How to Become a Successful Talent Agent

Do you have an eye for talent? Representing actors and other performers is an exciting and lucrative way to make a living. The successful talent agents have the right personality and tools to create long-lasting careers for their clients.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. If it’s possible, work for an established talent agent doing any job at all. This will help you learn the business of talent representation by watching what the agents do. If you are reliable and easy to work with, you can easily be promoted.

2. If you do not have access to a talent agency, you can contact the actor’s unions for information. Reputable agents are affiliated with at least one of them. They include the Screen Actors' Guild, The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and Actor’s Equity.

3. Get a hold of a book written by an established agent or group of agents for information on how the business works. You should also speak to an actor who has representation. You will be able to get an actor’s point of view on what the actor-agent relationship is like.

4. Determine if you have the skills required to be a successful talent agent. If you have a keen eye that recognizes talent, that’s the most important thing. Can you recognize a poor performance? Do you have any acting experience? Do you watch a lot of films and television shows and attend the theater frequently?

5. Do you have the personality of a talent agent? They are driven, outgoing, arts-oriented people who know talent when they see it. They are also great sales people. Much of the agent’s job involves selling their clients to casting people and directors.

6. A good part of the agent’s day is spent on the telephone negotiating contracts for their clients. This requires a thorough understanding of what a typical actor’s contract looks like. The actor’s unions should be able to provide you with blank copies of them.

7. A successful talent agent is always on the lookout for new clients. This means attending plays and other performances on a regular basis.

8. Once you feel ready to work as a talent agent, apply to known agencies to see if they would be willing to take you on. If there are none near you or you want to open your own agency, you’ll need to build a client base. Advertise in "Back Stage" or local arts publications. Creating a website is a great way to gain attention from actors and casting people. Let your state’s film office know that you are a union-affiliated talent agent.

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[monat]

on 4/14/2009 my name is Ramona, I am interested in becoming a talent agent. I have know idea where to start. If there is anyone out there that would be able to share some info please contact me at, [e-mail]

[talenttogo]

on 10/16/2008 Hi, my name is Toni, I am looking to start a Talent Agency here in San Diego. Anyone who has a Talent Agency or is very knowledgeable about the business and would not mind sharing information about the business I would greatly appreciate it. Any information would be helpful. Thank you. I can be reached at [e-mail]