Agencies HELP

[BWilson12]

Hi all I am so confused.

So we are looking for agencies. I have been part of so many agencies in my short time, NGL I have managed to book more myself than an agency has, BUT I still want to be represented professionally.

I have been with some whom we won't name by none have worked for us!!! It's not be bad mouthing them they just haven't worked for us.

We were doing some research on new agencies that have busy actors, established actors and Agencies you can trust. We would like an agency that's very kind and professional and obviously happy to answer any sort of queries we have, including submitting us for lots of work and although none can guarantee work I at least want to be in contact with the agent and get castings.

We have withered it down to a few agencies:

• Mark Jermin Management- seems to have a VERY busy client base, based in Wales but obviously have no experience with them so any advice would be fantastic. Their Kids have featured on John Lewis, ITV, BBC, to name a few.

• TTa Kids, they have a adult and children so siblings could apply for the Kids division

• Curtis Brown- seems to be top in the UK! But their clients are VERY busy. Any advice would be spectacular.

• Allen and Abel- they have a very small client base, but their actors are with ITV, BBC, Sky and so much more.

• Sylvia Young Agency - heard this was a VERY old and VERY established but that might mean they'd re established and get work, I dunno!?

• Kitsch Talent - Don't know anything about this agency but their clients have been on the BBC, YT, Lego etc any advice would be fantastic on this... It's a boutique so seems to be quite small, which might make it harder to get in. Their client base doesn't seem to be as busy as TTA or Mark Jermin, but any advice would be amazing.

• Bondi Talent or Paris Talent Agency, both seem very good and their kids have a really large client base.

We are just really lost which one to apply for... I mean surely they are all good if they are on Spotlight or even open and their kids must get work, but I just wondering if anyone had any personal experience with MJ, Kitsch, TTA, Bondi or Paris Talent Agency so I can make some decisions and start applying.

Agencies are hard for us to choose. So many have let us down! Looking for some great agencies!!!

Okay, so the 19 year old is going to find it hard if they're not on Spotlight as most agents won't consider repping anyone without that.

To get Spotlight, they will need either drama school, or other qualifying courses, or two professional paid credits with contracts in TV/Film or Theatre or a character-led VO role. Without Spotlight it's pretty much impossible to be taken on by anyone decent.

https://www.spotlight.com/help-and-faqs/getting-started-as-a-spotlight-member-faqs/

For the 9 year old, unless they are training elsewhere, then Mark Jermin is your best bet as they have well regarded screen acting classes.

If they are training elsewhere, then any of AYPA agencies would be worth applying to. 9 is a good age to be looking.

The only costs you should be incurring for the 9 year old will be Spotlight (£118 a year iirc) and annual headshots.

Hi all I know this is about agencies, but we are with a reputable agency but need photos/headshot advice.

So for Headshots is it better to go with a spotlight recommended one, so a photographer on Spotlight, or a cheap one that does relatively good headshots. There's loads of independent ones in London but not sure what agencies prefer and what casting directors prefer.

It's so confusing!?

The way I do it is look at loads of headshots online and when I see ones that really stand out to me of actors who are a similar kind of look to my DD then I check who took the photos. Over the year it tends be the same few that my eye is drawn to. Look on IMDb to see what headshots people have there, or on agency books. Normally the photographer will be credited.

Headshots are the main thing a casting director will be seeing - they see that before they even click to look at your cv - so they need to be the very best you can come up with.

I've used a number of different ones over the years and at different price points. You only need 3-4 pic total. I generally budget around the £250-£350 mark.

Does your agent have a list of photographers they like? Headshots are an art - they're not the same as portraits or modelling shots, and it makes a huge difference working with someone who can make you feel comfortable, understands the casting world and the kind of projects you are likely to be seen for enough to guide you to getting the right shots.

@KindGuide , completely agree with all of OhCrumbsWHereNow's advice on choosing a headshot photographer.

In my experience, what you're paying for with the more expensive headshot photographers is more than just the photos, it's the whole package of planning a headshot session to get best range of images for your child. A top-end headshot photographer will consider your child's casting range, plan the sort of shots that are needed to match that, and help style the shots by advising on clothing and hair choices. The good news is that you can do a lot of that yourself and avoid the £400 price tag.

When agents submit a child for a job via Spotlight, they can only select one headshot to add to that submission, so they will choose the shot that best match the role (e.g. if it's a CBBC role, they'll select a happy smiley headshot rather than a moody brooding one). So the important thing is to get a set of headshots to match all the different sorts of roles your child is likely to be a good fit for (their casting range). Bare minimum is 2 headshots: one happy smiley shot (commercials, kids' TV) and one serious shot (dramas). Others to consider depending on age and look are: period , "villain" (bully, delinquent, etc), vulnerable, geek, hero/ine, clown/goofy.

Clothing shouldn't look like costume, but should fit the look you're going for (e.g. bright block colour T-shirt for happy smiley shot). You can be clever with clothing to make one shot suit multiple roles - for example, a collarless shirt on a boy + serious expression will fit period roles as well as modern dramas. Hairstyling should match clothing, but don't change the child's look so much that a casting director won't recognise them from their headshot when they walk into an in-person casting. No visible makeup, ever, in kids' headshots, and no jewellery apart from discreet earrings if ears are pierced. Most people say no hands visible in headshots because they're distracting.

A great headshot is one where the actors' gaze holds you - it's all about connecting via the eyes.

Need some advice on this situation.

What do you do when an agency is so finicky about photos and showreels and stuff my agent based up north of UK is just super finiky and rude imo. Like I spent £300 on Headshots in Manchester and all they did was moan! What should I do?

If they are finicky, then you ask what photographer they would like you to use and how they would like your child styled, and then you take that message with the details and show the photographer before the session starts.

if they are rude, you start looking for another agency imo.

Might be best to take a little time to settle if this has just happened, but if it’s ongoing and you’re feeling uncomfortable, then life is too short for that. Check your contract for the notice period and look for places that will be a better fit. Personally I wouldn’t jump until you can move smoothly from one to the other because children’s accounts on Spotlight deactivate when they are not represented, but the notice period in your contract may dictate whether that’s an easy option or not.

But do go back through what happened with the headshot shoot you booked. There are really only a small number of photographers who can legitimately command that sort of price for a headshot session. Did you do significantly more than just a few headshots or have you been taken advantage of by a photographer who may or may not take lovely shots, but doesn’t specifically shoot headshots for young actors? It’s easily done, so I would hope for an agent to put that politely and give you suggestions on where to go for high quality £50 shots, but there are certainly personalities who would be far more blunt.

Did they give you examples of what they want? Or do they have a relationship with a photographer and are sulking because you used someone else?

I have seen some terrible headshots over the years - out of focus, all the same with just a change of top, hands under chin, young teen girls with cleavage, young teen girls with make up (even lip gloss is a massive no-no), modelling shots rather than headshots etc.

Showreels - fine if you have actual production footage, but paid-for showreels are nearly always terrible. You are better off having an up-to-date decent self-tape (not something in production obvs) that shows your best work.

Agents all have different ideas though. I've always controlled DD's Spotlight and picked what goes on there. I send her agent my top 8 choices of headshot and they say which they like best (sometimes ask if I have something slightly different from what I've sent) but I've never had complaints. Others I have have agents who are incredibly controlling and prescriptive... some people like that, but def not for me.

I agree you should apply to all of them.

My DD was with an agency until it closed down. She had numerous featured artist roles in TV commercials, credited roles in Eastenders and been in two movies working with big stars (including Tom Holland who was simply the loveliest man you could ever meet). She has a VERY impressive CV, a unique look and is very talented.

Can’t get a new agent for love nor money because she’s 11 years old and 5’4”. She is the height of a 14/15 year old. Nobody is going to cast an 11 year old in a teen role which can be played by an out of licensing 16 year old.

It really sucks for her especially when those with an adult agency attached have all said once she’s 16 they will take her on. Five years is a looooong time to wait.

Yeh I agree 💯

It's so sad when agencies close down. What agency was it.

Also @ByWorthyBee @CatatonicLadybug @DibbleDooDah @KindGuide @OhCrumbsWhereNow do you recommend any agencies at all?

I looked and applied to some on the AYPA to mostly boutique like does that mean they are better if they are boutique or is it better to go with the main ones, obviously not Curtis Brown?

But some bigger ones? I don't know I don't understand this industry

For children stick to agencies who are in the AYPA.

To apply you will want:

• Clear in focus headshot - phone is fine, against a plain wall. No bows, jewellery, lipgloss or anything fussy.
• Tape of a monologue
• Tape of a song if they sing
• Film both on a phone in landscape against a blank wall. Head and shoulders in shot (use a tripod so you don’t wobble and make sure the lighting is good enough you can see them clearly.)
• Mini cv that details training, dance/music grades, previous professional credits.
• link to Spotlight if you have that.

Do not expect to hear back - agencies are inundated and generally only reply if they’re interested. In my experience if they are you tend to hear in hours or days but could be as long as a week.

Agencies basically want kids between 6-12 who are under 5ft, pre-pubescent, well trained and taking classes in singing/dancing/acting and who have a parent with a flexible job and the ability to buy train tickets to London with under 24 hours notice.

The older the child the harder it will be to get rep if you don’t have credits or are over 5ft. Unique look, in demand demographic can help.

13-16… don’t bother. You are better spending the money you save on headshots/Spotlight on high quality training as agents books are stuffed with deadzone teens and they won’t be looking to add to the dusty shelf where they’re all sat!

Over 16 and out of licence (last Friday in June of the academic year in which they turn 16), agencies are most interested if you have credits and are small and very young looking. 17 years but look 12… hooray! They will also want you to be able to drop everything if you book so no point if 6th form will refuse permission to disappear off and film.

Over-18… you really need to be Spotlight eligible. So if you don’t have the qualifying credits then you need to look at drama schools and look at getting rep after graduation, as any decent agency will want Spotlight before they will even consider your application.

In terms of finding adult agencies, I can’t recommend as it’s incredibly personal and what suits one actor may not suit another. We adore our current agency, but people come and go from different books all the time.

Basically you need to do a huge amount of research - find agents with gaps on their books. If you are a 5ft 4 red head and 19 then no point applying to an agency that already has 3 of them.

Unless you have seriously big credits then don’t bother with the top tier agencies. If you don’t understand the industry then you are definitely not ready for the big agencies - they will expect you to be able to hit the ground running and there’s no hand holding.

You need to check each agency for how they like to be approached and who you email etc. Each email should say why you want that agency and why you would be a good fit for them. Cut and paste jobs just get binned so worth taking time over this. If you haven’t heard in 2 weeks write it off and try some others. It’s a miserable, thankless task! Bit like self-tapes!

It’s a miserable situation - we got hit by Covid, then strikes and now DD is in deadzone. One more year to go, but it’s been a very long 6 years!

Agree with all of Crumbs’ points.

As to big or boutique, don’t make it out to be more than it is. Honestly I think the increase of the word ‘boutique’ is just a marketing rebrand so ‘small’ became a positive. The size our our agency would fall under this heading but they don’t call themselves boutique. Essentially they are too busy working on the real stuff to spend a lot of energy on marketing and I think there are probably quite a few agencies in the same market. Essentially if you go small or boutique, you have less internal competition. Our agent has just three boys with the same playing age as DS and all three look very different, have different accents, and different strengths. DS doesn’t need to be remembered to be submitted - they are going to put him forward for anything vaguely possible.

At a larger agency there would be more on the books to fit the brief, and larger agencies take one of two policies - some will submit everyone who fits; some will narrow it down on their end and just submit who they think fits best.

Honestly, I think you don’t worry about any of this. Not at all. Apply to the agencies, if you get multiple offers then take the one that feels the best. Remember their business is doing this stuff and just focus on supporting your child to be the best performer they can be.

Good luck!

Can anyone advise on Purple Giraffe, by any chance? How are they for a theatre kid? Not interested in commercial work, but stage work is a must.

@Risuchyan , no direct experience but Purple Giraffe has a pretty good reputation, though I’d say more for screen than stage work.

Bear in mind that it may not be realistic to expect you can avoid being submitted for commercial work. Commercials are where agencies make a lot of their income, and even kids who are with top agencies like Curtis Brown audition for adverts.

Hi All,

My DS, which is 12, is with an agency and the communication is not good. The agent takes days to reply to the simple questions and is never available for anything.
We were looking around and submitted to another agency which was quick to reply (too quick) and said they would like to represent him, however they have asked for a joining fee. From all my research it was clear that the agency should not ask for joining fees. When I called them, they have tried to convince me that actually this is standard though ALL agency state on their websites there is no joining fee, this one included :)

I wanted to ask those parents with experience if this is common, or I should run as this is a big scam?
The agency is very active on social media (which means nothing), however is hard to find their actual credentials. We have found it via a drama club with whom they are associated.

Any thoughts?

DD has had 4 agents in 11 years - we have never paid a joining fee or an admin fee.

Only thing we have ever paid for is Spotlight and annual headshots (and I use my choice of photographer while bearing in mind any agency recommendations).

There are a few legit talent agencies that do charge an admin fee but none of them are ones I would be interested in.

Often it seems to be for some website profile. Casting directors use Spotlight, they're not generally trawling through agency websites (that's for other parents/actors eyeing up the competition!). Once you have screen credits it's worth paying for IMDb Pro, but I wouldn't be interested in an agent having online profiles of their clients.

Be aware that at 12, children are approaching deadzone and so they're not of much interest to agencies unless they are tiny and prepubescent (and likely to stay that way for a few years), have existing good credits and/or a very unique look.

Same experience as Crumbs - we have been with two agencies and neither charged any fees and Spotlight and photos we pay for directly. I wouldn’t be interested in an agency that charges just to be on the books, and it seems like an idea that would encourage very big books to make profit off the fee. We have vastly preferred an agency with smaller books.

You are very much right to follow your gut and leave due to poor communication. It makes a huge difference to have an agent who communicates well and never makes you feel like you’re a pain or that you can’t ask questions. This was a total gamechanger for us when we went from agency one to agency two, and the best decision we could have made.

I agree with the previous posters that pressuring you to pay to join an agency is a big red flag, and I'd be looking elsewhere.

While you shouldn't have to put up with poor communication from an agent, moving agents may not be a realistic prospect with the industry in its current state unless your child already has an armful of high-profile screen or WE credits, has a very distinctive look, or is tiny and looks much younger than his actual age. The industry is really slow at the moment and there is very little work around, especially for those about to enter the teenage years. Frustrating though poor agent communication is, the alternative at the moment may be no agent at all.

My granddaughter has just been taken on by Goldmans. Does anyone have any knowledge? My daughter had a meeting with them and felt very reassured, but obviously, it would be good to know if anyone's had any experience.

Thank you @OhCrumbsWhereNow , @CatatonicLadybug @TheatreTaxi this is really helpful. We are at the beginning of the journey so we are learning and are ready to wait and learn in the next years, acknowledging that 12 is not the best age to start :)

How did it go for you? We are now doing the same. Headshots done. Any advice on how to pit the cv together? Also, did your child need a license to act from the local authority and approval from school?

How did it go for you? We are now doing the same. Headshots done. Any advice on how to put the cv together? Also, did your child need a license to act from the local authority and approval from school?

Hi we ended up going with Kitsch

By law, your child will need school permission and a licence until the last Friday in June of the academic year in which they turn 16.

But you don't need to worry about that until you book something.

Don't get professional headshots until you have an agent as they may have a preference. Headshots for acting are also very specific and you are best to get guidance from your agent on what they would like.

For applications, just send a short email outlining any training (Stagecoach, ballet classes, singing lessons), specific skills (amazing swimmer, play guitar, horse riding), and included age, date of birth, height and location. Make sure you research every agency and address email to the right person and give all the information they want. Most will ask you to send a short video of a monologue or singing so may be a good plan to get those done ahead of time.

Add a passport style photo of them (head and shoulders) looking straight at the camera. No hats, bows, poses and if a girl absolutely no make-up, lip gloss, mascara etc.

This is all assuming you want talent agencies rather than modelling (model agents will all have very specific requirements for the photos but they must be taken by you at home with no filters, no editing and in plain clothing and following their instructions).