It is said that the entertainment business is all about relationships: Relationships between an actor and a director, between casting and producers, between agents and casting, and perhaps the most precarious of relationships, that between actors and their agents.
As a talent manager, I have a much closer relationship with my clients than an agent would. My job is to help my clients manage their careers by making the choices that are right for each of them. Each person has their own path; my job is to help them to find the right one.
An agent’s job is much more straightforward: to find their clients work. Agents are paid a commission on the work they find or negotiate, so it behooves them to keep as many of their clients working as possible. But agents often have a hundred or more clients, so the question for many actors is: How do I get an agent, make sure they’re submitting me for the right projects, and keep that agent?
In all three instances, the answer all comes down to communication.
READ: Read This Before Complaining About Your Agent or Manager
Finding an agent can be a daunting task. It can take a lot of research to find the agencies you best fit with. Sometimes the process can involve interviewing and even auditioning. So actors must be prepared. Your headshots and résumé must be up to date. You should have an acting reel. A monologue in your back pocket doesn’t hurt either.
Getting to this point requires communication skills, too. Agents are constantly approached by potential clients (managers are as well), so being prepared is not just recommended; it’s essential. Many people think only of themselves when approaching agents. A note saying, “Hi I’m an actor and I need an agent” or, “Are you taking new clients?” won’t get you noticed. Trashing your current agent isn’t a good idea either. A better approach is a personal, positive note: “I researched your roster and I feel I’d be a good fit because…” or, “I think your agency would be a great addition to my team because...”
Once you have an agent, communication becomes even more important. Most agents are extremely busy and your random call could keep them from potentially pitching you for an important role. This is doubly true during pilot season.
That said, you still need to talk to your agent. So be sure to acknowledge every audition and give them a report after. A “thank you for the audition” note goes a long way to cement your relationship. You also need to let your agent know when you’re booking out, and it’s a good idea to remind them when you’re back and available to work. Calling them to complain about not getting auditions is a good way to get yourself dropped. Conversely, asking if it’s time for new headshots because yours aren’t working puts the burden where it belongs: you.
As an actor, this is your business. Your handlers are your team. Relationships with your handlers is a key element to ensuring your success. Communicating with them in a way that works is instrumental in getting and keeping those relationships.
Matt Chassin is a talent manager and publicist in Los Angeles. His talent roster includes award-winning actors and actresses from around the globe.
Get all of your acting questions answered by peers and experts on the Backstage Community forums!
The views expressed in this article are solely that of the individual(s) providing them,
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.
