The agent/ACTOR RELATIONSHIP

Today I want to talk about the actor/agent relationship.   I see many fellow artists supporting each other.  However, I often see a lack of support from the people who should be their #1 fans:  their representatives!  I believe that there is a “power imbalance” that exists between agents and actors.  I also feel that this has somehow become acceptable behavior within the business.  This is especially true when an actor is new to LA and feels that he/she needs to secure representation in order to further his or her career.  The actor can feel completely at the mercy of this agent (usually an agent at a lower to mid-level agency) and feels eternally grateful when the agent adds the actor to their roster.  Fact is, it's the agent who should be grateful, not just you as the actor!  An agent's main job and main priority is to help procure work opportunities for each and every client on their roster.  The talent is the one who will be making money, hence the agent should actually feel flattered and LUCKY that an actor even wants to meet with them and possibly offer them a cut of their paycheck!  I have seen time and time again a type of situation where agents tends to abuse their power by somehow projecting an illusion that they are more powerful than you are.  The reality is that the agent is NOT more important than you, the performer.  You are both equally important.  What all agents and actors need to truly understand is that there should never be a power imbalance.  The actor and agent both need each other in order for a successful business partnership to work.  If one partner is not as interested as the other, the relationship will not work.  Period.  It's actually very similar to dating!  As the talent, there is a potential for you to make millions of dollars for your agent!  You are extremely VALUABLE!  You also must do as much as possible on your own to create opportunities for yourself.  As acting coach and author Carolyne Barry says, the agent is paid 10% commission for their work; you as the actor do the other 90% of the work on your own.  So, if you're new to LA,  when seeking out an agent make sure to look for someone who is excited about you and your talents and treats you with kindness and respect.  Of course, you as the actor should treat your reps (and everyone else for that matter) in the same manner.  And for heaven’s sake, if you've been here in LA for a while and don't have a good relationship with your agent, or your agent has hundreds and hundreds of clients, look elsewhere.  I consider myself very lucky to have weeded out several agents and managers so far in my career who have honestly held me back rather than helped me.  You owe it to yourself to sign with someone who believes in you!  They do exist!  Take it from me - I am currently working with some awesome representatives with whom I have a great business relationship.  Good luck and go make lots of money! :).

---