I need an agent but do not know how to get one or where to find one. Can anyone help?

Question

Hey, I'm 15 years old and I have been wanting to get into the business my entire life. I've been in acting classes for 3 years now and vocal training for 7 years. My parents have finally agreed to begin helping me look for an agent. The only problem is that we have no idea where to start. I have a record company that's interested in me but I also love acting. I would really love some help/advice on how to get an acting agent, or even some more advice on getting a music agent...in case the one I have falls through.

Please help me if you can?

Answer 1

This question is asked and answered at least 100 times a week (and now a day) on Yahoo.  Check the archives.  Agents are VERY selective with whom they work.  Most are garnered through connections int he business.  They take only the best and brightest with the most potential. And remember, the music business is filled with a bunch of unscrupulous people as is show business in general.  Watch out! And get your education because the chances you  will make it big are slim.  You need osmehthing to fall back on. Remember, few make it to the level of Miley Cyrus (she had a huge head start as her father is Billy Ray Cyrus). It's all about connections, and about WHO you know rather than WHAT you know. The competition out there is literally fierce and there is only room for so many in any field.

Answer 2

Robyn,

I'm very happy to hear that you are getting your start in the industry! It is extremely competitive, and choosing an agent can be very difficult. You really want to be careful, because there are many sleazy guys who call themselves 'agents' and really just ignore you till you hit a good single so they can take their big cut.

You didn't specify which genre you are in (musical theatre, pop, classical/opera, etc.) so I can't help out with individual firms, but I can tell you that there are many to choose from, and really your parents are your best resource, because they have life experience and will most likely be able to tell if things are on the up-and-up. If you know anyone who is in the same type of work, ask them about their representation. Also, make sure to get a lawyer for yourself before signing ANYTHING!

P.S. - You're 15, so make sure you go do 15-year-old things too. =) Not everyone can be Miley Cyrus!

Answer 3

how do you get a record company intrested in u??? well anyway i hav the exact same problem!!!

Answer 4

first of all - do you live in LA or NY?

If not it will tougher as this is where the biz is.

You can contact SAG ( the screen actors guild ) all their info is online if you google it. and they will send you or email you a list of LISCENSED SAG APPROVED AGENTS - do not deal with anyone who is not on the list. the list should have a short description of the agency and it's size and the type of clientele they represent. Stay away from the biggies: CAA, ICM, ENDEAVOR, WILLIAM MORRIS, PARADIGM   as they will not consider a beginner. There are a number of smaller agencies that might see you. You will need a really, really good color headshot to submit to them - shop around for this too - there are lots of good photographers. be sure you look at  their headshot work before you get pix done. ( you can also do this online)

Do you know anyone who has an agent?

( especially if they are the opposite s*x from you as then there will be no conflict of interest - you'll never go up for the same parts) Ask if they can refer you to their agent - word of mouth is always best. Don't get discouraged if getting an agent proves to be difacult - this is one of the hardest things about the business. and this is a tough time in the business with the actors strike coming - most agent s are NOT  signing new clients at this time - there may be no work any day now - til the strike is over.

You say there is a record company interested in you. be sure you have an entertainment attorney look over EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU SIGN ANYTHING!!!!  Singers get ripped off more than actors in their deals. If you get a deal with a record co it will be much easier to get an agent - the record co itself may be repped by an agency and they may want to "package" you. This can be a good thing - but ALWAYS HAVE AN ENTERTAINMENT ATTORNEY  look at the deal!!!!

good luck!