Do you aspire to be a thespian? Being an actor or actress is a hard thing to do, but with the right guidance you can get off the ground and make your dream a reality. There are many actors and actresses who do not see the relevance of having a creative artists agency to help them, but these agencies are vital to your success in the entertainment world.
Why do I need an agent?
Without an agent, you cannot expect to get the best deal in Hollywood or in New York or wherever you choose to act. There are many unscrupulous directors out there and production teams that seek to rip actors off and underpay them. You are not safe without an agent. Moreover, you don’t know the industry that you’re about to embark on. There are agents out there with decades of experience in this world and the industry so they can protect your rights.
How much does an agent cost?
Agents work on commission as such it is in their best interest to find you the most lucrative jobs on the market. However, in saying that the market is like a lottery you might have red hair but they’re looking for a brunette to play the lead role in a film. In terms of commission the rates are generally negotiable, but you’re looking at anywhere from 10 to 15% across the board. The commission that pays your agent should never include travel expenses or other perks that should only come out of your wage or salary.
What should I look for in an agent?
You need a good agent who knows their stuff. Also, it would be handy if they were also a lawyer so that they can make sure that your contracts are fair and negotiable. People like Nancy Etz – a veteran in the field- suggests that you want to look for an agent who has at least 10 years experience. It is not to say that agents without experience will not adequately serve your needs, but they don’t have the contacts that most other agents do .
Agents have access; you don’t
A good agent like Nancy Etz can open many doors for you, doors that would otherwise be closed. They also have exclusive access to job leads and sometimes even people high up in the production or film companies. Moreover, with these contacts they can negotiate a higher rate for you as well as them in terms of pay and conditions.
Agents understand what you should be paid
A good agent has a better understanding of how much an actor should be paid, and they can fight for you to make sure that you get the correct amount for the role you are going to perform. Many people who go it alone end up losing thousands of dollars that they rightly deserved because they did not have accurate representation or a good knowledge of their industry.
But how will having a creative artist agency help my acting career overall?
You will not survive in Hollywood without representation. If you want to do commercials for Tide Pods for the rest of your life and never break out, then please go without an agent. But if you want to grow and progress and walk up the red carpet, then you need the services of a talent agent.
Many people underestimate the value of an agent, especially an agent who is equipped to deal with your specific area of entertainment. There are some who make the mistake of hiring a manager who has no idea of the industry that they are in and turn their career suffers as a result.
The Takeaway
Hiring an agent is vital and is one of the most important things you will ever do as an actor or actress. You cannot go it alone nor should you because if you do your career will suffer and you will never truly realize the dream of fame and stardom as well as fortune. Yes, giving up 10 to 15% of your hard earned income is a difficult prospect but think about the long-term gains and how much that would be if you had a 5 million-dollar contract. Don’t go it alone, hire an agent it will be the best thing you’ve ever done for yourself and your career