Talent Agents and Managers

It's the million-dollar question:

How does an actor stand out from the crowd of wannabes and land representation?

First, let's talk about finding the kinds of representation:
talent agents and managers.

A talent manager's job is to provide entertainment career guidance: helping a client to select classes, coaches or monologues; working with a performer to rehearse; exposing actors to casting directors; and helping to plan what direction a performer should be heading.

Talent agents, meanwhile, submit you for work and book and negotiate jobs for you. Ideally, if you have both, your agent and manager will have a solid working relationship with each other.

The basic way to approach finding talent agents and/or managers is of course the mailed-in submission, which consists of a cover letter, resume, and headshot(s). You may also include a reel, if you have one.

When it comes to putting your packet together, it's essentially best to keep things simple. After all, agents and managers have seen every gimmick in the book — from food to party favors — and these gimmicks end up in the trash. But if you're in a play or showcase that spotlights your talent particularly well, invite reps to see you.

While it is possible to get your foot in the door via an unsolicited submission, many reps much prefer to hear about talent through referrals. To land that valuable referral, work on your networking skills and watch for opportunities. For example, if a casting director seems impressed with you at an audition, ask if he or she can refer you to a rep.

When scouting for reps in the entertainment career field, keep your guard up. Research prospective reps and the local laws governing them; many cities and/or states require talent agents to be licensed, for instance. Also, check if an agent is either franchised by the Screen Actors Guild or a member of the Association of Talent Agents or the National Association of Talent Representatives. Currently, most ATA and NATR members are not franchised by SAG, but may still represent you for union work.

Managers are not regulated the way agents are, but you can find out if they're certified by one of the talent managers' trade organizations: the Talent Managers Association or the National Conference of Personal Managers. Each requires that managers abide by a code of ethics.

Don’t be shy, ask for client referrals and be on the lookout for common scams, such as reps asking for money up front or requiring you to pay for certain services, like photos or classes.