Agents

Craig wrote:

"...I guess you have to remember that all an agent can do is forward your cv/show-reel and maybe talk you up a bit - they can't make people cast you, or for that matter make the casting director decide you are even worthwhile auditioning..."

In my case, when casting, the process is a collaboration between myself and the agents. I usually come up with a list of the actors I think will be most suitable but am always prepared to listen to the agents and negotiate, particularly as new people are joining the actors' agencies on a regular basis and I may not yet have had a chance of seeing them perform. The main limitation is often time, where there are not as many places for auditions as what we would like.

I'd also like to add that anyone intending to join an agency should ask plenty of questions beforehand, such as whether there is any payment involved (and to my knowledge, agents are not allowed to charge for joining); if photos are required and how much they will cost; what commission the agent will take, what the actor's responsibilities will be and what the agent's responsibilities will be. It's a joint venture so both parties should take on some responsibility.

Just a few thoughts
Jenni