Tips on Finding A Reputable Agency in Texas
Check whether an agency is licensed
by calling Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.
An agency should have its license posted in the reception area.
Do not use an agent/manager who requests upfront fees for representation.
Upfront fees are illegal for representation. If an agent is
asking for administrative fees or fees to represent you... run. By state law an Agent cannot charge you a fee for
representing you.
The difference between an Agent and a Manager.
There is no different between the both. By Texas State Law, to be an agent or a manager one MUST be license and bonded.
Do not believe promises of work.
If a prospective agent tells you he or she can book you for a particular film, video or modeling assignment, beware.
Unless an agent is unusually powerful in the business, the most that agent can do is send you on auditions and put in a good
word on your behalf.
Beware of agents who
solicit you over the phone, radio advertisements, in person or television.
If someone approaches you on the street, take that person’s business card and check to
see if he or she is licensed—if not, forget it.
If you hear about advertisements
on television or radio about becoming an actor or model, it’s probably not legit. A lot of times those are “cattle
calls” and once you are there, you will be told what you or your child wants to hear to get you to pay thousands.
Plus, you will hear a lot of NAME DROPPING in order to sell their services.
Make
sure a prospective agent takes the commitment seriously before you put your career in the agent’s hands. Agents
who say they will represent aspiring actors without first seeing their work or even having them do a simple script
reading or audition in their office—may not be legitimate.
Do your research
Before meeting with an
agency, do some research on them. Feel free to ask around about their reputation.
Talent
Agencies
Talent agencies represent and promote the professional actor. There are talent
agencies that represent extras only (non-speaking) and agencies that represent commercial, film and television actors. There
are a few that will represent both newbies and seasoned actors.
When you're just starting out, doing some work as an extra will get you on
set and is great experience. It's relatively easy to get signed on with an agency if the agent feels you have a marketable
look or potential skills.
You can usually find Talent agencies in cities where there is a lot of f film production business.
Never Pay an Agent a Representation
Fee
Legitimate
agents do not charge to find you work. They might ask you to sign a contract and they might not. The standard contract says
that the agent gets 15% or 20% of any job that they book for you. Do not be afraid to sign a contract. Don't sign anything
without looking it over, but an agent is not likely to scam a newbie like you because you're not worth anything yet.
When you are meeting with an agent, take a list of questions that you want answered... you do the interview. When
you sign a contract, the Agent starts to work for you so you want to make sure that it's a good fit for the both of you.
Once You Have an Agent
Now that you have an agent, you simply lay on the couch, watch TV, and wait
for the offers to start rolling in, right? WRONG. Your talent agent is probably not going to call you. You're the agent's
least important client. You're not going to get anything good. You still need to search for the roles yourself. But here's how you can help your agent. Keep in touch with your talent agent once a week minimum but don't be a
pest. Ask if you can help in any way. Get to know the agent and be helpful. They almost always need help but can't afford
to pay for it.
Do You Need
An Agent? If
you want a career, yes. Remember, showbiz is all about image. If you go to an acting audition that you found yourself and
they ask you if you have an agent and you say "yes," then you look much more legitimate. You look like a more experienced
actor. Here's the best thing you can say to your agent. "I really want to get some acting auditions. What can I do to
help?" Any talent agent who doesn't appreciate this kind of sincerity and determination isn't worth your precious time.
Don’t Expect Miracles
You need to work just as hard as the agent does. If you feel
like the relationship is no good, there's nothing stopping you from signing with another agent. Find an agent that you like
and work hard with that agent. That's the key to success.
