Landing representation can feel like a near-impossible task. You reach out over and over, never hearing back—until one day, an agent responds! The meeting goes well, you agree to work together, your dreams of stardom shine more brightly than ever, and then…there’s no contract to sign.
Sure, it may seem odd to an outsider; after all, don’t agents only make money when their official clients are working? But this is actually a fairly common industry scenario, and it’s called “hip-pocketing.”
Hip-pocketing—also known as “freelancing”—is when you work with an agent without signing a contract. An agent who hip-pockets a client sees potential but isn’t quite ready to make a formal commitment. It’s like a trial period for both of you. The agent will pitch you for roles and see how things go—how you audition, how you connect with casting directors, and whether you land any gigs. It’s also an opportunity for the agent to determine if you’re a good fit for their roster—or, if necessary, convince their colleagues if all the agents at the company or in the department need to agree on the actors they sign.
In other words, it’s like dating before getting married (if your romantic partner was taking 10% of everything you earned).
Hip-pocketing pros and cons
Though it may not seem like it at first, there are some major benefits to this kind of arrangement.
1. It’s easier than getting signed. Because there’s no contract, agents are often more willing to take on an actor in a hip-pocketed situation. It’s a good way to get your foot in the door.
2. It comes with a network and resources. Many hip-pocketed actors get access to the people in their agent’s network. It’s an opportunity to meet casting directors, producers, and important industry contacts.
3. You’ll have someone submitting on your behalf. Even though you’re not officially signed, the agent will still submit you for projects you might not normally have access to.
4. There’s flexibility. If a different agent or better deal comes along, you’re not stuck—you’re free to explore other opportunities.
5. You’ll have the chance to prove yourself. This arrangement allows you to demonstrate your talent and work ethic. If you impress the agent, they might decide to sign you later on; and for major agencies that require everyone to sign off on new talent, it will give the individual agent more ammunition when pitching you to the rest of their team.
How to Choose an Acting Agent Even though being hip-pocketed sounds great, you should keep a few things in mind. Here are some of the cons.
1. There’s a lack of commitment from the agent. Without a contract, agents might focus more on their signed clients, leaving you with fewer opportunities.
2. There’s a level of uncertainty. The informality of hip-pocketing means there’s always a risk the agent might lose interest or move on without much notice. They aren’t required to respond to your emails, meet with you, or support you in any way if they choose not to.
3. You’ll have limited support. While the agent might offer some guidance, you probably won’t get the full range of services their signed clients receive, like dedicated promotion or one-on-one meetings. It’s also unlikely that they’ll negotiate contracts or your pay rate if you do book a gig.
4. It may impact your confidence. While some actors are all about hip-pocketing as a means to an end, others may feel “less than” knowing that an agent has deliberately chosen to not sign a contract with them. Avoid letting negative thoughts like that hold you back: Most actors don’t even get hip-pocketing as an option, so you’re already ahead of the curve.
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First, get excited. This is good news! The agent sees something in you. And while you haven’t 100% convinced them yet, you’re well on your way.
After you pop the champagne, remember:
1. Be their best client. Make their experience working with you amazing. Respond to their communications ASAP. Always be on time. Be proactive by checking in and keeping them up to date on what you’re working on. Stay positive, complimentary, and appreciative of the work they do for you.
2. Do your best to book work. The most important factor on whether an agent will sign you is whether or not you book jobs. Study an acting technique or two. Take classes. Make sure your self-tape setup is good to go. And update materials like your headshot, demo reel, and website.
3. Keep your options open. You can keep networking with other agents and submitting yourself for auditions. Go to industry events, join workshops, and keep an eye out for other reps who might be interested in you.
4. Ask for feedback. Use this period of your career to learn and grow. Ask the agent for feedback on your performances and take their advice seriously. This can help you improve and increase your chances of getting formally signed, especially if they feel like you actually listen.
5. Get specific and improve your marketing materials. Make sure you’re clear on the types you can play and what your unique brand is. Agents are more likely to sign actors who have a great package, so consider updating your headshots, demo reel, and website based on your type and/or brand. The more professional your materials, the better an agent will look to casting directors when pitching you.