London pulses with theatrical productions, film opportunities, and television projects, so it’s no surprise that most actors' agents are based in London too. But with an acting agency on seemingly every corner of this capital city, it can be daunting to know where to start in your search for representation.
Finding the right agent is about finding the best fit for you and your career ambitions. But if you’re hoping to sign with a prestigious name, getting on the books of any of the below nine agencies is a step in the right direction. Here’s a breakdown of what they’re known for, who they represent, and how to apply.
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United Agents, not to be confused with prominent US agency United Talent Agents (UTA), is a powerhouse agency representing some of the industry's highest earners. Founded in 2007 through the merger of leading agents from several crème de la crème agencies, United quickly established itself as a major player, attracting a varied group of actors including Oscar winner Olivia Colman, who moved with her agent Lindy King, formerly of Peters Fraser and Dunlop (PFD). The agency's client list also includes Ricky Gervais, Kate Winslet, and James Corden. Don’t be intimidated by the stars on its books; if you are good and there’s space on their client list, they will consider your application.
How to apply for United Agents representation
Prepare a professional application that includes a headshot, a CV or a link to your Spotlight profile, a cover letter, and a showreel. Submit your package to one agent at a time by finding their contact details on the United Agents website. If you don’t hear back within four to six weeks, consider your application unsuccessful. Note that the agency does not accept phone inquiries.
Curtis Brown stands as one of the UK's oldest and most prestigious talent agencies, having been established in 1899. The 2022 acquisition of the agency by UTA hasn’t changed the way Curtis Brown is managed but means clients on its books benefit from having support and opportunities on both sides of the pond. Curtis Brown clients can be seen performing across stage and screen. On its books is Paul Mescal, who won a BAFTA for his role in Normal People and the Best Actor Olivier for A Streetcar Named Desire, and Dev Patel, who was named as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people of 2024.
How to apply for Curtis Brown representation
Send an email including your headshot, CV, a brief cover letter, and a link to your showreel to actorsrepresentation@curtisbrown.co.uk. If you wish to contact a specific agent, include their name in the email's subject line; otherwise, address the email to the attention of "all agents" to ensure it is shared across the agency. Curtis Brown reviews all submissions and will contact you if they’re interested in scheduling a meeting. Please refrain from making follow-up calls after submitting your materials.
Previously operating as ICM London, Independent Talent Group’s influence extends across the entertainment industry, and it has a rich roster of clients engaged in prominent projects. As a full-service agency, it manages actors, directors, and writers. Notable clients include David Tennant, whose career spans theatre, film, and television, and Daniel Craig, known for his role as James Bond in Skyfall and No Time to Die.
How to apply for Independent Talent Group representation
Send an email with your cover letter, CV, headshot, and showreel to actingrepresentation@independenttalent.com. Specify in the email whether you’re addressing all agents or an individual agent. The agency reviews all submissions and will contact you if they’re interested in scheduling a meeting. If you don't receive a response within four to six weeks, assume your application was unsuccessful.
As a pioneering London agency, Hamilton Hodell is known for pushing the boundaries by securing diverse and interesting roles for its clients. These include David Oyelowo’s role of John the Baptist in The Book of Clarence and Michelle Dockery in Boy Kills World. Managing a select roster allows it to offer tailored guidance and support, which includes focussed career management. Hamilton Hodell is particularly noted for its strong presence in both the UK and international film circuits, although clients such as Ben Whishaw also regularly appear on the London stage. CEO Christian Hoddell has plenty of stars on his list, including Whishaw, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson, Tilda Swinton, and Harriet Walter, while agent Lola Boothby has a small list of newcomers. If voice acting is your thing, then consider its sister agency HHush.
How to apply for Hamilton Hodell representation
Email your showreel and CV to representation@hamiltonhodell.co.uk, writing the name of the agent you are approaching in the subject line of the email and in the cover letter. The agency has 10 agents; research each before deciding who to approach.
The Artists Partnership operates as a dynamic talent agency, representing actors, writers, and directors. Known for its proactive approach, the agency secures opportunities in film, television, and theatre while also supporting its clients’ activities in publishing and public speaking. Its separate development arm, The Development Partnership, focusses on developing client-led passion projects as well as developing and producing shows in both scripted and non-scripted television, film, and theatre. The agency says: "The Development Partnership benefits from strong relationships with the agency, working regularly with clients and collaborating with them to realise the projects they are passionate about while giving them a voice at every stage of the process." The agency also has a separate voice division called Be Heard Voices, with some actors represented at both agencies.
Big names on its books include Emily Blunt, Idris Elba, and Back to Black star Marisa Abela. It also proves its commitment to taking on new talent by attending drama school and university graduation shows. If this applies to you, ask the agency at least four weeks in advance and provide a contact for securing tickets.
How to apply for The Artists Partnership representation
Send a cover letter, a current headshot, and a CV, as well as any Spotlight Pin or online showreel (if you have one), to representation@theartistspartnership.co.uk. Make it clear which agent you’d like to seek representation from by putting their name in the subject line. If you wish to make a general submission, put “FAO All Agents” and the type of representation you’re seeking in the subject line.
The B-Side Management and Production agency was established in 2021, when four former Troika agents decided to go it alone after Troika was taken over by YMU (which focuses on household names like Ant & Dec and Graham Norton). Agents Kate Morrison, Matimba Kabalika, Sarah Stephenson, and Sam Fox brought many of their Troika clients with them, including Rafe Spall and Alan Cumming. Heather Walsh, who was an assistant at Troika, also joined as an agent. The team offers friendly personal management for actors and works in tandem with a producing arm, B-Side Production, which develops film and TV projects with a focus on emerging talent and underrepresented voices.
How to apply for B-Side representation
Email your CV and showreel to hello@theb-side.co.uk. Alternatively, a list of agents’ email addresses can be found on the website.
Conway Van Gelder Grant Grant (CVGG) is often mentioned when you ask someone to name a top acting agency in London. Founded in the late 20th century, the agency has built a reputation for nurturing the careers of both emerging talent and established stars. In recent years, the agency, which represents Helena Bonham Carter and Brian Cox, has shown a commitment to diversity and inclusion, actively seeking and promoting talent from underrepresented groups. This includes Isabel Adomakoh-Young, whose turn as Juliet in Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre's production of Romeo and Juliet won her Best Female Actor at the Black British Theatre Awards. The agency is part of the Creative Access programme, which helps increase accessibility for traditionally overlooked communities across the arts. CVGG has a separate voice department called the Bespoke Voice Agency, and actors can be represented across both agencies.
How to apply for CVGG representation
Send a CV, headshot, and showreel, along with a short cover letter, directly to the agent you are interested in working with. A list of agents’ email addresses can be found on the website.
Artists Rights Group (ARG Talent Agency) forms part of the Avalon Group, the UK’s largest independent creative company, which has offices in Beverly Hills, London, and New York. Set up in 2001 by Sue Latimer (formerly of Curtis Brown) and Michael Foster (formerly of ICM), they brought with them years of experience in the industry and quickly established ARG Talent as a leading player. With a small client list that includes big-name actors such as Liam Neeson, Daniel Radcliffe, Imelda Staunton, and Adrian Lester, the agency prides itself on offering "highly individual personal management."
How to apply for ARG representation
Send your CV, headshot, and showreel to argall@argtalent.com.
Although this London acting agency has big names on its books, including actors Timothy Spall, Damian Lewis, and Tim Roth, it also has a solid reputation for nurturing emerging talent. In 2020, senior talent agent and owner Alex Irwin negotiated a merger with Curtis Brown, widening the opportunities for her clients. Curtis Brown's CEO Jonny Geller commented about the merger in Deadline: “Alex and her colleagues represent one of the most sought-after collections of actors in the world, and with Tavistock Wood and Curtis Brown, we feel we can pioneer a new era of British talent around the world.”
How to apply for MFI representation
Send your headshot, CV, and a link to a showreel (or recent work) to admin@markhamfroggattirwin.com.
