How can I know if my agent is working for me?

First, if you feel comfortable report that previous agent to Equity, at least - he should not be doing that! Secondly, check out JBR Agent on Twitter, they're going to host seminars for self repped actors. It is tough at the moment though less jobs and more actors to chose from. Not all agents give out sub lists so that's not too shady to me what's shady is your agent saying that 'Spotlight is broken'. Try organise a call to chat about career projection, what connections they have and where they can push you. If you can't, get out. No agent is better than a bad one. You don't happen to pay them a fee at all do you? Some agencies charge, then don't push clients so they still earn so don't hustle as hard for their clients. It's a tricky career to navigate so it's imperative that you have the right people on your team.

• 3 years ago
• 1

Hey Lauren, thank you so much for your reply. I have reported that previous agent and he got in trouble as I wasn't the only person that he was doing that to!
For the current agency, I don't pay him any fees that's why I am even more surprised, I know that most agents don't give any submissions report but when I got into the agency he insisted by saying that he could do that during quite periods to 'reassure' me and it's even written in huge on the website that's why I thought it was weird, they said the same excuse to the girl who's represented by them but 6 months ago...

Thanks a lot for the advice for JBR Agent I will definitely have a look, you're right, no agent is better than a bad one!

I am just a bit lost because I have submit them my self tape for that role so I don't know what to do if I should leave now or wait? I have my email ready!

• 3 years ago
• 2

If you're on Tagmin with an agent, they have an option to keep you posted of all submissions, you just go into Tagmin and check up on it, not all agents do it though. When first meeting with an agent I always make a point of asking the agent they are on Tagmin and if they put all subs on there, they get a thumbs up from me if they do. Its worth bearing in mind for next time.

• 3 years ago
• 3

Hey Michael! Thanks a lot for your reply, he is not working with Tagmin that’s the issue

• 3 years ago
• 4

If you're not happy move. If you get cast from your self tape he will handle your contract and get his commission but you don't have to stay for on the off chance that a job my come through. He will have protected submissions that he will handle even if you move on. I noticed on your profile you were French, have applied to the international agencies?

P.S. Tagmin is great but Spotlight still has an option to get all your subs in one spreadsheet, he can easily access them.

• 3 years ago
• 5

Thank you so much for your advices Lauren, it helps a lot! So definitely sketchy that he said it's not working...
I am french yes, half british. The agency I am with now is supposed to be international but I never had any castings in French. I will have a look for some others. Thanks so much for the advices!!

• 3 years ago
• 6

Hi Anna,

I feel your pain. I really really do.

Simple fact of industry: many many many actors. Not enough jobs. How do you stand out? Your agent is the second biggest factor after who you are as in individual.

I speak fluent Russian and English with Rp accent and mostly only get seen for Russian parts. Not many Russian actors in the uk at all. Mainly due to visa issues as Russia is not an eu state. So I’m in a small pool. Speaking french there’s probably a lot actors at big agencies who can do both languages so maybe that’s why you don’t get seen.

Reputation is everything in this business. Most agents are failed actors and often treat actors poorly. There is a pretty decent list on google about agents. Just type in London agents acting Reddit. It will come up. It will give you a rough idea of where things are.

It’s very very very hard to get an agent who works for you let alone one who works hard for you. Though all agents will say they work hard. Have a look if your agents clients are working actors. If not, perhaps it’s time to move on.

Good luck dear

• 3 years ago
• 7

Hi Harry!
Thank you so much for your reply. I have seen the list on reddit and that’s how I actually found my agency that I am with now. It helped me a lot tho thank you very much! I think it’s definitely time to move on :-)

• 3 years ago
• 8

Hi Anna I have just joined spotlight and I am also looking for a good agent. How did you find yours on reddit?

Kind regards P :)

• 1 year ago
• 9