks at rehearsals and on set photos, interviews with directors, actors, musical directors and other really cool experts.
I also send out tips on pursuing an acting career and other questions I am frequently asked by people in show business and those who aren’t but are curious about it.
Click this link to sign up http://on.fb.me/11Aq9EA
Recent Comments