Agents

You definitely need an agent. Agents have access to far more jobs that are invisible to actors. Plus casting directors will take you more seriously.

• 1 year ago
• 1

Maia,
In all honesty, could you actually negotiate a contract? Where would you start? Agents don't just get you work; they are essential. They have access to a huge range of options. When individuals apply for a job it is usually singular, whereas agents would be in the know on general casting for specific projects; they often put forward a cluster of their clients for different parts in the same production, who they know would complement each other because Producers, Directors, and Casting agents know them and trust their judgment. Saves an awful lot of time and from their POV, and ultimately, money! Believe me, Mr. 10% is worth the investment.
All the actor needs to do is a little self promotion and concentrate on the job in hand.

• 1 year ago
• 2

Case in point, a friend of mine wanted to go for a job but it wasn't well paid and they were not going to pay travel - which was quite substantial. Her agent got involved and the result is they are paying her fare and reducing the time on the job for the same initial fee. Agents are, I think, essential. Mine is wonderful and will get the best deal for me always.

• 1 year ago
• 3

Hi Maia,

First time I've used the forms here but I had to chip in because I hear you. I recently just got a new agent and am hopeful I will see a difference, going to see how it goes because I was in the same boat you were in the past year. I would recommend looking at the agents section on this site as well as a way to apply to them, plus there are testimonies by actors represented by the agency.

• 1 year ago
• 4

I am going to start to look into a new agent soon myself just waiting on my new Head Shots. I would say it’s good to have an agent and Spotlight (although both can be frustrating sometimes) but it’s not the be all and end all. My C.V. On Mandy is long and I have had several jobs, none of which came down to an agent or Spotlight.

I am finding it harder now a days so as I say I will look into agents soon myself.

Hope this very confusing responds with mix messages was some what helpful.

Best of luck to you

• 1 year ago
• 5

Can anybody recommend any good agents in London? X

• 1 year ago
• 6

Hi Maia,
I don't have an agent. I'm pretty much in the same boat as you. I know actors who have agents, and some that don't. Infact, I know some very successful ones who have never had one. I was told once, not to rush into getting an agent, because the time will come. I'd suggest get some credits to help with your spotlight application first, and then go from there! people say getting an agent is the be all and end all, and get defensive about it, but getting an agent isn't easy at all, and that needs to be appreciated. I'm sure one will come, with whom you'll work brilliantly with.
All the best,
Sam

• 1 year ago
• 7

Hi all

Just wondering, now that I have my new Head Shots I am going to look into agents. Can anybody recommend any good agents in Scotland? and if there in the Edinburgh area that’s a plus. I will be looking as well when I can.

Thanks,
Benjamin

• 1 year ago
• 8

You do need an agent, because ultimately they have the contacts to get you in front of the right people. More of less all of the top jobs never appear on Spotlight, unless it’s a very tricky cast (eg I just taped for Gladiator 2, which was posted on Spotlight because they wanted a massive/huge guy, but no big feature would ever cast ‘normal’ roles on there) they’re put out to the CDs preferred agents list. Aside from the importance of them, agents look at us as products and if they have a similar product on their shelf they won’t be interested in selling two.

• 1 year ago
• 9