How To Get An Agent For Your Child

There are two types of talent agents, theatrical (television and film) and commercial (for television commercials). Being with the same agency for both is called being "signed across the board," but many actors prefer to have separate agents for different types of work, because some agencies can be better commercially, but not as good theatrically, or vice versa. Agents get information about auditions for roles, either directly from casting directors and producers calling them asking for client submissions, or from a service called "the breakdowns," a daily list of roles being cast, sent only to talent agents. Agents work for you, but they only get 10% - 15% of what your child makes, so that means you need to do 90% of the work - especially when your child is getting started. That means your child should always be professional, be skilled in acting, you should network and let casting directors, producers and directors know about their work & upcoming performances by sending out postcards & invitations, know your child's "type", and make sure you and your agent have an understanding about what kinds of parts they will be submitted for.

The Strategy:

Do not randomly stop by agents offices unannounced, they do not accept personal drop-offs. Avoid calling the office for now. Simply send in an 8" X 10" color photo & resume, along with a brief cover letter. Show the agents that you understand how valuable their time is by keeping the cover letter short & sweet.

Far too many parents end up writing a long cover letter, and the agents end up just trowing it in the "circular file" aka trash can.

This is a sample of a good cover letter:


______________________________________

Your Name
4321 Superstar Street
Beverly Hills CA 90210

Attn: Mr. Agent


Enclosed you will find my photo and resume of my (son or daughter) for your consideration. I am currently seeking theatrical (and/or commercial) representation for (child's name). I will be calling your offices in the next week or so to make sure you have received this package in one piece.


Sincerely,

Star Parent

_____________________________________


Now the agent even has a few moments to actually look at the photo and resume!

Then after about a week, give them a quick call and just say your name, tell them that you sent in a photo and resume of your child, and that you are calling back as you had promised in your letter. They will usually write your name down, and say that they will give you a call if interested, or we are reviewing it, etc. Again, just keep it short and show them that you value their time. They will be pleasantly surprised.

Say something like.....

"No problem, I don't want to take up your time. I just promised I would make sure the package got there in one piece (then pause)"...

They'll either be impressed (and relieved) at the brief conversation, or will be so caught off guard that they'll try to explain further. If they haven't said goodbye, then just repeat a variation of your previous words (always offering them a chance to end the conversation and reinforcing that you know their time is valuable). Agents get tired off so many actors calling and somewhat begging, "can I come in for an interview", or "I am very talented and would be a great addition to your roster". If you follow these steps, keep your letter and conversation brief, the agent will most likely appreciate it.

Call the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been made against the agency.

Tips & Warnings

* Agents making their living by earning a percentage of each job they book for an actor. Do not pay any up-front fees to an agent.

* If you're not happy with the number of auditions or bookings your child is getting, set up an appointment with your agent and discuss what you can do to generate more jobs.

Go to the website link below. It is the Screen Actors Guild Agent list for both SAG franchised and non-franchised agencies in all states:

Click Here for the Screen Actors Guild Talent Agency Database.

You can also check the website below to see which type of agency it is (Adults,Youth,Commercial,Etc.)

Click Here for the Association of Talent Agencies database.