How do i get an agent to work on an acting job? How much Does it cost?

Question

I am a 13 year old girl, and i want to get an acting job. My parents are all for it. But they told me to find out how to get an agent and to see how much it costs. HELP!!!!!!!

Answer 1

I have doubts about the answerer who says she has an agent. Agents take 10% or more in some cases, 5% doesn't sound right to me. Now you don't just run out and get an agent. Agents, by the way, cost nothing, but when you get one there will be photography and printing costs you will have to pay to get your promotional materials. Anyone claiming to be an agent who asks for money for anything is a fraud. That is truth #1

Next truth. You are not going to get an acting job. Because you have no experience as an actor and no training as an actor, and no famous realtive. So you are going to have to have training and experience to get an acting job. LOTS and LOTS of it. Years of it. I am sorry, but that is the way it works.

Answer 2

I like the article suggestions above from SAG and the like. Very reputable, IMO. I also agree with the thought that agents generally take more than 5% commission - mine takes 15%, but there are no other fees to pay. I also agree that agents should not cost anything upfront. Their job is to find you work, not to sit around and get paid by you for nothing. Yes, there are costs when it comes to headshots and training/classes, but there shouldn't be a fee to sign up with an agency.

I don't agree with those who say you can't get a job. You can, but it may not be through your agent right away. Right now, I would suggest taking some classes and getting involved in some local or school productions. You don't need an agent for that, and it's great resume material. Develop your experience level and have fun. No one will hand you paid acting gigs on a silver platter - you have to work hard, get experience wherever you can, and be able to take rejection. However, with talent, dedication, and a little luck here and there, it's very possible that you can sign up with an agency. Then, who knows??? All the best!

Answer 3

Hi,

go and get the free ebook called How To Start An Acting Career. It really is not just about getting an agent. You need experience and a long-term strategy if you hope to be successful. That's why you should look at the ebook.

To give you an example of some of the things you'll find in it: http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/working_as_an_actor.html

And here is a page about what you could do to get an agent: http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/how_to_get_an_agent.html
BUT with no training, it will take an agent, IF you even get a meeting with them, it will take the agent just seconds to see that you are not trained. Always remember that agents are in the business to make money. They can only make money if have clients (actors), who are good at what they do and have a good chance of getting work. Otherwise, why would they want to work with a client, who isn't very good and probably won't get work?

So read everything I've given you.

The biggest message here is: don't be in a hurry. BUILD YOUR SOLID BASE FIRST.

Tony
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/acs-blog.html

Answer 4

Hi, I'm 14 and have an agent. You do not pay your agent, but when you book a job they get a percentage of your earnings. For example, mine gets 5%. To find one call up a professional theatre company near where you live and ask for names of some agents in the area or look in the yellow pages. Break a leg (that means good luck)!

Answer 5

I was intrigued by this question, and searched the web a bit... since nobody else has answered yet, here's some useful links I found:

General information on finding an agent: http://www.actingbiz.com/articles/how_to_get_a_talent_agent.php

Screen Actors' Guild: http://www.sag.org

Insights into what to avoid: http://www.actingbiz.com/articles/survive.php

And what to look for: http://www.actingbiz.com/articles/what_to_look_for.php

Answer 6

For Acting, I would recommend

http://www.hollywoodnorth.com