Getting and Interviewing with a Talent Agent

One essential item for an actor or model is an agent. A great agent represents you, gets you work, and helps develop you as a professional… he’s your friend, mentor, and business partner.

If you’re in a big city you’ll probably get one agent for theatrical work, another for commercial and perhaps a third for radio. In a smaller city, one agent will likely handle everything. In either case make sure the agency is franchised by SAG and AFTRA. Non-union companies tend to charge you for “services” and not make you any money (mostly because big clients don’t do business with them.) Good agents are widely sought after because they determine the difference between success and obscurity. So getting the attention of a busy agent is sometimes challenging. Here’s a few suggestions.

First, don’t approach him/her and say you’re “considering” acting or modeling. There’s too many people who are ready, prepared, and sure about their goals for him or her to waste time with the undecided. Have an outstanding headshot/resume (in the case of an actor) or a brilliant comp card (if you’e a model) that will knock em off their feet. Show up with your day planner ready to kick ass and go to work. Win them over with your personality and organization.

But before you can do that you have to get the appointment! Sending materials over the mail is often futile. Agencies are so busy that unsolicited letters usually end up in the trash. Better to get a referral… from an acting coach… from a photographer they know… from a director or producer. That will get you in the door a lot faster.

Remember when you do get your meeting that you are interviewing them as much as as they are interviewing you. Your first meeting is not just about business… it’s when both you and the agent size each up as humans and decide: “Do I want to work with this person for the next year(s). Be genuinely friendly, strike up a conversation about his tennis trophy on the desk or a travel photograph on the wall. Show interest in him or her. In latin countries it’s rude to jump right into the business part of a meeting. Be more latin! Treat him like a person.

There are some questions you can anticipate: What are your favorite roles or assignments; your goals as an actor or model; special training you’ve received (eg. stage combat, dancing, juggling), and the old “why do you want to be an actor?” Answer these questions not with two or three words but conversationally… anecdotally. Make your story interesting. And of course have several copies of your headshot/ resume or comp card. Be prepared to deliver a couple of contrasting monologues just in case. Dress in a flattering way which passes for “businesslike.” Most important, relax and be yourself!

A word about getting good photography before you approach an agent. Make sure your photographer shoots fashion photography, make sure you see his portfolio on line, and make certain you like the work. Meet him prior to scheduling a shoot. Does he take an interest in your wardrobe, the looks which are most marketable for you, the choice of locations? If any of the answers to these questions is “no” keep looking. A comp card should include a headshot and three contrasting looks. Your photographer should budget half day to do you justice.

Sometimes you hear about some unknown, traveling “model scout” –usually on top 40 radio– who invite you to a Holiday Inn with the promise of being “discovered”. They’ll set up at the hotel with a minimum wage “photographer” with a background and two lights and (for a fee of course) shoot your comp card in about 45 minutes. Don’t waste your time or money! Stick with people located in the city where you live that are known and established. They’re the ones who will represent you, develop your career, and get you work. Good luck!

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