Agents: What is a talent agent and how to get one!

[PittbullPerson]

@SheWolfxox3 Same here. Exept, I'm 12 and can't sing. But, I am a good actress if I say myself. But, I can't seem to find any plays that I could participate I'n. I need an agent too. I have been wanting to be an actress since I was about 8. I hope your mom listens soon. :)

[Freeape121]

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

[Tremour]

This was actually really helpful :)

I am currently with an extra agency and i think a normal agency but due to it being the begining of the year things are quite slow (this would be my 1st year on them)

I have done extra work before though and have done a few plays and short films for competitions etc.

Never heard of the Book of contacts before so i'll have to check it out :)

Oh and i am 20 and live in London~

[xxprincessnadianxx]

listen.............YOU ARE THE BEEEEEEEEEEEEST!

[iMajche0]

Why do I need to pay? I even don't know how to do that on web.. -.- any change to become famous without agent? i mean can I just see auditions and then send video to disney and if I pass they just call.. why do we need that stupid agent.. HELP HOW TO FIND THAT STUPID AGENT???!!!?!?!??!?!!?! how can i contact him? can u give me number of any agent?

[iMajche0]

@iMajche0 By the way I live in Serbia, which sucks.. -.-

[Haysky37]

Hey please reply! My name is Hayley and I am 13 years old. I have blonde hair and blue eyes and can play piano and guitar. I train with a singing and acting school called CLO academy. I am in all my school plays. I want to be a famous actress soooo bad! My mom will not drive anywhere far and I live in a very small town. I feel like its impossible for me to get discovered! Please help!!! Thank you! :)

[glitzyglamsophia101]

Thanks I needed to know that

[OPTIMUSMOOSE]

This was very helpful. I'm glad I watched this. Thanks for the vid!!!

[SheWolfxox3]

Please answer my question! I'm 13 years old wanting to be on disney. i got talent meaning i can sing and act. i just need help but my mother is really not helping me live my dream. she won't help me at all. how can i make her listen to me so i can start in something.

[TheBronyb]

thanks for the info. im in the process of putin my resume together. will start in the begining of the new yr.

[tatyseward]

do u have to have an agent to be an extra???

[miniwestall]

I've been with my agent since April this year and since then I've only had 2 auditions. I'm 16 and still in full time education, at college, so is this why I'm not getting put up for stuff or is it something else?

[Wolfhero22]

SOOO helpful! thanks! I am 12 and LOOKING EVERYWHERE for an agent... any recommended websites?

[puertoricansjay]

also, when u goto an agent audtition, i was thinking about wearing a black tuxedo, nd a matching hat. i want to perform a magic act, monologues, comedy act, and i know martial arts so i can do all kind of backflips. do u think i wud be a good canidate?

[puertoricansjay]

hi, im a 17 year old, creole male. ive been in a bunch of school plays nd though out elementry thru high school, ive taken acting classes or performing arts electives. nd about a few months ago, i attended 321 talent showcase studios, an acting school. do u think i have enough experience? and do u think i can just keep bothering the agency if i want a chance?

[straightfromschool]

@puertoricansjay You still need to get as much as experience as possible so just keep going with it! An agent recognises talent, not just experience.

[ilovetwilight250]

what is the youngest age to get an agent? i'm 14, coming onto 15 would that be a good age?

[straightfromschool]

@ilovetwilight250 You can get one at any age! There are niche kids talent agencies for aged 1 and up!

[iMajche0]

@ilovetwilight250 hey I have 15 too.. did u find agent?

[GiuliaRnBLover]

thank you for the advices ...any way, u know? I LOOK LIKE KIM POSSIBLE!!! Visit my channel and add me as your friend if u want ^.^

[Arienna1993]

with the contacts book you talk about in this video, Does it have all agencies or just UK ones? I need to find an agency in my area, west virginia.

[straightfromschool]

@Arienna1993 Yes it's just a UK publication. There are American versions (I believe they are titled 'The Agencies' for NY and LA) but I'm afraid I don't know about those.

[Arienna1993]

@straightfromschool Well thank you for your time & info.I will always be looking for my best options & searching for whats right for me. Your video is very good, Its nice to have some people that know info that others are looking for.

[louissargent]

Thanks! That was really useful, it's funny because just this week, I seem to have met two prominent figures in the New Zealand Film industry, an actress with my dream agent and an acting coach has worked on lots of Sir Peter Jackson's films as the personal coaches of the stars. I am doing a workshop with her this month and hopefully she might be able to recommend me :)

[andrealuvsjustinxo]

I love yur accent :D

[zacharia177]

hellooo i have watched alot of your videos and there really interesting this one i have had a lot of answers to my questions aha oh and as soon as i saw this video when you said get the contacts book i broight it like two days after watching this so it helped alot but just one thing i have a CV with my experience on but i need headshots im 14 so do i need pro ones or just ones done from my camera ? thanks luv the vids !!

[straightfromschool]

@zacharia177 Good thing you got the contacts book already! It's really helpful isn't it? You don't need professional ones just yet, because they're expensive and when you're a teen your look changes all the time! I suggest getting a friend to take a picture of you outside in natural lighting (one shoulders up and one full length) where your face is clear and facing straight to the camera. As long as they look like you, it's all you need right now!

[iamkaylaforlife]

Thankyou so much for this upload.

[THEFUNDUDE10]

hello i want to become an actor but i live in yakima washington and idk how to find an agent and how much do you get paid lets say on your first video or whatever your doing

[rojalilco]

hello please answer!

[rojalilco]

hellooo! i find ur vidios really inspiring. i have been doing drama lessons for a while now and i really want to find the oerfect audition for myself. to do so i need a agent!! my mum migh tnot let me though,wot do i do!! please help.....

[straightfromschool]

@rojalilco Hello! It's Colm is it? To start auditioning you do need an agent but if you're struggling to get help you can find one or two online. Don't expect there to be lots of auditions - because there aren't, even for represented actors!! Screen terrier . com is a really good site to start looking for auditions.

[fifaskiller1979]

@rojalilco were are you from because im looking for a drama studio

[monumentfloyd]

Very insightful. Thanks!

[xilent234]

How much does professional headshots cost? 

[straightfromschool]

@xilent234 Anything from £50 - £500!! I did a video on it a while back linking to some good resources. The video is called 'Alice gets Headshots' so check it out :)

[superubiful]

but acctully do u get get the contact book in virginia or in ur mail cuz i never got one or any and i want an agent.and does it cost money to get an agent???

[straightfromschool]

@superubiful No, it is a UK publication only.

[GlinkNY]

OMG!! This helped me so much!!! THANK YOU!!!

[Snooze7083]

I would like to get an agent because i think acting is a lot of fun ive been in a couple of plays what else can i do

[Joexucero]

you have really helped alot hmm i think you should be an agent you will make a good one if you do become one can you be mine!?please i am desporate for one pleaes

[CantYouSeeWeRock]

THANK YOU IT HELPED ME ALOT!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rubin33]

the advice is great. your voice is amazing and i couldn't really concentrate after awhile because you're smokin' hot.

[SodaCreamZ]

Can anyone give me tips on getting in a production, BEFORE getting an agent. Because i really want to be an actress, but like, she said, they will look for someone who is successful and already doing something that you want them for. Thanks so much!!

[straightfromschool]

@SodaCreamZ Yes, that's true! Over at the website (Straight From School.Org) there is a page on tips to get auditions without an agent. Link in the description!

[GregorySanonOfficial]

Thanks right! Hear her out!

[4evermason]

Please could you inbox me where I could get the book, im from North East Lincolnshire :)

[straightfromschool]

@4evermason Link's in the description!

[4evermason]

@straightfromschool Thanks! :)

[studio111100]

im with models and talent new zealand

[studio111100]

your good, thanx for the help, i joined a agent and didnt knw i had to do anything until this video i watched and now im a actor in shortland street new zealand

[Nikolaika77]

Where can i find this book?

[straightfromschool]

@Nikolaika77 I notice on your profile you are from the US so you don't need this book - the American version is a publications called 'The Agencies' but I don't know much about it.

[gut197]

very helpful thanks!

[formeractress]

What kind of headshots will you need to send an agent, like professional or ones that you take at home yourself?

[straightfromschool]

@formeractress Professional head shots, but if you're 16/17 or younger you're not expected to have them immediately.

[msgiggles3001]

thx ur very helping!!!!!!!!

[ronfreese]

This was very,very helpfull! ;) Thank you soooooooooooo much!! :D

[liltlevic029]

do u known any agent in texas please respound at victor caballero singing justin bieber baby on youtube

[vanebend984]

It's very weird, but i'm only a 12 year old, and I submitted 2 angencies my resume one morning, and I got both replies wanting to meet with me the same day. It just shows anything can happen!

[maydaiye]

would i be able to get an agent if i have no previous acting experience?

[xilent234]

i don't know what to do...I really want to be an actress but my dad saids it's a stupid idea :(

[cuti3pi300]

@xilent234 I want to be one two, but my mom said I am kind of 2 shy but I been in almost all my school plays and shows. But, i'm still begging her she'll come around :) Good Luck with your dad

[xilent234]

@cuti3pi300 good luck with your mum :)

[KandyLiang]

How do you do a resume when you're a beginner and you haven't done any filming yet? I do lots of school plays and drama classes. I would like to start my acting career since i'm still young, but I don't know how. Please help?

[straightfromschool]

@KandyLiang Resumes should credit all your acting work; credits and skills. Credits should include theatre work too. Under Skills you may also reference your theatre group and workshops. You've got a whole career ahead of you to work on getting more credits, whether it's for film work or theatre work :)

[ShoaLaVoz]

i need an agent ahora mismo pls and thankyu

[Chris4Pris]

you make soo much sense

simple and straightforward

thanksssss!!!

[ShannaPondanna]

I have an agent

[TheHelper661]

@ShannaPondanna how did you get 1 please pm me :)

[ShannaPondanna]

@TheHelper661 wll we looked at a list and called a number then auditioned for that agent and yeah

[conoritania]

im 12 my mum cant travel to auditions because of her job and i dont know where i can get an agent, pls help :(

[ShannaPondanna]

@conoritania well when i got and agent she called the agent i auditioned one time ...i sang ...and she let me be her client and evry now and then or alot she gets me an audition

one time took a brake for a week and she gave me tooooooo muuuucchhh auditions and im like omg!

[conoritania]

@ShannaPondanna

lol :)

[poprincessbigtime]

Thank you soo much :) this really helped

[allinfaith]

From Hollywood, you are darling. Thank you for the info. My son, age 3, booked an agent with a cold submission. How rare!

[straightfromschool]

@allinfaith The younger the luckier, eh? Well done! ;)

[MissEcho123]

Im from the midlands and I'm nearly 16 now...I'd really like to continue with acting and singing. I've been in school productions and I'm in a drama group outside of school...but my parents are worried about getting an agent though as we're all pretty clueless about where to start. Is it casting magazines and stuff like that that are best to start off with or should I start sending off a CV for an agent? And are there any audition processes to get an agent?This vid was really useful btw :)

[straightfromschool]

@MissEcho123 There aren't such things as 'casting magazines' but a good place to start is the PCR which is public casting report which will give you good start on casting news although most of it will not apply for you. To start auditioning you need to get an agent and to get an agent you need to start getting experience and build your passion for performing!

[MissEcho123]

@straightfromschool thanks :) I'll have a look at it...so does PCR give information of upcoming auditions then?

[straightfromschool]

@MissEcho123 It's more casting and production news you'll need to keep up with, not necessarily open auditions. As a general rule you'll need to get an agent to start auditioning properly! :)

[MissEcho123]

@straightfromschool okeydoke thanks :) ...I just need to use my powers of persuasion on my parents now ;)

[hrosana]

ive been wanting to get an audition for disney, however many auditions and scripts are only recieved through agents. How would i get an agent with no experience? Or do you know how i would get acting classes without a high expence in the san bernardino county of California? Please let me know. (BTW i am 12 years old and im wondering if that is a good age to start an acting career or if its too late)

P.S. <3 your accent!

[straightfromschool]

@hrosana Hi HRosana! At the age of 12 agents won't expect you to have much experience, but they will definitely want to make sure you're talented. You are DEFINITELY not too young and haven't started too late! Some actors' careers don't peak until they're in their 30s. You've a lifetime of acting experience ahead of you, so start now by getting acting classes, doing community theatre, drama clubs etc. You don't need experience to sign up with an acting coach either! Best of luck, Olivia.

[hrosana]

@straightfromschool Thanks Olivia :)

[yahhh88]

in that book, does it have Music Agents?

[straightfromschool]

@yahhh88 The Spotlight Book of Contacts is mainly for the UK theatre and film industry so no it doesn't :(

[PreppyTuna]

HEY! Thankss for the advice <3 :) ,, hmmm... Imm thinking abt sending my resume for cesd talent agency / Wilhermina modeling-acting. I'm turning 15 & I think I have what it takes.. But, the problem is that my parents think it's gonna take away time from school and hw. For ex- my audition (hopefully) turns out to be on a school day & I would have to go to meetings on school days also. IDK what to do or say to convince them.. :/

I've been recommended many agencies b/c I know pppl who noe ppl !

[Dayzofdark9898]

i am poor well not 100% poor more like 39% poor my life long dream is to be actress / singer i have had this dream since i was 4 anyone know anyone that can help me.. I AM IN U.S.A

[VAMPIRICROCKSTAR]

Hey I have NO experience but I have theatre arts class and am in drama class but what are the chances that an agent will take me on so I can build up experience?? HOW can I build up experience?? I live in a SMALL town so it's hard Dx

[Jaytecktonik808]

i think that everyone that commented thiss vid saying they want to be and actor i say yuhh guys should (:

nd Oliva is it the same for a music agent??

[straightfromschool]

@Jaytecktonik808 Didn't understand the comment but actually I don't know about agencies for singers - there will be similarities but it's an entirely different way of working!

[Jaytecktonik808]

@straightfromschool oh i'm srry it was like 5am nd i was sleepy ah ha ha! nd oh okay thankkszz! ill loook it up(:

[kanayo97]

@straightfromschool are there any chances of getting an agent, if u dont have many theatrical experiences apart from school plays, but u do acting classes, will you be able to get an agent from that?

[straightfromschool]

@kanayo97 Well, it really depends on the situation. Age, how talented you are, who you target, whether the agency is really looking for your 'type'. Essentially yes, but there are many different factors contributing to their decision!

[kanayo97]

@straightfromschool thankyou :)

[Jaytecktonik808]

@Jaytecktonik808 YESS! upload a vid of a skecth so i could helpp yuh get booked

(:

[jonathanman111]

hi im 13 and i wanna be a teen actor im a pretty good actor like i can be the role but i dont know how to get started with a job as an actor

[Jaytecktonik808]

@jonathanman111 ayy man yuhh should do it (: ill help yuhh find an agent (:

[jonathanman111]

@Jaytecktonik808 really that would be great

[homie2292]

hey can u help me ok currently i have no expierence but i am taking acting classes and i dont know what to do i have been in school plays and everything but no expierence professionally how do i get an agent its been my dream to act for disney please help

[homie2292]

ok can u help me please umm i have no current expierence but i am taking actin classes how do i get an agent because its been my dream to be an actor for disney how do i get expierence i have been in plays for school but i dont know what to do?? helppp

[TheDammyBuzz]

do you have to have been to an acting school to get signed with an agent?

[straightfromschool]

@TheDammyBuzz Nope, not at all. However they do prefer signing actors who have been trained. Whether they're taking acting classes, have been to stage school, drama school or done a BA in Acting at a University.

[koopa947]

Hi Olivia, I auditioned for an agency a few days ago. I got a call back today and they asked me about my acting experience and stuff like that.

they said they have an opening but I would have to pay 3 payments of 149 dollars and it would cover me for 3 years.

it seemed like a real agency but I'm not sure

what do you think?

[PrettyPrincess1496]

hi! i want to be a singer and im looking 4 an agent...I also have no professional experience(commercials, magazine ads, etc.) but I have sang many times at school. Is there still a possibility that I could get an agent without professional experience?

[abadichicago]

olivia ur freaking super hot can i have ur yahoo screen name to chat with ubaby

[abadichicago]

olivia ur freaking hot can i get ur number or screen name to chat with u

[makeupisglam233]

I love your accent!

[NqhRawrx3]

i have been looking for an agent for so long now. an acting on. i live in boston and i just cant seem to find one, and every talent agency i found is all modeling, but thats not what i want. i cant move or drive too far, wat do i do ? please help. thank you :)

[lemonadelove1]

Hi Olivia. I want to be an actress but I currently don't have an agent.. I also have no professional experience(commercials, magazine ads, etc.) but I have done many plays at school. Is there still a possibility that I could get an agent without professional experience? And if so, what is the easiest way to get one?

[straightfromschool]

@lemonadelove1 Sent you a message :)

[PictureGuitarPlayer]

If you audition for a play...do you earn money? because it's my dream to be an actress and I'm just getting started....but I don't know how to find any places to audition for....so I figured I could use an agent...but I don't make any money so can I not have one...:/

[straightfromschool]

@PictureGuitarPlayer If an agent thinks you're good you can potentially get signed with them, you don't have to have been working professionally before - although it does help.

[spanishloverfun]

This was very good advice on agents.

[gamerlegend]

Wow you're an incredibly bright girl thanks for the intel it helped. I'm Adam by the way.

[lilahj417]

do you have any tips on what to on audtions????

[ana61007]

Thx For Everything

[oneandonlychatanni]

Ahh thats cool then. Guess we better get to know you for when u become a casting director :D

[oneandonlychatanni]

Who's your agent?

[straightfromschool]

@oneandonlychatanni I don't have one - I'm not an actor, I'm looking to become a casting director :)

[xHanPanx]

Thanks so much for your reply! It really means a lot to get all the help possible. By the way, I just read that you're an aspiring casting agent, you never know maybe one day I'll be a great actress and you my wonderful agent! Thanks Olivia! =]

[xHanPanx]

Hey Olivia!

I just want to say that I love your website and I find it exceedingly helpful, but I have a quick question. Are all casting agents online (as a part of a website)? Or can an agent be one person assigned to a number of actors? What's the best way of finding an agent and do you meet them face to face? I'm from Nottingham, UK by the way and I'm currently constructing my resume + portfolio so please help me out with an answer!

Thanks so much =]

[straightfromschool]

@xHanPanx Hey! There are so many different agents! Some agencies have one or two agents looking after small numbers of clients, other agencies have lots of clients on their books - not all agents are online, but most are moving to get websites. You do meet an agent face to face, and joining an agency without speaking to a human being probably means its not a good agency! They need to meet with you to see if you're worth signing - having an inteview or auditioning etc. :) Hope that helps! x

[mileycyrusistheshiz]

I have an agent I am with the CESD talent agency I have been with them for a while but my little sister wanted to know how to get famous ( we arent going to try and get an agent till she's older because she is only 5 ) so I showed her this video and i guess she didnt understand becaus all she said was you talked different :) ( were from Nashville, TN) but thanks for making this video and all the experience I had at first when I sent my resume' in was Church Coir and school plays and they took me

[straightfromschool]

@mileycyrusistheshiz Haha, you mean because of my accent? Teehee :D Good work on getting an agent I hope it's working out for you. As for your sister I think it's a good idea you are waiting until she's older. That way she can do what you've done and start doing school plays and really see if she has the passion to keep the hobby up as a profession :)

[bexm19256131]

ok so i live in the North West of england and i live out of the way of all the major cities. I was just wondering if i did find myself an agent wether i would be paying monthly to have them as an agent but not being able to attend many auditions because of where i live.

[straightfromschool]

@bexm19256131 Hey! Nope, you do not pay a (real and credible) agent a monthly payment. They make money from commision - they only get a percentage from you getting jobs. Most auditions take place in the major cities so even if you did have an agent local to you, you would still be travelling a lot to get to auditions, and more so if you booked a job.

Looking at it like that, it could be that waiting until you're able to move closer to a major city is a better option. Hope that helps!

[disneylovers1421]

thank you so much!i live in the san fransico area and i was wondering the book "the agencies"does that include san fransico?thank you so much for making this vid!i really appreciate it!

[straightfromschool]

No problem :) You know what, I think 'The Agencies' is pretty much LA and New York, as that's where the big dogs are. It may include some San Fransico ones but I'm afraid since I don't live in the USA I haven't had a chance to read it! :P

[TheCleoPatra2525]

So i Need to get a Book Of contacts to Contact an Agent?? Plz Olivia respond

[straightfromschool]

In the UK, yes, the Spotlight Book of Contacts does help because you get to see all of the listed agencies in front of you in one book! Of course you can search online for agents but a book of all of them will set you in the right direction :)

[PaulHartXYZ]

Does the Book of Contacts only deal with the UK market?

I'm looking for a similar book that covers the New York and Los Angeles markets.

[straightfromschool]

Hi there! Yup Spotlight Book of Contacts is just UK listings. There is a publication called 'The Agencies' for both New York and Los Angeles agents which casting director Taylor talks about in her vid here:

watch?v=U1YSZ1D10rw

And I think you can get it online if you don't live in LA. Check it out! :)

[PaulHartXYZ]

Thanks for the link to that video. I'll get "The Agencies". I live in New York.

Thanks again.

[YamilexCobo]

im getting one im in acting school!

[LittleLady131]

Hey , i really like your video (:

the only thing i can do atm is productions within school, and they're set at the end of my school year dx i cant get very much else in,

i us to be in a youth theatre group but they closed down

so now im a bit stuck, id love an agent

bt what specific background past/things would i need, im 15 btw x

[straightfromschool]

Hey Georgina, thank you :)

There are no specific experiences you need to get an agent but I would recommend doing as much stage work as you can - join another youth theatre group asap! Once you're 16 you can also start applying to background agencies (London or local) that gives you experience in film and tv as an extra and that also gives you experience on your CV.

Hope this helps x

[AnnaleeMcGarry]

Thank you Olivia, I totally understand this now =)

[VincePalamara]

you are soooooo cute!!!

[captainadlib]

I'm got signed with my agent, Abacus, by being recommended by a friend who was with them and then going to an audition. They're really good, I get quite a few auditions each month.

[straightfromschool]

I've seen lots of people through Abacus actually I think they're great! So you got them through recommendation? Good stuff :)

[captainadlib]

Yeah, they do seem pretty good! Well, my friend who was with them gave me their details, and I just gave them a ring and said I knew him, they asked me to send in a CV and photo, and then asked me for an audition.

[AdnarimLove]

your videos are always so helpful! :)

i'm actually going to start taking modeling classes and runway lessons soon. if you're good enough, they'll set me up with an agent after a while. I think they're a legit agency, my friends have gone through it, but i'm not sure how to convince my mom to help pay for the classes.

[straightfromschool]

Thank you! Oh good luck, I hope you have fun with it :) If you're worried about money and want parents to help you out my secret way is to set up an 'exchange' by offering to be really helpful around the house and do certain chores or if you can set up a weekend job that allows you to contribute to classes too. That way she'll be more inclined to pay! :P

[scottchambers111]

Haha! yes i was 16 and they were called Models Direct... £350 to join then £400 for them to get the auditions... lol :( how ever hopefully your video can prevent others from doing that!!! xx

[scottchambers111]

I WISH this video was here about 5 years ago haha!!! (Yes, I got conned!)

[straightfromschool]

@scottchambers111 Oh no! Did you get charged a hideous amount of money? :(