The Actor Agent Interview

Actor agent interviews can be intimidating, even for experienced actors. Often, actors don’t know what to expect from talent agents or talent management companies when they walk in the door for their first meeting.

We’ve compiled below a list of things that will help you prepare for your acting agent interview so you can give yourself the best chances of getting representation. After all, you’ve worked hard to get actor agents to call you in for a meeting and you deserve to make a great first impression.

Here are a few things to help you get ready:

• • When you schedule the interview, ask who you will be meeting with and if you will have to do a monologue or cold reading (prepare 2 contrasting monologues just in case).
  • Make sure you bring at least 3 pictures and resumes but don’t bring tons of pictures and resumes either. Even if you decide to sign with the agent right there, dropping off extra pictures and resumes later will be another opportunity to connect and keep yourself fresh in the talent agent’s mind.
  • If you have one, bring a reel. An agent is unlikely to ask for a monologue or cold reading if you have a reel. Make sure you also bring a copy of any positive reviews you got in newspapers and magazines.
  • Prepare your monologues, keeping in mind you will be performing in a busy talent agent’s office, with phones ringing and constant interruptions. If you can, try to simulate these circumstances while you rehearse.
  • Do your research. Find out the background of the actor agent you will be meeting.
  • Search for bios or interviews they gave in trade papers.
  • Look for common interests or hobbies that could be a great conversation starter.
  • Also research the agency’s client list ahead of time. This will enable you to ask informed questions at the interview.

Got a call from an agent you don’t think is right for you?
Don’t cancel the interview! You never know what can come out
of a talent agent meeting, plus this will be a good
opportunity to rehearse your interviewing skills.

• • Prepare by doing mock actor agent interviews with friends or in acting class.
    Be ready to answer any question about your resume. Read on for a list of questions
    you could be asked and things you may want to ask yourself.
  • Decide what you’re going to wear. Help the actor agent’s imagination
    along by picking clothes close to your type and how you think you should market
    yourself as an actor, but don’t overdo it. What is more important is to be comfortable,
    so avoid wearing a suit or anything that will make you feel awkward.

OK, the day of your interview has come. You leave early and plan to arrive at the actor agent’s office 10 minutes before your appointment.

Are you nervous?

Meeting with an agent can be nerve-racking, but REMEMBER this is a business meeting and you can use your training as an actor to make the most of it.

Why not approach this like you would an acting role?

Use your time in the waiting room to do a relaxation exercise, then focus on your objective. You got a call so the talent agency is potentially interested in representing you and wants you to do well. Like any other kind of relationship, the agent will be more interested if you have a positive attitude and bring something to the table, so try to be proactive in your thinking. Instead of thinking “I need this agent to sign me”, make your objective something like “I want to give this agent a sense of who I am and what I have to offer as an actor” or “I want to see if this agent and I are right for each other.”

During the interview, the agent will most likely look at your resume and ask questions about some of your credits or the acting school you went to. They may also ask you to perform an unusual special skill you have listed.

Knowing what to expect will help you stay relaxed and give a successful interview.

Here are a few other questions you should be ready to answer:

 

• • What do you think your type is? What roles do you see yourself playing?
  • Who represents you or represented you? This includes former agents and managers you had. That being said, an agent shouldn’t ask you which other agents you are meeting with.
• • Where do you see your career going? This is the time to discuss your short-term and long-term goals. Make sure you mention what you are doing to achieve these goals to show the agent you are proactive about your career.
  • What do you expect from your agent? An agent who asks this question is looking for a specific answer to see if you would work well together. Be straightforward about your expectations but be realistic. A represented actor should continue to actively look for work.Who have you worked with and who do you know? Mention existing relationships you have with casting directors, producers and directors in town. If you’ve been auditioning and working a lot, you may want to bring a list to the interview. If you’re starting your acting career, you can mention industry professionals you took workshops or classes with or those who came to see you in a showcase.

Here are a few questions YOU may want to ask:

• • How large is the agency’s client list? How many actors does this particular agent represent? Do they also represent writers and directors?
  • Does the agent represent any actor that is close to you in age range and type?
  • If there are several agents, ask how they work together and share clients.
  • Find out how the agent likes to work with actors. Will they give you advice on new headshots and resume? Do they try to get feedback from casting directors? Do they encourage calls from their clients? Do they like you to contact them if you hear about a role that may be right for you?
  • What roles does the agent see you in? Where does he or she see your career going?

How do you feel about the talent agent’s responses? Now you learned how to get an acting agent and nail the agent interview, it’s time to decide who is the right actor agent for you.

Whether you are meeting talent management companies or agents, choosing the right person to work with can make all the difference in your acting career. Click here to continue to the next page where you’ll read about choosing the right actor agent and building a good working relationship with your actor agency.

If you’re wondering how to get an actor agent, visit our acting agents page on how to find agents and get noticed by talent management companies.

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