In some cases yes, but in most cases, especially when just starting off, NO
1. To be in off-broadway plays and off-off- broadway plays in New York   NO
2. Industrials (training films)   YES
3. To start off in films like in New York or L.A.   Yes
4. To start off in films in Philly Yes
5. To do local theater NO
6. To do commercials Yes
7. To do local independent films (Indy films) No
 

What do I have to do to get an agent?

Although you may not need an agent, some people prefer to have an agent, so what do you have to do to get one? Well first of all you have to choose the type of agent you want? You mean there are lots of different kinds? Yes, there are lots.

Theatrical agent: these agents handle TV and movies/films
Commercial agent: these agents handle commercials
Voice-Over agent: these agents handle off-camera work and the radio
Modeling agent: these agents handle the models that do modeling work and print work.
Variety agent: these agents handle personal apperance work and the nighclubs work
Legitimate agent: these agents handle the theater
Full Service agent: these agents can hanle all of the above work or some of the above work.

How many agents can I have?

Well it depends on how many you want to have. In L.A. you can only have one, that's it, but in New York you can have up to one from each category. Most of the agents out side of L.A. and New York are full-service, but you still need to check before signing with one. Make sure the agent will handle the type of work you want to work on.

Franchised or not franchised?

All Franchised means is that the agent is licesnsed to represent union performers. To be a union member allows you to be able to get better benifits and higher pay. Therefore the franchised agents will be able to offer you with better jobs than a non-franchised agent.

After you have figured out whether you need an agent and if you do then after you have already figured out the type of agent, what do you do next? You need to figure out a "game-plan".

The game-plan
Here is a list of steps that you need to follow in order to get an agent.
1. You need some money. Figure out a budget plan. You espcially need money if you are going to be moving to another place in order to have an agent or be closer to work. You would need money for housing and all other necessities. Also there are expenses for materials that you will have to have. This can sometimes cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Not all agents cost this much to have but some can.
2. You need to decide to what type of agent you want to have...we discussed this earlier.
3. Find an agent that is the type you want in the area (i.e. the city) that you want one in.
4. You will need to get a resume'...you can find some examples on another page.
5. You will need to get some headshots done. This is very important. This is what, along with the resume', that the agent send out to casting directors. You need one that looks like the way you look then. Don't let the picture show you having long hair when you now have short hair...time to get new pics done. Make sure that the pics are done professionally. They should also have your name printed on them in the lower right hand corner or centered on the bottom. Headshots can costs hundreds of dollars, so make sure you look around for the right
one. The average size that most people get is an 8X10, but some use 5X7 and postcards for follow-ups.
6. You need to have a record system. You need to make a file in which you can keep track of the clothes that you wore to an audition, who was there, what you did, where and what day it was, etc. This is helpful because you may audition for so many things that when you are called back you may not remember what went on at the audition. And if your agent tells you to do the same thing you did the first time, then you won't be able to know what you did. This is very helpful.
7. The last and most important step is to keep your head on straight and keep trying. Don't give up. It is easier to give up than to keep going,
but it can pay back later for trying and for having kept going. Keep reaching for the stars.     back