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If you want to make film and television acting your career, you need to have a good agent. An agent can submit you for roles you might never find out about on your own, and can negotiate the best deal for you when you book them. But no worthwhile agent will take you on as a client just because you ask them to.
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Step 1
Build up your credits. Agents want clients who are serious about acting, are willing to work at it, and have the ability to book a role. A resume with substantial credits is one way to demonstrate these traits. You may have a hard time getting roles in major films and TV shows without an agent, but it is possible. You can also audition for local theaters and student films, and low-budget independent movies.
Step 2
Increase your skills. Actually working as an actor is probably the number-one way to build your acting skills, but you can also benefit by taking classes and attending workshops. You can list these in the "Training" section of your resume.
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Step 4
Work on your appearance. That doesn't mean going under the knife or starting an unsustainable diet or exercise program, but a healthy physique and good skin and hair are certainly desirable traits in an actor.
Step 4
Get great headshots. Before an agent meets with you or even reads your resume, they will look at your headshot, so make the first impression a great one.
Step 5
Make a proper resume. Actor's resumes are different from those for any other profession in format and in the type of information they include. Make sure your resume follows industry standards. Each resume should be attached to the back of a headshot with one staple at the top and one at the bottom.
Step 6
Research. Ask other actors if they have agents and if they are happy with their representation and read acting-related Internet message boards. (Take everything with a grain of salt though. People may be more likely to post when they're disgruntled than when they're content.) If you're in L.A., stop by Samuel French bookstore and pick up a directory of talent agents. Look for the large format books with cheap looking binding that are updated monthly. Besides contact information, these books will tell you if an agency is accepting new talent, if they represent non-union actors, and if they are looking for specific types. They will also tell you what categories of representation they provide: theatrical (movies), television (series), commercial (TV and radio), or print.
Step 7
Write your cover letters. Include your contact information, so if it gets separated from your resume the agency can still reach you. Personalize each letter with the appropriate agent's name. If you were referred by a client of the agency, mention their name. If you have a specific skill or look that you know an agency is looking for, mention that too. But don't be wordy. You're headshot and resume will do most of the talking for you.
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Step 8
Prepare your envelopes. Use 9" x 12" clasp envelopes. Address them, including the agent's name, and put your return address on each one so if it doesn't make it to an agency at least you might get your headshot back. Put your headshot and cover letter in the envelope and close it with the clasp. Do not seal the envelope.
Step 9
Mail your envelopes or drop them off at the agencies. (Note: Not all agencies accept drop-offs, and those that do rarely meet with prospective clients without appointments.)
Step 10
Repeat steps 1 to 3. Don't expect to hear back from an agent right away. Keep building your credits and skills and making yourself more desirable as a client.
Step 11
Send a follow-up when appropriate. If you haven't heard anything in a month, it may be time for a new round of mailings, especially if you have acquired some new credits or skills to mention or you're appearing in a play or showcase and can offer the agents complimentary admission. For follow-up mailings, a postcard with your face and name on one side and a handwritten note on the other is appropriate. (Many headshot printers do postcards as well.)
Bonus Tips
- Consider commercials. Many beginning actors have their hearts set on landing a film role or TV series, but without an extensive resume it can be difficult convincing an agent you're ready. An agent is more likely to be willing to sign a novice actor for commercial representation. After you book a major commercial or two, you should be able to get theatrical representation.
- After you get an agent, you still need to work at getting auditions. Your agent has many clients; you have only yourself.
(Lead photo: Jon Sullivan - pdphoto.org)
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