Agents

I have a feeling this was discussed a few months back, but can anyone tell me which is the best agency to go with for actors, please?

Thanks,
Jess

Where in Australia are you refering to?

Having asked that question of other people, I totally forgot about that bit. I'm in Perth.
Ta very muchly.

In all honesty, it is rather unfair to state if one agent is better than another. Certain people have more luck with one than another. Sometimes it's a matter of timing.

However, here are some well reputed ones I know of. Anyone else, feel free to add to the list;

Frog Managment
Actors Managment
Impressions Talent Management

I did a search through the yellow pages and found more, but some of them maybe more modelling than actting. Some are more TV than theatre, etc.

Have a ring around and ask about their primary area of focus and general services. Are you required to attend a course to get on the books? Do you need professional photographs? etc Upfront costs involved are a big issue.

Jeff

As a Followup to my post, it is not the agent that is either good or bad. It is how hard you make them work for you.

I have been a lazy Bugger when it comes to touching base with agents, and now here I am working at the Ministery of Justice worlds away from theatre where my heart still is.

Oh well.

Push you agent. Make them know you actually exist. Show how eager you are, then show them some more....

Jeff

Also, you should note that whilst agents are pretty much the only way of getting the scraps of TV/film work that come through Perth, (and you can get handy-cash gigs supernumeroing for Opera WA etc) most professional theatre roles are not gained through agents. Having said that, Deckchair and a few of the companies do regularly have wide casting calls through the agencies. 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,

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

Thanks all, that gives me a bit more of an idea of what to look for/expect and all that jazz.

Jess

Hi Jess,

I'm from Perth also, and I was wondering about Agents. I have been to Actors Management, i went there for a couple of months and had to leave just before the end of year play (and I got the lead role! dam!) just with our class, so I'm not sure if I was even a registered actor or anything, it was all really confusing to me. I would love to go back but am not sure which is the best place in Perth because there is barely anything filmed here, so I would love to know which agency gets most of the small amount of filming/acting opportunities.
Please email me at (so_tired88@msn.com) and let me know what agent you decided to join! (I probably won't find this site again, so please email rather than post back) And what you think of it? :) Thanks! Good Luck!!!

Katherine