Dolphin Talent’s Acting + Industry Guide

An agent is an individual that works through an agency to get you work.  They are notified about specific jobs related to modeling and acting and they will notify you about a job or audition if they feel you are right for the part.  In return for finding you a job, they receive a commission or percentage of the money you earn from each job.  Therefore, it is a mutual relationship that both individuals stand to benefit from.

Many talented people are at various stages of their life or career path when they choose to get an agent, but it is very important for all people to understand that they need to be with a credible agent.  One way to help decide if an agency is legitimate is to see if they are affiliated with the Screen Actors Guild or SAG.  You can accomplish this by going to the SAG website (www.sag.org) and clicking on “Guild Information.”  Under “Guild Information” you will go to “Agency Relations” and find your home state.  Once you select your home state, it will bring up any agencies in that state that are affiliated with SAG.  It is usually better to find representation from a local agent first and start getting experience before signing with an agent in Los Angeles.

Once you have the name of an agency you can call to see if they have an open call day where new talent can go to the agency and try to get represented by them.  It is usually not wise to simply show up at an agency and ask to be signed by them because they are quite busy.  If an agency does not have an open call day, then your best option is to send them a photo with your resume and then follow up later.  We do not recommend you pay to get headshots before you have an agent. If you do not have a headshot already, it is wise to wait until you are signed with an agent.  Often an agent can recommend a specific photographer for you to use, and they like to choose which shot to use for your headshot.  Once you decide on an agency that you feel comfortable with, you will agree to work together and be on your way to pursuing your dreams!