The internet is bringing producers and performers closer together, with auditions being advertised on resource websites. No-one likes having to give away part of their earnings to someone, and it may be tempting to consider trying to get work without an agent. What are the advantages - if there are any - of an actor having an agent?
What does an agent do for you?
Although some jobs or auditions are advertised openly or through websites, other types of jobs are not.
Casting directors will normally turn to agents whom they trust to use them as the first filter when drawing up a list of people to see.
The types of jobs involved go from the top of the range to the most basic, including:
- Leading roles for film, television and theatre
- Casting for commercials
- Photographic work for catalogues, or advertising brochures
An agent looks after your financial interests
There are several ways that an agent can be involved with your finances. Although they will take a percentage of an actor's earnings, there are several situations where they might actually be able to bring more money your way.
- Negotiating the best rates for you
- Checking contracts for repeat fees and broadcast rights
- Chasing employers to pay the fees that you are due promptly and correctly
- Providing you with a financial record of your earnings at the end of the year
Agents also look after you and your career
It is often advantageous to have the advice of another person when deciding on the next job to take. Agents are there to build and shape an actor's career, they do that in the following ways:
- Your professional credibility is higher with an agent
- They will advise you on choice of jobs and your career path
- They can use their network of contacts to promote you
- They will protect you from unscrupulous people and exploitation by ensuring that the jobs you are sent on are safe and will be paid at a proper rate
- They will represent you in dispute with directors or producers
- They will give you advice on your choice of photographer and photographs
- They can give you advice on how best to present yourself at auditions, as they will also have valuable background information about the producer / director / writer etc
What will an agent expect of you?
If an agent agrees to take you on to their books, they will normally ask you to sign a contract or letter of agreement. Your contract will normally require an agreement on exclusivity, in other words, you can only be represented by this agent. In return for getting you jobs and looking after your interests, you will have to agree to allow the agent to deduct a fee in the form of a percentage of all of your earnings before passing the balance on to you.
In addition to paying your agent a fee, your agent will have are certain expectations regarding your professional behaviour.
When your agent is putting you forward for jobs, they have to be sure that you are available for auditions and work, and that your photographs are a true representation of how you look.
Your obligations to your agent:
- Make sure that you can always be reached. Leave a current telephone number, and inform your agent if anything affects it.
- If anything affects your availability – holidays, doctor’s dentist’s appointments – tell your agent in advance.
- If there are any changes to your appearance – hair length, colour, radical style change, weight gain/loss – let your agent know, and if necessary update your photographs.
- If you are going to miss or be late for an audition or job, let your agent know as soon as possible.
- If you encounter any problems with a job, talk to your agent first, to discuss the best way to handle it.
- If you have problems with your agent, don’t let them fester. It is best to arrange to discuss things openly. But always remember that it’s not productive simply to complain, always try and present a positive productive attitude.
- Be reasonable in your expectations. It’s possible that you won’t hear anything for weeks on end. Remember that this is not your agent’s fault. Although it does no harm to drop in on them from time to time, just to bring your face to the front of their mind.
- Try not to get a bad name! Sometimes you have to rise above the temptation to let off steam when other people behave badly. Biting your tongue and staying polite will be more to your benefit in the long run. It’s all to easy to get a reputation – even unjustly – as someone who is difficult to work with.
NB: a reputable agent will not ask you for a fee for an interview or for taking you on their books. be wary of any agent who does ask for money up front from your as this could be a scam.
Janice Hally - Janice Hally has written more than 300 broadcast hours of prime-time TV drama in the UK, as well as fiction and non-fiction books.
