Talent Agencies
A broad overview of talent agencies
Talent agencies can help open that door for you. A talent agency, by definition, is a business that obtains employment for artists. An artist can be one who performs in movies, radio, television, production, or a model. If you are new to the circuit, some advice helps, along with introductions, interviews, readings, etc. Talent agencies offer exposure to new artists and help maintain contact with veteran artists. Once you are in, it is all about networking.
How it all works
Most talent agencies have an online presence or a directory of some sort. This can be used as a tool for actors, producers, casting directors and talent scouts. A person can post their headshot and a basic profile with resume for free most of the time. A more in-depth profile including things like voiceovers, multiple headshots and video reels will cost you more. When directors come calling, they are free to search through the database to find the right person for job. That is how you are discovered.
Another way these talent agencies help is to just get your name out there in general. They can post on the internet so that if someone were to Google your name it would come up very high on the list. They also convert demo reels, voiceover reels and headshots to a format which can be distributed on the internet and, as we all know, the power of the internet is astounding. There is nothing it cannot do.
Associations
Most talent agencies are members of larger associations. Over the years, as creative unions merged, each one was eager to keep that formal relationship between members and agents who represented them. The association serves as a way for them to continue coming together. Associations are basically a bargaining partner. They help out with issues such as contract representation, dispute resolution, conflict of interest issues, copyrights, tax issues and oral contract disputes. Associations act as regulators for the different agencies. Kind of a checks and balances system to make sure the agent is not getting rich while the talent is doing all the work and living off of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
One of the largest associations is the Association of Talent Agents, based out of Los Angeles. They are said to represent about 90% of working artists. For years the ATA has helped to negotiate agreements with groups such as the Screen Actors Guild, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Writers Guild of America. They have actively regulated representation between artists and agents in the motion picture, radio, television and literary industries for 67 years.
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