How to Be an Acting Agent

Lots of people want to be involved in the entertainment industry, but not everyone wants to be an actor or director. Some people want to deal with the negotiations and legal side of the business. Many of these people become agents. An agent gets their clients auditions, pitches them to casting directors and negotiates contracts. Here are some suggestions on how to become an acting agent.

Instructions

1. Get a degree in entertainment law. Go to school and study the business so you know what to expect and have a really firm grasp on the legal practices the laws involved. You should be able to recite these at a moment's notice to get the contracts and provisions your clients will want.

2. Apply for internships at agencies and get some hands-on experience. Most likely you won't be doing much more than making copies, answering phones and pulling headshots, but at least you will get some experience, and if you're really smart, you'll pay attention to all the things around you, like those phone calls agents make to producers when deep in negotiations.

3. After your internship is over or you finish school, ask if there are any assistant positions available. If there is a position available, apply for it, if there isn't, then search online for agent assistant openings (see Resources below). Submit your resume and a cover letter expressing your desire to gain more experience in an agency with the hopes of someday becoming an agent. Agents want people who want to stay in their business, not wannabe actors seeking representation.

4. Get hired at an agency and work your butt off. Go above and beyond the call of duty. Find leads on castings and even make suggestions on who to submit--not all the time, but when you are really sure of yourself and know that so and so would be perfect for the role. If you start to show your talent, drive to make things happen and determination, the agents and the agency head will take notice and put you on their shortlist.

5. Wait for an agent to leave, be fired or retire. This is your chance to jump into their seat. Or if your agency is expanding, there is hope that you will be asked to become an agent or at least a junior agent (train under another, more established agent). If you hear about any of these happening, make mention of your goals when around the right people and quietly continue to do an amazing job with your work. Agents and agency owners will take notice and promote you.

Tips & Warnings

• Be very selective in choosing your clients.

• Don't misrepresent yourself, it will bite you in the butt later.

Resources

• Entertainment Careers
• Mandy Entertainment Jobs