A talent agent recognizes what gets their client to the top of the A-list in their trade. Here’s how to become an agent.

Do You Need a College Degree to Become a Talent Agent?

Skilled talent agents recognize talent and know what will put their clients at the top of their particular trades. In movies, we call this the A-list.

Being a talent agent is a demanding job for any newcomer to the film industry. This field requires knowledge of marketing, law, promotions, and public relations.

It would be best to have a college degree, at least an AA in marketing. Most successful talent agents hold a degree in business law.

A talent agent may represent various people with specific talents. The most common, of course, are actors, but others who work with talent agents include models, singers, musicians, directors, screenwriters, authors, and professional athletes.

“Being a star is an agent’s dream, not an actor’s.” Robert Duvall

Is Beind an Agent Like Ari Gold in Entourage?

Whether or not being a talent agent is like Ari Gold in Entourage, it is crucial to know that the entertainment business is all about the “business.”

If you want to be a talent agent, you need to be dedicated and willing to work hard and be a part of the business of making movies, taking in sports, or reading a lot of scripts. Whatever niche you pick, make sure you love it to death and are willing to support your clients for blood.

How Does a Talent Agency Work?

Talent agents usually pick a talent to work with and stick with that type throughout their careers. Many choose to work exclusively with children, professional athletes, or authors. Some work with television series actors, commercial actors or film actors, or high-profile celebrities.

The larger agencies create package deals with studios where they include the actor, screenwriter, and director clients in the same movie production deal.

The larger talent agencies provide training programs, called internships, for individuals interested in a career as a talent agent. At first, the agency requires the intern to do errands and paperwork; there’s very little to do with working directly with talent.

“I wish to be cremated. One-tenth of my ashes shall be given to my agent, as written in our contract.” Groucho Marx

Successful Talent Agents Learn the Rules

When you join a talent agency, it is very wise to learn the rules of the land. You need to find out the dos and don’ts of the group. You do not want to step on anyone’s toes or make a blunder that could cost the agency money and reputation.

When an agency hires you, you begin as an assistant. The agency assigns you to an experienced agent, and you help them with their clients. How long you are in that position depends on how hard you work and how well you get along with other people in the agency. If you have a speciality like law or public relations, you can move up relatively soon, within a year or two.

What Does a Talent Agent Do?

Here are the everyday tasks an agency does:

• Meet with current or potential clients to find out what type of talent they need for their upcoming projects and make talent suggestions.
• Promoting talent to different clients through networking and public relations is primary in setting up auditions and jobs.
• Schedule or book appointments to attract talent. Regulations and appropriate working hours need to be adhered to by the agent and agency.
• Market the talent agency itself to obtain more talent. Procuring talent is a very competitive aspect of an industry town. So, keep your wits about you.
• Collect fees due upon booking of auditions or securing talent. Billing requires a 30-day cycle.
• Arrange classes and workshops, such as voice, acting, and specialized training, so that the talent can advance in their craft.

Agencies Keep Track of Residuals

A friend of mine heard a commercial she starred in went regional, which should have meant more pay (residuals) for her as an actor. Without an agent, it would have been trying for her to prove the increase in residuals.

She contacted her agent and explained to him what had happened. He immediately called the company responsible and got her residuals plus penalty fees. The agent earned his 10% fee, as well.

An agency’s job is to keep track of its clients’ residuals. Clients should receive residuals each time a commercial, TV, or movie airs on a network, cable, or streaming outlet.

“Every time I try to retire or even think of retiring from acting, my agent comes up with a script.” Anthony Hopkins

Differences Between “Union” and “Non-Union” Towns

In “union towns,” union agencies are registered with the unions and follow the rules as established by the organization. Working for a union agency is the ideal way to go because everyone in the business is on the same page. Study the union rules on your own: the right way is the union way.

Non-union agencies are not regulated, so they operate under different rules than union agencies. They can throw you a curve and present you with unexpected situations.

Your options are limited when looking for work as a talent agent in a non-union or non-industry town. Try locating and listing the agencies within a 100-mile radius. Meet with each owner or manager and explore how you can assist the agency. Ask to intern for three months and then be considered for a permanent position.

Is Being a Talent Agent for You?

I don’t think being an agent is a cushy job. It takes hard work and dedication to work with the talent you support to the core. It’s also a people-person job that requires handholding and knowing when to offer sound advice to your client.