What if it’s not working out?

Of course, you can move to another agency if you’re not getting on with the staff or if some problem has arisen, but changing agents can lose you work in the interim as casting directors struggle to figure out where you’ve moved to. So don’t make a flippant choice when moving agents. Have a good think about it and don’t make a habit of it!

If you have a problem, the first thing to do is try and sort it out. Make an appointment for a time when you can sit down and discuss it with them – preferably during a quiet part of the day for them when you’re less likely to be disturbed. Note in your diary what you’re there to discuss so you don’t get sidetracked. Stick with the issues. Keep it calm during the conversation – no use throwing a tantrum in their office, it just makes you look bad.

If you can’t sort out the problem and you plan to leave an agency, make sure you reread your contract to check what is required of you (eg – how much notice you have to give). Any conditions within the contract take precedence over standard business custom and practice.

Write up a formal letter releasing them from their duties. Make sure it has a today’s date on it! If, in the future you get a job which you put through your new agency and the old agent lays claim to the commission, you have a legal document proving your termination with them.

Take it in personally if you can so you can prove they received it. Pick up any photos, comp cards and video showreels you’ve paid for to pass on to your new agent. You are still allowed at least a copy (if not the original) of any CVs or promotional material even if you haven’t directly paid for it. These files are deemed to be work commissioned by you as part of the agent’s job. The Privacy Act (within New Zealand) is specifically designed for this reason.

One time I wrote such a letter and posted it in because I was not getting even a polite response to my phone calls from the bookers let alone any auditions. I almost immediately got a call from the owner thanking me for my letter. She was wondering why so many people had been leaving lately!

Your old agency is still liable to forward any payments and rollover fees due to you for work already done through their agency so make sure they have your contact details when you move in the future. They will also negotiate for any jobs you obtained through auditions you attended while listed with their agency.

Having 2 agents can cause confusion. You may want to join agents that do completely different work (eg – modelling versus acting or voice over work) but be clear with them from the beginning what they should be putting you up for. A casting director once told me that if she received the same person’s info from 2 agents for the same job it would go straight in the bin!

Because television work regularly casts through modelling AND acting agents the line can become blurred as to who’s job it is to put you forward. If you’re interested in the two areas you may prefer to join a more general Talent agency that covers both areas.