Quick Answer
Upgrading to a better acting agent is crucial for taking your career to the next level, but it requires strategy and preparation. Research top talent agencies in your market and look at who represents actors at your level. Build up your resume with strong credits and training, then start making connections with target agents through referrals, networking events, leveraging your team, and persistent direct submissions. When you get a meeting, wow them with polished headshots, resumes, reels, online profiles, audition skills, career vision, and charisma. If signed, get the agreement in writing, align expectations, make a gradual transition, leverage connections, and be a model client. Maximize the relationship through communication, appreciation, continuously improving skills, seeking testimonials, and giving referrals. Be prepared to navigate challenges like politics and less hand-holding. With the right moves, upgrading representation can get you bigger auditions and opportunities to grow your success exponentially.
Introduction
An actor's representation has an enormous influence on their career opportunities and success. As an actor's resume and skills grow, it often becomes necessary to upgrade from a smaller, introductory agent to a more established agent with greater connections, resources and clout in the industry. This allows the actor to be considered for bigger auditions, roles and projects that can elevate their success and visibility to new levels.
However, upgrading talent agents is a challenging strategic process. It requires careful preparation, relationship building, and an understanding of how to catch the attention of top agents who receive volumes of submissions. Actors must demonstrate to prospective new agents that they have the credentials and upside potential worthy of high-level representation.
This comprehensive guide provides crucial tips and advice for actors seeking to upgrade to more prominent talent agents to maximize their careers. It covers the full process - from researching top agencies and agents to target, building your resume to appeal to them, making connections and submissions, signing with new representation, and maintaining a strong relationship long-term. Common challenges and pitfalls are also addressed.
Upgrading your acting representation is a pivotal milestone in building a successful career in the entertainment industry. Use the knowledge and best practices in this detailed resource to help you navigate this transition smoothly and start reaping the benefits of having a well-connected industry agent propelling your trajectory to new heights. The steps ahead on the path to your acting dreams will be much more smooth and fruitful when guided by the right agent partnership.
Researching Top Agencies And Agents
The first step is identifying potential agents and agencies to target for upgrading. There are a number of ways to find the top agencies and agents that represent actors in your type and level:
Look at Who Represents Actors You Admire
Make a list of actors whose careers you'd like to emulate. Search databases like IMDbPro to find out who represents those actors. Make note of agencies that represent multiple actors you admire in your type. Those are agencies you can target.
Utilize Agency Directories
Check industry directories like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences agent directory and Theatrical Agents Directory where many top agencies list their agents along with their specialties and client rosters. Search for agents who specalize in your type.
Talk to Your Acting Peers
Speak with other actors who are around your same career level and have recently upgraded their representation. Ask how they did it and see if they have any referrals or advice on agents to approach. Your peers will have great insider knowledge.
Research Top Agencies for Your Market
Google search for lists of top talent agencies in your primary market (Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, etc). Check industry publications for agency rankings or "power lists". Make a list of the top 5-10 agencies in your region.
Look for Agent Panels at Events
Many acting industry events and conferences have panels with agents from top agencies. Attend those panels to see which agents might be a good fit for you. Introduce yourself afterward and start making connections.
Building Your Acting Credentials
The next key step is making sure your acting resume and credentials are ready to appeal to a higher caliber of agent. As you research potential agencies, look at the level of actors they represent and then make sure you have comparable credits and training. Things top agents may look for:
Television and Film Credits
Having lead or significant supporting roles in television shows and indie films will help give you more leverage in upgrading agents. Focus on getting more work on bigger sets with higher profile projects.
Theater Credentials
Starring roles, strong regional theater credits and training from respected acting conservatories are key. Highlight awards, recognition and strong reviews.
Special Skills
Unique special skills like accents, musical ability, dance/movement skills, martial arts and more can give you an advantage in the agent search.
Social Media Presence and Materials
Agents will evaluate your headshots, reel and online presence. Be sure these are very competitive with the level of clients the agent has. Invest in pro photography, editing and coaching.
Personality and Marketability
Top agents look for actors who are talented but also easy to work with and marketable. Leadership roles, a "brand", and charisma can help.
Making The Initial Connections
Once you've built up your acting resume and identified potential target agents, it's time to start making connections. Be persistent and utilize all options to get your materials seen:
Look for Referrals From Your Current Agent
Have an honest talk with your current agent and see if they will refer you to agents at bigger agencies that they have relationships with. A referral gives you instant credibility.
Network With Clients of the Target Agents
Try to connect and build relationships with actors who are clients of your target agents. Politely ask them to facilitate an introduction or pass your materials along.
Attend Industry Events Where Agents Will Be
Look for acting industry panels, mixers, showcases or other events where your target agents will be attending. Introduce yourself in person. Follow up afterward with an email reminder of meeting them.
Leverage Your Acting Teachers and Coaches
Respected acting coaches who have a lot of students may have connections at major agencies they can utilize to help get your foot in the door.
Sign With a Manager First
Getting a high-profile manager before getting a new agent can give you leverage in upgrading. Managers may have established relastionships to tap into.
Consider Paying for a Service
Services like Actors Access, Actors Link and NYC Talent Connect can facilitate introductions and submissions directly to major agents for a fee.
Submit Directly Yourself
Don't be afraid to submit directly to an agent at your target agency through their website, with a referral in the subject line if possible. Follow up persistently.
Nailing Your Submission
Once you've gotten an agent's attention and secured a submission or meeting, you need to nail your presentation to wow them. Make sure you have these acting career assets ready to impress:
A Strong Headshot and Resume
Your physical headshot needs to be professional, reflective of your acting type and consistent with the level of clients at your target agency. Bring nicely printedhard copies to any meetings.
An Updated Online Acting Profile
Your profiles on IMDBPro and Actors Access should be claimed, have a nice professional headshot and showcase your best credits. Pro Tip: Purchase the IMDbPro star meter to increase your perceived clout.
A Reel Showcasing Your Ability
Don't overedit your reel--agents want to see raw acting. Include your strongest work and any unique skills like accents or athleticism. Bring an iPad with your reel ready to play.
A Memorable Audition Piece
Have a 60-90 second contemporary dramatic monologue ready that shows emotion and range. Rehearse extensively with your acting coach beforehand.
A Clear Vision for Your Career
Be prepared to talk about your career objectives, dream acting roles and how you see your trajectory developing over the next few years. Show initiative and self awareness.
Social Media Pages That Stand Out
Make sure your Instagram, TikTok and other social media channels where agents may look present you as polished, charasmatic and talented. Have some great professional content and engaged followers.
Signing With A New Agent
Congratulations! If your submission goes well and an agent offers to sign you, there are important steps to take:
Get the Agreement in Writing
Do not start working with a new agent without a written representation agreement detailing their services, commission and termination terms. Have a lawyer review it.
Discuss Expectations Up Front
Have a very clear and direct discussion about what each of you expects from the representation relationship. Share your career goals and ask how they plan to help achieve them.
Make a Gradual Transition
It may be necessary to slowly phase out your current agent as you start working with your new agent. Be highly professional and ethical in navigating this. Keep communicating.
Leverage Their Connections
Ask your new agent to facilitate introductions to important CDs, producers, directors that could lead to auditions. Make connections a key priority early on.
Book Them Clients
Help your new agent grow their client roster by referring serious acting peers in your network who might be a fit for their agency. A great referral goes a long way.
Be a Model Client
Establish yourself as an ideal client by being prepared for auditions, following professional protocols and being very pleasant to work with. Your reputation will spread quickly through the agency.
Troubleshooting Potential Challenges
While upgrading agents can benefit your acting career immensely, there are also potential pitfalls to be aware of. Use caution and patience to navigate any issues:
Higher Commissions
Be prepared that your new agent may take a 15-20% commission vs. the 10% an introductory agent took. But more bookings can offset the higher percentage rate.
Less Personal Attention
Boutique agencies provide a lot of personal guidance. Large agencies with big rosters can mean less direct access and attentiveness from your actual agent.
Office Politics and Cliques
Understand that agents at prestigious firms compete internally and play office politics. Don't get caught up in any drama--stay focused on your own career.
Less Feedback on Auditions
Top agents may have huge rosters and book very quickly. You may not get much specific feedback after your auditions. Supplement by hiring an acting coach.
Potential Focus on Bigger Named Clients
Keep in mind that agents have to prioritize working major clients who pay their bills. Don't take it personally if you don't get as much focus early on. Just keep delivering great auditions and bookings yourself.
Pressures to Book Quickly
Don't get anxious if you don't immediately start booking right away after signing. Have realistic expectations, keep training hard and stay persistent. Momentum will come.
Maintaining The Relationship Long Term
Once you've succeeded in upgrading your representation, the focus becomes maintaining a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with your new agent over time. Some best practices:
Communicate Regularly
Set up a cadence for check-in calls and meetings. Share what you're up to and strategize together often. Make time to bond as people too.
Send Gifts and Thank Your Agent
Gift your agent nice things like food, gift cards or treats around the holidays or when you book a big job. Show major appreciation.
Don't Take the Agent for Granted
Never get complacent or take your agent's hard work for granted. Nurture the relationship consistently and go above and beyond to make their job easier.
Continue Growing Your Skills
Keep training hard, adjusting your materials and improving even after you have a great agent. Successful, ambitious actors never stop honing their craft.
Request Client Testimonials
As you succeed in booking great roles, ask your agent if they'd be willing to provide a testimonial on their experience representing you. Blurb from them can help a lot.
Give Referrals to Grow Their Client Base
Help your agent grow their roster by regularly referring actors you believe in who would benefit from their representation and are a fit.
Support Your Agent's Other Clients
Support your agent's other clients by attending their plays/films, sharing their projects on social media and making positive introductions. A rising tide lifts all boats.
When It May Be Time To Move On Again
Ideally an upgraded agent relationship will be long, successful and mutually rewarding. But there are cases where you may eventually decide to move on to another representative. Signs it may be time for another change:
Your career has significantly outgrown your current agent's connections and sphere of influence
You find out your agent is spreading themselves too thin with an unsustainably large roster
Your agent lacks personal passion for championing you and your projects
You've hit a plateau where your agent has failed to secure auditions and opportunities to help you progress
Your agent prioritizes politics over just doing their best for your career
Communications have broken down and you just do not have an effective working rapport
Preparing Your Finances Before Upgrading Agents
Research what higher commission rates major agents typically charge
Make sure you have savings to withstand periods of not booking jobs right away
Project your income and expenses to adapt to higher commissions on bookings
Consider getting a side job or part-time work to have a stable income stream
Signing With A Boutique Agency First
Boutique agencies can be a stepping stone between smaller agents and the majors
They may have connections at bigger agencies to help you eventually upgrade
You can build your resume with a boutique agency repping you before going to a top agency
Boutique agents may give you more personal attention initially
Handling Pushback From Your Current Agent
Be prepared for resistance, hurt feelings or passive aggressiveness
Reassure them the move is just the next step in your career growth
Give them ample notice and transition period before formally switching
Offer to connect them with any actor friends seeking new representation
Adjusting To The Culture Of A New Agency
Each agency has its own culture and politics. Observe and learn the dynamics before engaging.
Figure out the hierarchy and which agents have real influence
Identify power alliances and cliques you may need to navigate
Don't talk poorly about past agents - stay positive
Deciding When To Start Pursuing A New Agent
Look at how long actors similar to you typically stay with the same agent
Set career milestone goals and timeframes for reevaluating your representation
If you've plateaued for a period with your current agent, consider a change
Avoid changing agents frequently - loyalty is valued
Tactfully Informing Your Current Agent
Set up a meeting or call to share your decision respectfully
Give them notice well ahead of formally changing representation
Explain your reasons diplomatically, focusing on career growth vs dissatisfaction
Offer to be a resource and recommend clients to replace you
Transition outstanding submissions or auditions in progress ethically
Selecting Your New Agency Carefully
Look beyond brand name - fit and rapport are crucial
Make sure the agency has infrastructure to support your career needs
Ask current clients about the agency's culture and internal politics
Request a trial period or short-term contract at first to ensure it's a fit
Avoiding Unsavory Agents and Scams
Be wary of agents who demand upfront fees - this is prohibited
Look for legitimate listed credentials and client rosters
Ask around to vet agent reputations before signing
Never provide personal sensitive information/funds before vetting
| Stage | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Researching Agents |
|
| Building Credentials |
|
| Making Connections |
|
| Nailing Submission |
|
| Signing with New Agent |
|
| Troubleshooting Challenges |
|
| Maintaining Relationship |
|
| When to Move On |
|
| Preparing Finances |
|
| Signing with Boutique Agency First |
|
Conclusion
An actor's relationship with their talent agent is one that should evolve over time as both parties grow and change. As your career progresses, it is important to continually reevaluate whether your current agent still remains the best fit to represent you and meet your needs at each new stage.
The agent who was perfect when you were just starting out may not have the connections and expertise to keep propelling you forward years later at a higher level. As your resume and skills grow, your representation should grow as well. Upgrading to agents at larger, more prestigious agencies is often necessary to keep accessing greater opportunities.
However, this does not mean you must constantly be switching agents. There is also value in loyalty and establishing long-term relationships. You want to find representation that can somewhat grow with you over multiple career levels, making upgrades only when absolutely necessary to keep advancing. With care and communication, many agents are open to bringing on team members and expanding resources in order to continue representing talent as they achieve more success.
The key is maintaining frequent and transparent communication with your agent about your career goals and vision for the future. Be willing to have candid discussions about what each of you expects from the partnership. Provide regular feedback on how your agent can better meet your needs. As long as your values, priorities and working relationship remain well aligned, there is no reason to abandon that agent partnership prematurely.
Upgrading talent representatives is all about finding the ideal alignment between your career stage and goals, and your agent's connections, resources and commitment to you. Continually evaluate this balance, and make measured decisions to change representation only when there is a major divergence that is hindering your opportunities. With the right agent partnerships in place for each phase, you will be well-equipped to maximize your full acting potential.