Agents VS Consultants - The Difference

Disclaimer : This Blog has been written with a particular WA flavour, however other readers may find some of the information useful.

For those of you how may not know, there are two types of Casting Services;

1. Casting Agents

Casting Agents represent the 'Actor'. It is through an agent that an actor will most likely learn of new projects and audition prospects. As long as the Agent has the right contacts, and any legit one should, they will be notified through either Casting Consultants or Production Companies.

2. Casting Consultants

Effectively, these are Casting Agents for the Production Companies. They are regularly used to act as a go between for the PC, contacting the local Casting Agencies, Screening possible talent and then consulting with the Director to cull the list down.

Each state will have a couple of Casting Consultants at least. WA has two.
http://www.anniemmcasting.com.au/
http://www.jccasting.com.au/

These Consultants do not represent actors except through a third-party Agency, or Manager.

JC Casting in particular has a very useful resource for Perth Talent which I think everyone should check out.
http://www.jccasting.com.au/industry_info.htm
* Please note that JC Casting does not endore agents listed through this link

Other Casting Consultants around Australia -
NSW/Vic - http://www.mullinars.com.au/consult.html
Eastern States and New Zealand http://www.maurafay.com.au/casting/casting_frameset.html