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Sydney
Student
Wake Forest
2
Questions
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What is representation in acting?
For performing artists, what are the key roles I should know about? I've heard for actors, it is about management but I've also heard these people called agents, or representation.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sydney !
This is a great question when starting out for a career in acting. I am happy to shed some light on what you've asked.
For actors, representation means having an agent who expedites acting work for you. An agency believes that they can obtain a lot of work for a particular actor, so they sign the actor to the agency and represent the actor, submitting them for roles in either film, television or stage. They pitch the actor to casting people.
Once you have an Agent for acting work and the actor signs on with the agency, the actor completes an authorization form giving the agency permission to receive the check from the production company, take out 10% (and some do 20%) and then the agent pays the actor. This is for any work the actor does even if the agent didn't get the actor that particular work. Many agents process the checks in batches, they wait, so sometimes the actor will get paid in a month or so. Actors are provided a statement by the agency of their earnings and the commission deduction. It is believed that actors want agents to increase their chances of obtaining acting jobs. Agents have business industry connections that actors don't have.
Now, on the other hand, a Manager for an actor is different. Managers are responsible for the actor's image. They give advice on every aspect of the actors' career, from typing them, doing their resume a certain way, suggesting acting classes to take, evaluating if your photos are good and anything to help the actor have a good career. Managers can shape an actor based on the managers' experience, giving each actor individualized attention. Managers charge a fee for this service. Managers can also negotiate contracts for the actor.
The reason that it may seem ambiguous is because it depends on the relationship between the actor and agent or manager. Sometimes managers can act like agents and agents can do things that managers do. They represent and or manage many people at a time, too. So it depends on the agency and the relationship that develops.
Another key role in the industry that you may start to hear of are Casting Agents. These are not Casting Directors at a production company, rather people who have a pool of actors that production companies can call on when they need actors. You do not sign on with them and they don't represent you or manage you. If a place needs your type they will tell the production company that they have an actor for that and send you to audition or in the case of Extra Work for background, just send you to the production site that day.
The way that you can tell is to do a search online specifically for what you're looking for. For example, you are in North Carolina near Winston-Salem, so KidzAct Talent and The Actors Agency are places where you can obtain an Agent to represent you. Actor's Group in Winston-Salem can help you with tracking down any Management companies that may be local to your area. As for casting agencies, there also may be some local ones that you can ask the acting community about, but Actors Access online is a place that you can register at for possible acting work.
Last but not least, some of us went independent - no agent, no union, no management. Just casting agencies and self submission directly to a production company for possible work. I don't recommend this if you are just starting out - go all the way and obtain everything. Working independent means that you just directly submit your materials to places that are hiring actors. It's really hard to do it this way and some do very well with voice over work, too. So if you are starting out, do the regular journey and learn as much as you can.
If you have any other questions, do feel free to return here. Best wishes moving forward with your career !
ACTORS GROUP https://www.facebook.com/ActorsGroup.NC/
This is a great question when starting out for a career in acting. I am happy to shed some light on what you've asked.
For actors, representation means having an agent who expedites acting work for you. An agency believes that they can obtain a lot of work for a particular actor, so they sign the actor to the agency and represent the actor, submitting them for roles in either film, television or stage. They pitch the actor to casting people.
Once you have an Agent for acting work and the actor signs on with the agency, the actor completes an authorization form giving the agency permission to receive the check from the production company, take out 10% (and some do 20%) and then the agent pays the actor. This is for any work the actor does even if the agent didn't get the actor that particular work. Many agents process the checks in batches, they wait, so sometimes the actor will get paid in a month or so. Actors are provided a statement by the agency of their earnings and the commission deduction. It is believed that actors want agents to increase their chances of obtaining acting jobs. Agents have business industry connections that actors don't have.
Now, on the other hand, a Manager for an actor is different. Managers are responsible for the actor's image. They give advice on every aspect of the actors' career, from typing them, doing their resume a certain way, suggesting acting classes to take, evaluating if your photos are good and anything to help the actor have a good career. Managers can shape an actor based on the managers' experience, giving each actor individualized attention. Managers charge a fee for this service. Managers can also negotiate contracts for the actor.
The reason that it may seem ambiguous is because it depends on the relationship between the actor and agent or manager. Sometimes managers can act like agents and agents can do things that managers do. They represent and or manage many people at a time, too. So it depends on the agency and the relationship that develops.
Another key role in the industry that you may start to hear of are Casting Agents. These are not Casting Directors at a production company, rather people who have a pool of actors that production companies can call on when they need actors. You do not sign on with them and they don't represent you or manage you. If a place needs your type they will tell the production company that they have an actor for that and send you to audition or in the case of Extra Work for background, just send you to the production site that day.
The way that you can tell is to do a search online specifically for what you're looking for. For example, you are in North Carolina near Winston-Salem, so KidzAct Talent and The Actors Agency are places where you can obtain an Agent to represent you. Actor's Group in Winston-Salem can help you with tracking down any Management companies that may be local to your area. As for casting agencies, there also may be some local ones that you can ask the acting community about, but Actors Access online is a place that you can register at for possible acting work.
Last but not least, some of us went independent - no agent, no union, no management. Just casting agencies and self submission directly to a production company for possible work. I don't recommend this if you are just starting out - go all the way and obtain everything. Working independent means that you just directly submit your materials to places that are hiring actors. It's really hard to do it this way and some do very well with voice over work, too. So if you are starting out, do the regular journey and learn as much as you can.
If you have any other questions, do feel free to return here. Best wishes moving forward with your career !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
this is excellent thank you! i really appreciate the time you took to answer this.
Sydney
You are very welcome, Sydney !
Michelle M.
My goals have changed, and I will be in LA soon and looking for both. So I asked another question. If you have a moment, will you take a look? Thank you!
Sydney
Great ! Yes, I will look at your other question, too ! Enjoy L.A. ! I answered your other question on September 15th. Did you ask an additional one ? I will double check ! Okay, I saw it but it is deleted for some reason. Well, I found that in person visiting was the best so I would suggest going in person to the offices. Back when I was there, everyone was really friendly and it doesn't guarantee work, however, it makes for a pleasant experience. I know Hollywood has greatly changed over the decades now. Do not be shy to go in person. They'll tell you their guidelines. Join the Union as soon as you can, too (it is expensive, though) and I wish you all the best ! Return here for more thoughts and advice !
Michelle M.
Annaleigh Niedzielski
Videographer, Producer, Assistant Director
65
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Annaleigh’s Answer
Hi Sydney!
Representation for performing artists is all about having someone in your corner to help you navigate the industry! Typically, this comes in the form of agents or managers who advocate for you, helping you land auditions, negotiate contracts, and find job opportunities. They know the ins and outs of the entertainment world and can provide valuable advice on how to build your career.
Having good representation means you can focus on your craft while they handle the business side of things. They’ll work to promote you, connect you with industry professionals, and help you find roles that suit your talents. It’s super important for ensuring that your voice is heard and that you get the opportunities you deserve!
In short, representation is like having a guide who helps you shine in the competitive world of performing arts, allowing you to chase your dreams with support and confidence!
Representation for performing artists is all about having someone in your corner to help you navigate the industry! Typically, this comes in the form of agents or managers who advocate for you, helping you land auditions, negotiate contracts, and find job opportunities. They know the ins and outs of the entertainment world and can provide valuable advice on how to build your career.
Having good representation means you can focus on your craft while they handle the business side of things. They’ll work to promote you, connect you with industry professionals, and help you find roles that suit your talents. It’s super important for ensuring that your voice is heard and that you get the opportunities you deserve!
In short, representation is like having a guide who helps you shine in the competitive world of performing arts, allowing you to chase your dreams with support and confidence!