Things Talent Agents Want You To Know!

Having worked as a talent agent and also talking with the agents that represent me I have learned a lot about what agents find most helpful in their relationships with talent. Here are a few things to know and keep in mind.

1. Response time to audition requests
When your agent calls or emails you with an audition request, the faster you respond the more helpful it is for everyone.  Often times slots are limited for auditions and the faster you respond the more likely you are to have a choice that works for your schedule. Letting them know you can’t do a particular audition is as helpful as letting them know you can. Clients and casting directors request certain talent and often provide back up options in case their first choices are not available.  If you can’t do an audition and let your agent know as soon as possible they can move on to someone who may be available. I have found that having a special alert set up for my agents email address and phone number gets my attention and I can respond sooner rather than later. And a couple of reminders....make sure your voicemail isn’t full..and that you have all the email addresses for the agents that contact you set to safe senders. Nothing like finding that audition or booking request a week late in your junk or spam folder or an agent trying to reach you and not being able to leave a message. And if you have a voicemail from your agent listen to it before calling back..often there will be important info you will be asked about when you respond and you’ll also know who it is that called. I can’t tell you how may times I have picked up the phone and heard “someone called me” my response “did you listen to the message?” Then I hear “no, I just saw I got a call”.  This saves time for everyone and you’re more prepared to answer questions your agent many have.

2.  Be prepared
Your agent will give you as much information as possible for each audition they schedule you for so make sure to read through everything. I can’t tell you how many times I received emails or phone calls from talent with questions that were already answered in the email confirmation that I sent. Make sure to work on the script if there is one or look at the storyboard, if provided, to help orient yourself before the audition. Show up a little early to the audition because things change from the initial info and also there is usually paperwork to fill out. Making the casting process easier for those running it by being prepared and on time is a huge advantage for you as a talent. Of course things happen, traffic, work conflicts etc but as much as possible try and control the things you can. If you are running late or unable to make an audition always contact your agent so they can let the casting people know since they are expecting you. When you have to miss an audition it can be unavoidable but know that it limits the options your agency has sent for the audition. Every talent agency wants to book their talent and they have the best chance of doing that when you show up!

3.  Contacting Your Agent
I have heard talent say I think they have forgotten about me.  I can say that isn’t true.  You may go for long stretches of time without an audition but that doesn’t mean you haven’t been submitted for an audition it just means you haven’t been requested or selected for a particular audition. It is always in the best interest of the agency to submit all the talent they represent that fit the specs for a particular audition because they want to book their talent.  When you reach out to your agent have something new for them, an email that just says “hey, got any work for me” doesn’t always stand out.  You completed a class?, workshop?, have new headshots?, a new reel?, you’re in a stage production? Those are all great ways to update your agent.  Also always make sure if you’re going to be out of town to let your agent know because then they won’t submit you for something and then request you for an audition only to discover that you aren’t around.  Another big one is an address change, new phone number or email address...alway make sure your agent has the most up to date contact info for you.