How to Get a Hollywood Agent and Kick Start Your Acting Career

So how exactly, does an actor get a Hollywood agent? How does he/she manage to stand out from the swarm of wannabes and score a genuine agent who is willing to represent him/her? It’s no easy task, as this is something that I have been trying to do for the 7 years I’ve lived in Los Angeles.

From what I’ve learned, there are basically two kinds of representation: managers and agents.

Managers provide career support and guidance: their tasks often involve helping a client select classes, coaches or audition pieces; helping the actor determine what roles he/she is best suited for; and helping the actor rehearse; and assisting the actor in choosing which direction to take with his career. Agents, on the other hand, are actually the ones who submit the actor for acting work and auditions and book and negotiate performance contracts, auditions and acting gigs for the performer. The best option is to have both an agent and a manager, as they can often work together to keep the actor headed in the right direction.

From my personal experience the most commonly known way to approach either agents or managers in is by doing mass mailed-in submissions, which typically includes a cover letter, resume, and headshot. Some actors will also include a professional reel, if they have one.

When doing these mass submissions, I definitely recommend keeping things basic. I do not recommend that an actor try any cheesy gimmicks to get his/her headshot looked at over anyone else’s. Agents and managers are completely turned off by this. However, if you’re in a play or showcase, it’s not a bad idea to invite the potential agent, manager or their representatives come and see you. In fact, this is a great way for them to see what how talented you are!

Quite truthfully though, most agents and managers will only look twice at your packet if you were referred to them by a casting agent, client or other reputable industry person. If you would like to get a referral, the best way to do this is through networking. Get out and about amongst other industry people in your city and use your social networking skills. And if you’ve met someone who is impressed with your work, don’t be afraid to ask them for a referral. The worst they can tell you is “no”. So what do you have to lose?

Also, as you begin to search for representation with an agent, make sure you check to see if they are licensed and 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.

When you look for a manager, know that they are not regulated the way same acting 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. I would also suggest that you ask for client referrals and be cautious of anything that sounds fishy. There are a lot common scams out there, such as reps asking for money up front or requiring you to pay for certain services, like photos or classes. Remember, an actor should never have to pay upfront for an agent or manger. They are only entitled to take a percentage of what you earn for the jobs that they book for you, and nothing more.

Print This Recipe

GET MORE WEIGHT WATCHER RECIPES

• About
• Sex and the City Movie Finally Makes it to the Big Screen!
• Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt – Is It Worth All The Hype?
• Low Fat Cranberry Scones Recipe – 2 Point Total
• Homemade Melted Cherry Tomato Gourmet Pasta Sauce Recipe – 2 Point Value

Never Miss A Recipe!

This entry was posted by LaaLoosh on Wednesday, February 13th, 2008 at 11:46 pm and is filed under Uncategorized.