Your agent is an industry professional who will try to get you the best jobs for your career. Good agents will certainly offer advice on your decisions, but in the end the choice to try out for or take a job is yours.
Although a headshot should be fairly simple, you should still try to capture your personality. Try thinking of 3 “pride words” that describe your image, like “fresh, intelligent, and confident. " Then, try to channel those words through your wardrobe, makeup, posing, and facial expressions. [2] X Expert Source Martin BentsenActing Coach & Headshot Photographer Expert Interview. 8 May 2020. While you will only send in one headshot to an agency, it is good to have several done with different looks. If you are looking to be more versatile in gigs, you’ll need to have available shots that demonstrate your ability to fill different roles. [3] X Research source If you are a model, you should have a professional portfolio with a wider variety of image, including various colors, poses, and looks. [4] X Research source
Use these places to post any headshots and glamour shots you have. Include pieces of any performances you have done (depending on your field), making sure it reflects your chosen field. If you are a musician, for example, pictures are great, but you should also have links to some sound clips. If you don’t have access to particular clips, link to sites that do. Don’t forget to include social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+ for building a professional network and image. Look for industry-specific sites as well, as these are places agents will likely go to check up on your background and other activities. If you are a stage actor, for example, it is a good idea to have a page on Spotlight.
Another good source for referrals can be other performers the agency represents. When you begin researching agencies, search online to find people they already work with. Then, try reaching out to those existing clients with questions about the agency. Stay in touch with them and build a relationship, then eventually, ask them to introduce you to their agent. [7] X Expert Source Martin BentsenActing Coach & Headshot Photographer Expert Interview. 8 May 2020.
It may be more difficult to get work without an agent, but hardly impossible. Work with people you know to develop your own smaller independent projects, like web series. Keep an eye out for open auditions, and show up. Your agent will only make it easier to find auditions and deal with paperwork, but you can certainly do those things on your own. [9] X Research source This is another great way to build your network in your industry. The more work you do, the more experience you’ll have, and the more people who can speak to an agent about your talent and potential.
Look through the directories of trade organizations like the Association of Talent Agents. They will have lists of their member agencies, plus contact information. Another way to find agents is to look up who represents other talented people in your field. You should target people who are similar to you, or do work close to what you do or want to do in order to find the best agent for your career. Once you have the name of a client or agency, you can search for them directly. Start local. If you are just getting started in the entertainment business, it will be more difficult to get signed by a big talent agency. Smaller, more local agencies may be just as good for getting your foot in the door, getting gigs on your resume, and paving the way for bigger representation later. [11] X Research source
Do not contact multiple people in the same agency, as that will make you appear desperate and unprofessional.
Some more prominent professional trade groups for agents include the ATA and the National Association of Talent Representatives.
Make your letter specific. One you find an agent to send your materials to, tailor your letter to address her directly. Be sure to explain not just why you would be good for her agency, but her in particular. Of course, be careful to take care of little details like spelling the agent’s name correctly. [15] X Research source
Your note should be brief, more of a reminder. A simple email saying “I just wanted to check and see if you had a minute to look over my submission,” gives the agent something to look for. If you are lucky, the agent may respond without prompting. In most cases, though, if you have not heard anything for two weeks, it is probably best to send a follow-up reminder. [17] X Research source
While your website is great for publicity, don’t direct the agent there during your interview. If there is something important on there, make sure you have a copy ready with you for the interview. If this includes some kind of audio or video file, make sure you have a way to present it without having to connect to your website.
For men, there is no need to wear a tie, while women should skip business wear. Keep your wardrobe to a clean, nice looking suit. Be smart too. If you are going to need to move around for your interview, say if you are a dancer, make sure you have clothes that will allow you to do that.
For actors, it’s good to have 2-3 monologues ready to go. Make sure they are cover a variety of styles, such as dramatic, classical, and comedic, to show off the full range of your skills. [22] X Research source For a field like modeling, this is where you should have a variety of your photos present to demonstrate your versatility. Be prepared with a swimsuit, or something else that will let the agency get a good look at your body. [23] X Research source
The interview is also to make sure you are comfortable working with this agent. Don’t be afraid to ask a few questions to learn about what he thinks of your work and career, and where he sees you going professionally. You’re going to need to rely on your agent for career advice, so it needs to be someone you feel comfortable opening up to when you speak.
