The Interview

Don’t forget, this is not like you’re going for a job interview. It’s very much a two way thing. They’re looking for potential in you (and sometimes they might not see it but another agent will!) and you’re looking for someone you want to hire to represent you.

You need to be able to communicate well with them and make them aware of your aspirations and goals, no matter how small or great. You need to be able to accept professional criticism from them in order to improve your chances. You need to be able to trust they are capable of getting you the best money and conditions for a job and trust their advice.

When you’re looking for an agent

• Ask them what services they provide?

• What skill level the majority of people are on their books? Clients will be looking to this agency expecting this skill level from their talent – do you fit into this level?

• How often do they do pay runs? This should be at least once a month.

• What do they require/expect from you?

• How many people do they have on their books? How many staff do they have booking talent? The more staff per talent, the better personal service they can provide. Eg – An agency with 2 bookers and 200 talent will provide much better service than 2 bookers and 2,000 talent.

• What percentage commission do they take? In New Zealand it will be 10-15% for acting agents and 10-20% for model agents. In Australia it is illegal for them to take more than 10% including postage or any other expenses not personal to your promotion (such as photo laser prints, comp cards etc.)

The relationship between you and your agent is important. You have to be able to trust each other and be able to solve problems through discussion as they arise.

Have a good chat to the agent and get a feel for the place. If they want you to join the books they’ll take down all your details again along with your date of birth, measurements and shoe size. These are standard details to send out to casting agents during your audition so that they can be passed on to the Wardrobe department should you get the job.

They may also offer you a contract to sign. Read it through carefully making sure it covers you as much as it covers the agent. Feel free to ask them to explain any parts of it and don’t be apprehensive about asking to take it away for a second opinion. You never have to sign it on the spot.