An agent who attempts to negotiate employment contracts on behalf of a professional actor or performer is known as an actors’ representative or actors’ rep. An actors’ rep, like other types of agents, is usually paid on commission, which means that the rep is paid a percentage of the actor’s salary or an upfront fee. Some reps work for major acting agencies, while others are self-employed.
The first step in an actor’s rep’s career is when the rep agrees to represent a specific performer’s business interests. Some agents go to drama schools to try to negotiate representation agreements with students who want to be professional actors. Other reps make contact with experienced professionals and offer to help them find work. A successful actors’ rep typically works with a variety of different actors, though some experienced reps with extensive industry contacts charge high commissions and only represent the interests of a few prominent actors.
Open casting calls are held frequently television (TV) and theater companies, during which actors can audition for parts. An agent for actors must be aware of any upcoming casting calls and make arrangements for his or her clients to attend. The agent will explain the nature of the production to the actors and may even provide them with sample scripts and excerpts from other plays to read during the audition. Some agents try to increase their client’s chances of landing a part contacting producers or directors ahead of time, either before or after the audition. Many agents put together portfolios for their clients, which include photos of the actors as well as reviews of previous productions in which they have appeared; these portfolios are occasionally given to casting directors.
While some production companies hold open auditions, many prefer to cast their shows casting well-known actors directly. In such cases, the casting director usually contacts the actor’s agent and informs them of the production process as well as the amount of money the actor can expect to receive. On behalf of their clients, reps accept or reject job offers. Before accepting a role, the agent must negotiate the actor’s pay, and in some cases, negotiations fail because a wage cannot be agreed upon.
An actor’s representative is responsible for promoting his or her clients in addition to assisting them in finding work. Arranging interviews with actors or guest appearances on TV shows is one example. Clients’ representatives can also negotiate endorsement deals and advertising contracts on their behalf, though these deals are typically made with seasoned professionals rather than inexperienced performers.