Get Representation

One of the most difficult things for an actor to do is to find a good agent or manager. Here’s some helpful tips and advice on the topic.

Use this as a guide to find the best agent and/or manger for you.

Actors typically believe they need to find an agent who represents no one else in their type category. They think that will get them sent out more. But, like actors, agents are known for representing a certain type of actor. You want to be with the agent who is known for your type. That will ensure you are targeting your niche. Looking for great representation? Check out the two methods below. 

1) Do a TV Show, Movie or Commercial Search on IMDbPro:

Theatrical Agencies – Log onto IMDbPro. Look up the shows and films appropriate for “your type.” Look up the past season or two (no more than that since agents and CDs change companies often). Go through each episode and look at the cast list. If you are at the Co-Star level in your career, look for the Co-Star roles (roles like Detective #1, Nurse, Mom, etc.). If you are at Guest Star level look at those roles. Look for similar actors who have limited episodes, one or two, unless you are at a Series Regular level in your career. Click through to see who reps the actors who are around (or just above) your credits-level and around (or just above) your StarMeter ranking. You’ll start to see trends. Write those down. Casting directors often go to their favorite agencies and management firms to fill those roles. You’ll also start to see that your top targeted shows consistently book actors (at your credits level) who are represented by the same few agencies and management firms. It should become very clear where you should consider submitting. Once you’ve done this with at least 25 shows you’ll see that you now have a target list of about 10 to 20 agencies. Double check your work to make sure those agencies also have a decent ranking on the “Company Star Meter.”

Commercial Agencies – Log onto to iSpot.tv. This site lists many of the most popular commercials airing now and in the past year or so (there may be a fee involved to log in). Look up the commercials with actors that are similar to your type by entering the name of the company or product. Once you find the spot(s) you are looking for, look up the name of the actor you are similar to. Then go on IMDbPro and follow the instructions above to find out which commercial agencies represents the actors you found. (iSpot.tv is not always thorough)

2) Look for Agencies that are Highly Ranked but Open to Newcomers:

Log onto IMDbPro. Look under the “Companies” heading at the top. If you hover over that heading you will see “Talent Agencies” and “Management Companies.” Click on which ever you are interested in researching. Once you click on that link you will see a list of agencies or managers listed in order of “Star Meter” ranking. Unless you are a star, don’t even think about the first 20 on the list. They will come to you when you are at a certain level of success. Start looking at the agencies past that. Click on each one and look at their list of “Clients.” They will be ranked by “Star Meter” rating. You want to see if they have several actors with star numbers below 5,000 (those are generally recognizable working actors). If they do, click on the “see all clients” link at the bottom and look to see if they have quiet a few actors with numbers higher than 100,000, If they do that means they are probably open to newcomers. Next, go back to the top of the list and one by one, look at their clients and see if the “generally” represent your type. If so, that is a good agency for you to target.

 *If you need more help finding the perfect agency perhaps one of our coaches can help guide you in the right direction. To set up a private consultation check out our Coaching page.