Talent Agent Defined   §          A talent agent is a person or company, licensed by the state, who, through a mutual business agreement, represents talent.  The agent secures auditions and negotiates terms of employment for you as a professional in the production of Commercials, Television, Motion Pictures, Print, and Fashion.  The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation further defines a Talent Agent:         Unless exempted in §78.30 of this title (relating to Exemptions), all talent agencies that have a place of business in Texas, or advertise in Texas, and obtain or attempt to obtain employment for artists in Texas, or recruit artists from a temporary location in Texas, must obtain a certificate of registration in order to operate a talent agency. "Personal agents", or any persons under any name or title, who perform the services described in Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 2105, as any part of the services they provide, are talent agents under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 2105.   §          A talent agent submits your headshot and resume for projects that they feel you can book, meaning that you have the right look that they client is searching for, and you have the level of training and talent necessary to be successful.   Benefits of Representation by a Talent Agent   §          A talent agent can secure auditions for projects that are not offered to talent who do not have representation. §          If the talent agency is reputable, they will have established relationships with clients and casting directors in the area.  By signing with an agent, you benefit from those relationships. §          A talent agent can seek out opportunities for you that might not exist otherwise. §          A talent agent can recommend coaches, photographers, workshops, etc that will help you advance your career.   Submitting to a Talent Agency for Representation   §          All Texas agents - those who attempt to obtain work for Texas artists - are required to be licensed and bonded - verify this before you submit any materials for consideration.  Also know that it is ILLEGAL for an agent to request up-front fees for representation.  For additional clarification and/or to verify licensing, please check out the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website at:  http://www.license.state.tx.us/talent/talent.htm §          Research all available information about the agency prior to calling the office with your "couple of questions."  Explore the agency website, ask around your acting circle, talk to people who are currently represented.  §          If you have specific questions about the process of gaining representation, check the agency website for specific requirements instead of calling.  Agents are very busy - do not expect someone in a demanding office to be your personal career counselor. §          Do not call to check if the agent has received your submission.  If the agent is interested in seeing you, they will call you to set up an interview/audition. §          After you have interviewed your choices, make an informed decision.  Entering into a representation contract with an agent is a business decision and one that should be thought-out and researched.  Ask yourself:  can I work with this person?  Do I feel they have my best interest in mind?  Will they work for me? §          If you are not called, do not take it personally and do not hassle the agency about seeing you.  Feel free to resubmit again if you build your resume or change your look. §          If you are called for an interview/audition, ask what will be expected of you, such as will you need to bring headshots, resumes, comp cards, portfolio, etc., will you be expected to prepare a monologue, and/or will there be a cold reading, etc.?   Talent Obligations to Talent Agent   §          Consistent professionalism, punctuality, always looking your best (or looking the role). §          Keep headshots/resumes current, making sure your agent has an ample supply of your headshots/resumes at all times. §          Keep agency aware of your current address and phone number, and if you are going to leave town for any length of time. §          CONTINUE to build your resume through independent films and theatre work. §          CONTINUE to build your skills through on-going acting classes or workshops. §          In order to be successful, an agency must send out talent most likely to get the audition and then book the job.  It's your job to make your agent believe that you are one of those talent.  Let your agent know what you are doing so they can market you in the best way: classes, workshops, independent films, plays, etc.  Invite them to performances and/or classes so they can see your progress. §          Never give your home phone or address to a client- give your agency address and telephone number. §          Keep audition and booking information to yourself.  Your agency will send the right people to meet the needs of the client.  Just because another actor frequently attends auditions for the same roles as you do does not mean that they will always be called for the same projects; there might be a very good reason they were not called. §          When you receive sides for an audition do NOT throw them away until you know you don't have a callback.   Talent Agent Obligations to Talent   §          A legitimate agent gets a commission when talent gets paid.  It is illegal for an agency to require upfront fees for representation. §          Your agent is your representative; you are submitted to the clients who call for specific jobs.  The agent assists you in getting an interview or audition. §          Your agent negotiates rates and handles collection of fees on your behalf for your participation in a project.  Once the agency receives payment, they will deposit the check.  Unless a written contract to the contrary exists, all monies received on behalf of an artist must be disbursed to that artist no later than 10 banking days after receipt by the talent agency.  Individual agencies vary:  check with the agency to understand payment  policies.  If your agent is SAG franchised, they are bound by SAG Agency Regulations.  Note: presently there are no SAG franchised agencies in Central Texas. §          Talent agents can recommend acting coaches and photographers so that you may further your training and keep your promotional materials up to date.  Reputable agents do not receive fees or "kickbacks" for these recommendations. §          Talent agents provide friendly and efficient service to you personally, as well as on your behalf to clients and casting directors.   Securing a booking on your own   §          If you secure a booking on your own, you still owe your agent a commission even if you found the job on your own.  This practice compensates the agent for time and money spent and lost on securing you an audition on a project that you did not book.  §          These expenses may include: long distance phone calls and faxing, postage for mailing headshots and/or video tapes, wages for agency employees that spend office time setting up the audition, etc.  §          Check with each prospective or current agent to learn their specific procedure on this policy.     Taxes   §          As a talent you are an independent contractor who utilizes agency services in order to obtain work.  As a self-employed talent, you are responsible for keeping your own records and paying your taxes (quarterly or annually), as you are in business for yourself.   A Note about Trusting your Agent   §          Second guessing your agent is not necessary and it is certainly not appreciated.  By submitting you for a particular project, it means that your agent thinks that you fit the breakdown and can portray the role that the client is looking for.  If you know someone who often auditions for the same roles as you do, that does not mean you will always read for the same projects.   There may be a very good reason someone is not called in for an audition.  There are many factors involved in making decisions about who is called, such as: §          Pay rate (Is it too low for your level of talent?) §          Availability (do you have a shoot date for another project that coincides with another? Are you going to be out of town?) §          Reliability (maybe the project came in last-minute and your agent called those people who have a history of returning phone calls quickly and making eleventh-hour auditions) §          Should you start to be uncomfortable with your agent, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with them.  Tell them what your concerns are and try to work together.      Remember that your agent only makes money if you make money.  It is a waste of their time to sign anyone but talented and serious people.  If you are not willing to commit the time, energy and money necessary in this business, do not waste your time.or theirs.