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Question:How do you get an agent?? Are they expensive? What do they do?? Why do you need one?? How do you find one? Will they actually help??

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: How do you get an agent?? Are they expensive? What do they do?? Why do you need one?? How do you find one? Will they actually help??

Getting an agent is a critical step along the path of any creative career. They take 10% of your gross income, and it is well, well worth it. The most important thing about an agent is that he/she can get people to pick up the phone. Producers, casting directors, and studios will take phone calls from established agents, but will laugh in the face of an unknown actor or other creative person.

So an agent gets you auditions by working the phone and gathering information. Once you nail an audition and get a part, an agent is again valuable because he/she negotiates your deal, and WILL get more money and perks because of an already established reputation as a negotiator.

Finally, an agent works behind the scenes to make sure that the producers of whatever film you're working on don't screw you out of the little perks in your contract trying to save a buck. They represent your interests in a town and an industry that doesn't give a **** about you.

One additional function of an agent CAN BE to give advice and help you build a career rather than just land a single role or project. This function is also often filled by a MANAGER, who is like an agent, except usually less well-known, and with fewer clients who he/she manages on a more full-time basis.

Getting an agent is both very easy and almost impossible. That is, it's impossible to get an agent from outside the business, unless you are one of the most good-looking people on earth and can sell yourself with a headshot. Agents look for new clients in commercials, small roles in independent films, and, most importantly, THROUGH THE RECOMMENDATION OF SOMEONE WHO IS ALREADY A CLIENT.

Beware the blood-sucking AGENT WANNA-BES. There are plenty of "agents" in this town who will represent anyone under the sun...but most of them won't do you any good. Before signing with any agent, ask him for a list of his clients...If an agent doesn't have at least a client or two you have heard of, or who has a substantial body of work on IMBD, chances are the agent is worthless. Also, NEVER, EVER pay an agent any kind of upfront fee. Any legitimate agent who wants to represent you will do so on a contingency basis.

You get an agent by doing research and being a well proposed and experienced or talented actor, which also requires a resume & headshot to mail to them.
You should never pay money to an agent, but they take between 5-20% of what you make depending on the job. You need one if you're serious about acting and need some well-paying experienced jobs. Find one by asking other actors in your area, or at auditions. You can also search "acting (or talent) agents in your area on google or another casting website where they might be listed (or look them up in the phone book). Reliable ones will help you a lot, you can also get a manager to find work for you.