People choose to work with a talent agency for a number of reasons; you might be in the acting industry and trying to get more roles, or you could be looking for a specific career position. Even athletes, directors, writers, and artists will seek out a talent agent. Ryan Seacrest was “discovered” through working with a talent agency. Typically, the way it works is that you share with the agency your talents, and the agency will go out on your behalf and get you signed up for any opportunities that may give you more exposure. Whatever your need might be, here’s a guide from the talented folks over at Cruitscout.com to help you decide on a talent agency.
Speak with Multiple Agencies
Treat it like a relationship—you’re not going to marry the first person you meet. Find a few different agencies who specialize in your talent area and schedule a brief call with each of them. As with many things in life, you’ll know the right person for you based on your specific needs.
Break Things Off
At the same time, if your agency is giving you radio silence in response to your questions or not getting you any auditions or interviews, don’t be afraid to cut things off. It is certainly not a time to play nice and not hurt anyone’s feelings. Remember, this is your professional life that is on the line.
Get Recommendations
If you have any friends in the same field and have experience with talent agents, it’s always good to get their feedback. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should just accept everything that they say as gospel. But if it’s someone you really trust, then certainly take their advice.
Be Unique
As much as you can in a reasonable sense, try to be unique and stand apart. There are usually many other talented people vying for the spot that you are hoping to get, so it’s important to think about what sets you apart. You can even add a unique touch with some custom jewelry from Lapiazzastore.com or some accessories from Stndrdz. Think of some creative ways that you can stand out.
Triple-Check Your Contract
You’ll almost always be required to sign a contract with whichever agent you decide to sign with. It is so important that you triple-check every single word in that contract. If you’re able to afford an attorney, you should certainly have one review it. If not, make sure you are asking a ton of questions or try and find someone with legal experience to help you out.