Working with an actors agent, fashion model agent or TV talent agency

Help and advice for actors, models, dancers and singers new to the Film and Television industry in Australia and New Zealand.

Working with your agent

The relationship is also often misunderstood. Bear in mind, when you enter the acting/modelling business, YOU ARE YOUR OWN BOSS and you hire an agent to work for you.

Your job is to:

• Keep in touch with them. Show you’re interested in what’s happening in the industry. If you haven’t heard from your agent for a few weeks, give them a quick call… it’ll remind them you’re still there and keen for work.

• Always have up to date photos (every 6-12 months). You’ll do better if you invest in a professional photographer. Quality photos will show you’re serious about what you’re doing. Agents can always recommend a good one.

• Be available for auditions. These are usually during normal business hours – only urgent ones will be in the weekend or at no notice. Most will give you 2-3 days notice.

• If your audition has a script, you must get hold of it and prepare completely before the audition. See our Resources section for audition courses.

• Continue to improve your skills through training courses.

• Tell your agent when you’re out of town or unavailable giving as much notice as possible.

• Tell your agent if you’re running late for an audition or have to cancel. There’s nothing that will turn a casting director off you and your agent faster than if you don’t show up. Their time is precious and they could’ve filled the gap with someone else – even at very little notice.

• After a job, contact your agent. Give them the hours you were there and if anything happened you weren’t expecting… eg – photos taken after filming, conditions not good, longer hours than expected, forms or contracts offered to you to sign. NEVER SIGN ANYTHING ON SET except for a timesheet which simply has your name, time in, time out and place for your signature.