How To Get An Agent In Hollywood

While being an actor is a fun way to make a living, it is also a business. As such, an actor needs help getting his or her name out to casting directors in order to book jobs. Having an agent is not the only way to get auditions but it is one of the easier methods. An agent is someone who represents you to casting directors involved in making movies and television shows. An agent also makes getting your foot in the door to audition for a part much easier.

I'm often asked how Zach landed his commercial and theatrical agents. There is not a single definitive answer of how to land an agent but there are some common steps you can do to try and get an agent in Hollywood.

The first step in the hunt for an agent happens before you start the hunt for an agent. Agents are not looking for new and inexperienced talent. They want performers who have already established a name or a brand.  Having a track record of some success shows the agent that you are somebody they can submit to casting directors and market around town.

What does this mean for you? It means you need to attend open auditions, casting calls and open mic nights. Practice and perform and get your name out in public. The more you audition and perform, the more people begin to know your name. Build a buzz about yourself to help catch the attention of an agent. It also helps to network with others in the same situation because you never know when a good word from another actor will help you in the future.

Another useful step in landing an agent is being active on social media. Social media allows you to build a rapport with others and form relationships that might turn into a face to face meeting at some point in the future. It is important to use caution and common sense when interacting with agents on social media. There is a fine line between being friendly online and coming across as pushy and desperate in your interactions. Take part in existing conversations and add something of substance to the topic being discussed. Don't push yourself or your agenda because you might look like a stalker.

Another way to get the attention of agents is to meet them in person. There are a variety of agent workshops available for you to attend. Do your research and make sure the agent is right for what you are trying to accomplish in your career. In other words, don't blindly pick a workshop to attend because you might discover the agent only handles a youth division or is a commercial agent when you're trying to get a theatrical agent.

Once you've established a relationship with an agent (and waited an appropriate amount of time so you don't come off as a stalker), it's time for you to send them a packet of your materials. Make sure the packet includes your most recent headshot, your acting resume, links to all of your social media accounts and a cover letter telling the agent what you bring to the table. Most agents already have clients that pay the bills. Why do they need to take a chance on you? What makes you the best choice over all of the others in Hollywood trying to join their talent roster? Don't write the cover letter in 5 minutes or less. Take a day or two to gather your thoughts and express what you can do for the agent and not what you expect the agent to do for you.

If you get the chance to interview with the agent in person, don't be late to the meeting! I've mentioned many times how being late to an audition or a call time is not acceptable. The same thing applies to meeting an agent. Don't make a bad first impression and come off as unreliable. Dress professionally while still maintaining a personal sense of style. The first impression you make is "the type" that the agent will view you as and will dominate the roles he submits you for in the future. Bring your headshot and resume just in case the agent doesn't have the materials handy at the moment. Finally, have an audition piece ready to go just in case you are requested to perform a scene.

Be prepared to listen while also having a set of questions ready to ask when it's your turn to speak. Some questions that are acceptable to ask include:

• How many clients does the agency currently have? 
• What "type" of roles do you see me playing? 
• Will you represent me directly or will one of your assistants?
• What do you expect of your clients?
• How many clients do you currently have that are my "type"?

I hope the steps and suggestions listed above aid you in your quest to land an agent. It's not easy but the payoff is worth it once you have someone actively pitching you to casting directors.

This Actor Has Two Agents That Keep Him On The Go With Auditions.