About agents?

Question

Okay, I've been reading other peoples questions, and I see that most of the answers for getting out there in the acting world, and gaining auditions, so forth and so on, call for agents. I was wondering what was the price range on agents and such. And I know certian commercials or what not hold open-casting calls, but can you imagine how hard it is when you're not even eighteen yet, and you live in NORTH CAROLINA? Nothing much happens here...(Sorry 'bout useless rambling, lol) But yeah, any comments on average costs for agents, and what I should do since I live in a state that barely knows what the word "industry" means?

There are no AFTRA, SAG-franchised, or non SAG-franchised agents in the state of North Carolina....

So now what. All I really need to know is how to go about finding a suitable agent or something. And so are you saying that if they charge you to represent you, it's a scam?

Answer 1

Are you kidding??Are you anywhere near Wilmington??? One Tree Hill is filmed there (as was Dawson's Creek). According to Wikipedia, over 200 film/tv productions have been shot in the area. The largest sound stage outside of Hollywood is built there! Check out the NC Film Office website.
I have no idea how big NC is, so it may not be possible for you to get to Wilmington, but if it IS, then check out agencies there! You could probably at lest get some extra work!
If you're not near there, then you're right, there probably aren't many agencies in your area, b/c there's probably not a lot of demand. In that case, if you want to act, check out your local theatres, your high school, even churches! Even if you're in a small town, there should at least be some opportunities.

Also, no you don't pay agents. They take a percentage of your earnings, so they only get paid when you get paid. Secondly, outside of NY and LA, you don't necessarily need an agent to get you work. In DC, we have very few agencies, most of the offices are Casting Directors, so you get rid of the middle man essentially. They still take a percentage of your earnings though, but you don't have to sign an exclusive contract.

Answer 2

I don't know if there are SAG/AFTRA Agents in North Carolina.

You do not pay an agent, they pay you, when you book a role. Agents get 10%-15% of the money you make from acting.

In Right-to-Work States you must be given an interview and/or audition. North Carolina is a "Right-to-Work," State.

It means you can contact any AFTRA or SAG Talent Agent in North Carolina and request an audition/interview.

Talent agents get a percentage, usually 10% of the money the actor makes from performing. They do not get any more prior to you performing.

If there is a SAG/AFTRA office where you live, ask for a list of Talent Agencies.

I don't know how much work there is in N/C, so you may have to wait a long time to find acting work.

Answer 3

Talent agents for actors come in two main types theatrical (Television and Film) and commercial ( for commercials). There are also dance, print, and voice-over agents who specialize in these fields, and signing with one of these agents can be a great way for actors with these other skills to cross over into one of the other areas. Being with the same agency for everything is called being "signed across the board," but many actors prefer to have separate agents for different types of work, become some agencies might be strong commercially, but not as strong theatrically, or vice versa. Agents get information about auditions for roles, either directly from casting directors and producers calling them asking for client submissions, or from a fax/email service called "the breakdowns," a daily list of roles being cast, sent only to agents and managers, although there is a black market for this information within the acting community and many actors without representation self-submit for available roles, which some casting people don't mind, others hate, and the owner of Breakdown Services abhors. Remember actors--your agents work for you, but they only get 10% of what you make, so that means you need to do 90% of the work--especially when you are getting started. That means always be professional, know your craft, don't shy away from networking and letting CD, producers and directors know about your accomplishments & upcoming appearances by sending out postcards, know your type and how you fit into the current market, and above all, make sure you and your agent are on the same page about what kinds of parts you will be submitted for. And NEVER pay an agent or manager up front to represent you. They only make money when they make you money.
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*NOTE*

In regards to newyorkgal71's answer: There are no AFTRA, SAG-franchised, or non SAG-franchised agents in the state of North Carolina. You can verify this on the following page:

http://www.sag.org/sagWebApp/application?origin=page1.jsp&event=bea.portal.framework.internal.refresh&pageid=AgentInformation

But that really is besides the point. "Right-To-Work" laws only deal with a persons right to not join a labor union. Also, Talent Agents do not employ actors. It is the other way around. Agents get a commission from actors income.

Below is one of several websites I researched the "Right-To-Work" laws:

http://www.nrtw.org/rtws.htm

If I am mistaken, please correct me. I only give information or opinions that I feel to be true, and I certainly am wrong sometimes!
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*NOTE* #2

I did much more research about "Right-To-Work" states and laws, because what newyorkgal71 said , "In Right-to-Work States you must be given an interview and/or audition" seemed absurd. Here is a simple definition of "Right-To-Work":

http://www.legal-explanations.com/definitions/right-to-work-law.htm

If anyone wants to see for themself, just do a google search like this:

"Right To Work"+"Definition"
or
"Right-To-Work"+"Laws"

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Answer 4

well it looks like you are chum outta luck there tough guy. maybe you should move to a place where they actually make movies?
hellooooooooo........ mcfly...............................