Is it possible/hard to be your own modeling/acting agent?

Question

I was almost signed on for John Casablancas but then my dad went down and yelled at them for making up some crap excuse and not letting him back out of the contract when the girl in charge said we could. So i was wondering if it would be hard or possible for me or my dad to be an agent instead of signing on with a company.

Answer 1

No, you can't be your own agent. But you can supplement your agents efforts by submitting yourself for roles that you find out about. You specifically asked about an AGENT and there are answers in here regarding managers and management. The are two totally different subjects.

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.

A manager is someone who manages your career after you have established yourself in the business. Managers generally get 15% of your gross income from acting jobs. There are many unscrupulous "managers" out there claiming to have the ability to make someone a star. The truth is, a manager can recommend photographers, classes & workshops, resume printing services, etc. But this information is available for free, and is certainly not worth paying 15% of your income.

Answer 2

No, but all agents are not like Casablamcas, Powers, and Barbazon. There are more ethical agent that do not charge anything to represent you, but in the modeling world you are going to have to have lessons. Your dad is already a good manager. If he backs your idea of modeling, then he will be able to help find you reasonable lessons and no cost representation

Answer 3

Reallistically, you wont be able to be your own agent. Modeling agencies have formed relationships with companies that need models over years and years and you wont be able to even get yourself into an audition. Designers and companies that seriously need models call agencies, they dont just have an open casting call. Send in snapshots to some local agencies if you want modeling jobs. Dont go to john casablancas or anywhere else that is even affiliated with a "modeling school".

Answer 4

Honestly, it depends what kind of work you're looking for. If you have good connections, or are just looking for small work, or theater, or unpaid work, then you don't need an agent. But, if you're looking to go on Disney auditions (I'm only saying this because a lot of teens are always "how do I get on Disney") then yes, you NEED an agent. It depends on the person. Managers are always good too!
Good luck!

Answer 5

If your father didn't know that Cassablanca is a scam he doesn't know anything about the business. He has no qualifications to be an agent and he'd be doing you a lot more harm than good by trying to be one. Forget it until you're older. Just act in school and find a kid's theater group.

Answer 6

Your dad could be your manager, but you probably get very little work unless your dad knows the right people, or unless you get hired directly by the casting agent.

Answer 7

well i would recamend john casablanca. i went there and got grate jobs! try to convens your dad. but it might be to expences!