Finding a talent agent is usually one of the first things that new actors do. But how do you know if you’ve found a good agent for your acting career? What are some red flags, or general indicators that they’re just not a good fit for you? I put together this list of four things actors need to know when deciding if they should stick with their agent, or if it’s time to move on.
1. Communication Gaps and Delays
Agents have to balance a roster of clients. That’s a lot of emails, phone calls, and text messages that they need to be sending and responding to. Successful talent agents are masters of time management, and an unresponsive agent can be a big red flag. Especially if they have time for their other clients but aren’t making time for you.
Now, this doesn’t mean you should badger your agent until you get a response, or assume that they’re blowing you off after one day of no replies. But if there’s a consistent pattern that lasts for weeks, it might be a good idea to start looking elsewhere.
2. Your Agent Isn’t Finding Roles For You
To be clear, this isn’t always a sign that you need a new agent. This can happen for a variety of reasons, some of which might be a sign that you need to make some changes. Keep in mind that talent agents are paid commission, so it’s only natural that they’ll work harder for the actors who are making money for them.
You and your agent need to function as a team. If they’re going to find the right work for you, they need to understand your acting brand. Before you pass anyone a pink slip, ask yourself this important question- Does my agent understand my brand?
Agents can’t find work for actors if they don’t know where to look. If your agent knows where you’ll best fit in, they can get auditions for you. When was the last time you discussed your brand with your agent? Have you ever sat down and discussed your acting career strategy? If not, pull your agent aside and get that conversation going.
If you have had this conversation with your agent already, it doesn’t hurt to look elsewhere,
3. They Have Another Job
Talent agents are very busy people, managing a full roster of clients. Their days are jam packed with phone calls, negotiations, and networking. So if your agent is one of those ‘agent on the side’ types or has a side hustle in addition to being an agent, ditch them immediately. This isn’t someone who has time to devote to you and your career, so don’t waste any of your time on them.
4. They Don’t Have the Connections You Need
Generally speaking, talent agents are well-connected people. If they don’t know someone personally, they’ll know of someone else who does – or how to get in touch with them. That said, your agent should know the right people for you. Having the phone numbers of a bunch of A-listers isn’t a sign of a good agent.
How do you know if your agent has the right connections? Start by looking at the type of media you want to be in, then compare that to their roster. If your agent’s other clients are mostly in rom-coms, then you’re not likely to find a lot of work in any other space. Aspiring horror actors are better off with agents who can get in touch with people at SyFy or with a writer from Stranger Things than the people at Hallmark or a writer from the iCarly reboot.
I Think I Need a New Agent…Now What?
Before you find a new talent agent, it’s important for you and your agent to sit down and have a one-on-one. You would be amazed at how often these things are just a matter of miscommunication. If you feel that your agent isn’t hearing you out or doesn’t seem to understand what you’re working towards, you can try to set an example – find some work on your own, and show your agent what you’re capable of when given the right space to grow in.
If you know deep down that it just isn’t going to work out, there’s a very easy way to find a new talent agent. Remember earlier when I mentioned agent rosters? You can easily access that type of information on IMDbPro. Find an actor who has been on the types of shows or movies that you want to be on, and see who represents them. This can tell you ahead of time the sorts of connections that they have, and how easily they can help you move one step closer towards your acting dream life.
Want to learn more acting career tips to stay on top of your acting game? Check out this video to learn more about my career acceleration course made for actors just like you!