Talent Agencies

So, at that stage, it was quite a journey for you. It likely took you 6 to 12 months to get here, and you're ready to pursue your acting career. But there's one more thing ... the person who has the license to ... get you the job ... the agent. 

Before you start

Talent agencies in British Columbia also act as talent management companies. They need to be licensed and take 15% of what you earn - when you earn.

• If someone claims to be a "talent agent" and asks you for money ... run.  

• If anyone claims they can get you an agent for cash ... run. 

• If anyone guarantees you'll get an agent if you take their coaching ... run.

What do I need to submit to the acting agency in British Columbia?

You should always check the agency's website for detailed instructions on what is expected for submission, but generally, for most agencies, you'll the follwing:

• Two headshots that match your character types

• Two contrasting scenes or a demo reel

• Resume specifying your experience and training 

• Cover letter

How to find an agency in British Columbia?

A personal referral and recommendation is the best way to find an agent. Talent agencies operating in British Columbia must be licensed, and the official list is provided by the provincial government. But the list contains many entries and does not specify if the talent agency specializes in actors/commercials/background/voice/theatre/dance etc. You have to do the research. And the best way to do the research is going to the IMDBPro, a professional, commercial service for people from the industry that allows you to check the roster of the specific agency. Please do your homework, learn about the agency before sending your submission, and check their listing to find out how many people of your looks the agency already has on their roster. Find the right match for you. Don't just mass spam agencies with your headshots, research first. Please note though, if the agency only focuses on commercials, it'll not be listed on the IMDBPro. 

What should I write in a cover letter to a Talent Agency?

The cover later has to be short, concise and professional.

• In the first paragraph, you should introduce yourself, and if someone referred you to the specific talent agent, mention it. If you know anyone from the industry who can put their name behind you and they're ok with this, please mention them. 

• In the second paragraph, mention your best work, credits, and possibly education.

• In the third paragraph, describe your character types and why you've decided to apply for this specific agency.

• In the fourth paragraph, mention your skills.

• In the fifth paragraph, specify the link to your demo reel, website etc.

Sign it 

How long should I wait?

10 business days are standard in British Columbia. It usually takes 3 days to get confirmation that the materials got received. But if you do not hear from the agency within two weeks, you can assume that your materials were reviewed and considered non-suitable. When you're looking for an agent, no news is usually bad news. 

What to ask an agent at an interview?

It's exciting to get signed with an agent, but the interview is a two-way conversation. Before you sign anything, ask the potential agent some questions:

• Why are you an agent. what do you like about this job?

• How many clients does your agency represent and how many do you represent?

• How many actors of the same type do you represent?

• Do you like my current headshots, if not what would you suggest?

• What is your strategy for developing talent?

What agent will ask You at an interview?

Depending on your age and experience, you must also be prepared to answer some questions as well.

• Why do you act?

• What do you like doing in your free time?

• Would you rather hang out with friends/play or go to the set?

• Which casting directors do you know?

• What roles would you like to audition for?

• What do you wish to achieve in 3 months?

• What do you wish to achieve in 6 months?

• What do you wish to achieve in a year?

• What have you done for your career within the last 3 months?

• What have you done to push your career forward in the last month?

• Who is your favourite actor/actress and why?

• What is your favourite movie and why?

• Which professional portals and social networks do you have accounts on?

Why do agencies reject candidates?

Many agencies will not even respond to your email or acknowledge that they've received your submission. Only the biggest agencies do that, nothing personal or entirely personal if you think about it. It is a competitive market. There are 10k actors in British Columbia. Agencies get hundreds of submissions weekly, and only a few new clients can have on a roster to do their job effectively. The common reason is that the agent would conflict with someone already on their roster. If the agency already has someone that looks like you on the roster, then a choice will need to be made about which person to send for casting. Some agencies only work with adult actors. Some agencies are not keen to take a development client (non-working actor or actor without substantial credits). Some agencies only deal with actors that are members of the union. Then, maybe your headshots are not great, or the scenes you've sent with your submission need a little more work. Regardless, keep trying unless you hear a definitive "No" - try again in 6 or 12 months - after you update your headshots, skills, credits and demo reel. Don't give up if you're trying and committed to getting into acting, and nothing can stop you. In this business, you'll hear "No" many more times than you year "Yes," and the same applies to the representation.