The difference between signing with a top agent or a mediocre one could be the difference between your career taking off or remaining stagnant. Any agent is better than no agent at all, because many casting notices go out to agents registered on Spotlight – but not to unrepresented actors. Some casting directors work only with a handful of top agents, so you may not even be considered for certain jobs if you are not signed with the best.
But with so many agents to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best acting agents across the UK. It’s not exhaustive, and there are many more brilliant agencies that can help your career fly, but it’s a good place to start.
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Situated in Soho, within the cultural heart of London, United Agents stands out for its diverse list and solid connections in film, television, theatre, and literature. Established in 2007 by a merger of leading agents from several high-profile agencies, it has since risen to prominence. Many household names moved with their agents when the company was formed, such as Oscar-winning Olivia Colman, who has been with her agent, Lindy King (formerly of Peters, Fraser, and Dunlop), since she left drama school. The agency also represents Eddie Redmayne, Kate Winslet, and James Corden. Although it has fêted stars on its list, the agency prides itself on nurturing emerging talent too.
How to apply to United Agents
Approach United Agents with a professional package that includes a headshot, a CV or Spotlight link, a cover letter, and a showreel. Only contact one agent at a time (all agent contact details can be found on their individual pages on the United Agents website). If you have not received a reply within four to six weeks, your application has been unsuccessful. The agency does not accept submission enquiries over the telephone.
Curtis Brown is one of the UK’s oldest and most respected acting agencies, with more than a century of experience representing top talent in the entertainment industry. Founded in 1899, it has a broad client base that includes actors, authors, directors, and screenwriters. Among its list of clients are Robert Pattinson and Dev Patel.
How to apply to Curtis Brown
To be considered for representation by Curtis Brown, you need to email a headshot, CV, short cover letter, and link to showreel material to actorsrepresentation@curtisbrown.co.uk. If you have a particular agent in mind, write their name in the subject line. Otherwise, mark the email for the attention of ‘all agents’ and it will be circulated throughout the agency. All applications will be considered and they will make contact if they wish to arrange a meeting. They request that you do not make any follow-up calls.
Previously known as ICM London, Independent Talent Group boasts a vast network of contacts and a robust portfolio of clients involved in high-profile projects. It is a full-service agency that manages actors, directors, and writers, making it a powerhouse in the industry. Among the famous actors on its books are Daniel Craig and Gillian Anderson.
How to apply to Independent
Email a cover letter, CV, headshot and showreel to actingrepresentation@independenttalent.com, making it clear if your email is for all agents or for an individual agent. The website states all applications are carefully considered and an agent will make contact should they wish to arrange a meeting. If you’ve not received a reply within four to six weeks, your application has not been unsuccessful.
With a long-standing presence in Manchester, this agency is known for its extensive industry contacts and support for actors on its books, making sure agents know each of their actors personally. Founder Jane Hollowood started out as a Manchester-based actor, taking roles in famous shows such as Coronation Street and Birds of a Feather. Now, with fellow agents Cat Grose and Maz Cox, she helps a diverse list of actors secure work across the UK. Many of the actors on file list Manchester or Cheshire accents among their accent skills, but you don’t have to have a Manchester base to be taken on. Among the actors on its books are Abdullah Afzal, known for his work in TV series such as Citizen Khan, and Renny Krupinski, who is recognised not only for his acting but also for his work in fight direction and choreography.
How to apply to Jane Hollowood
Send a cover letter, your Spotlight CV, and any supporting footage to info@janehollowood.co.uk.
With offices in Deansgate in the heart of Manchester and another in London’s West End, this is one of the go-to agencies for Northern actors looking for an agent with a good reputation who can help nurture and grow their careers. With a dedicated voice acting department, this agency is a great choice if you want to keep your voice work and acting work under one umbrella agency rather than dealing with two different agents.
How to apply to Narrow Road
Email your Spotlight link to representation@narrowroad.co.uk. If you wish to contact a specific agent, please mark it for the attention of that agent or contact that agent directly, but don’t submit to multiple agents at once.
One of the first acting agencies to set up base in Manchester’s Media City when it opened in 2012, Red Door Management is run by Tracey Bell, who is also managing director of Scream Talent Management. Their actors can be seen in TV shows such as Waterloo Road and onstage in productions such as Saturday Night Fever. With a musical theatre division and a voices division, this is an all-in-one agency for the all-around performer.
How to apply to Red Door Management
Submit with your Spotlight view pin directly through its Tagmin page.
Boasting the largest and most successful Welsh-language client list in the UK, Regan Management in Cardiff was set up by musical theatre actor Leigh-Ann Regan more than 20 years ago. It has a team of agents helping both emerging and established actors to flourish. As a proactive agency with a hands-on approach (advising on headshots and showreels, for example), Regan Management has established a strong reputation for being attentive and responsive, ensuring its clients are well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities throughout the UK.
How to apply to Regan Management
Send a cover letter, showreel, and link to your Spotlight either by clicking the ‘Representation’ button on the website or emailing representation@reganmanagement.co.uk. The agency considers every submission but is unable to respond to every email.
Although part of the Yorkshire Academy of Film and Television Acting, this agency doesn’t only represent those who trained at the school. Specialising in screen acting, the agency won Best Screen Acting Agency 2018 in the Global Entertainment Awards, and in 2023 they won Best Agency for New Talent at the Edinburgh TV Festival. If theatre doesn’t feature in your career plan, then this is a great agency to consider. Its actors secure work in long-running TV series such as Hollyoaks, Casualty, and Holby City as well as the HBO series Game of Thrones.
How to apply to YAFTA Talent Agency
Email your CV, headshots, and a link to your showreel to representation@yafta.co.uk. The agency notes that it receives ‘a large amount of applications and therefore will only be able to respond if you are successful’.
Established in 1981 by Pat Lovett, Lovett Logan Associates has a dual presence in Edinburgh and London. This agency represents a range of Scottish and English talent in film, television, and theatre, and clients are equally represented in London and Edinburgh, capitalising on the thriving creative industries in both locations. Lovett Logan is known for representing a diverse array of talent across theatre, film, and television, nurturing the careers of both emerging and established actors.
How to apply to Lovett Logan Associates
Submit with your Spotlight view pin directly through its Tagmin form.
Situated midway between Leeds and Manchester in the creative town of Hebden Bridge, North of Watford Personal Management is a boutique actors’ agency with more than four decades of industry expertise. The agency prides itself on its selective approach to client representation, ensuring quality over quantity. It serves fresh and seasoned actors throughout the UK, particularly in the north of England, and facilitates their involvement in national and international projects. Its talent has appeared in Happy Valley and Silent Witness, among other shows. In addition to screen roles, North of Watford also secures opportunities for its clients in stage productions, radio, and voiceover projects.
How to apply to North of Watford
The agency only opens its books intermittently due to a commitment to keeping its client list small and focused. Keep an eye on the website or follow its socials for news on when to apply.