On the hunt for good talent agencies in California and want to know how to select the right one? There are many options, but you can narrow down your selection by following a few simple tips. It can seem daunting with the sheer amount of agencies available in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas, but don’t worry. InnoVision Talent Agency (ITA) will give you all the info you need to choose the right talent agency.
Word of Mouth
If you know other people in your industry, ask them if they can refer you to a talent agency that they currently work with or have worked with in the past. They may be able to share their experiences with you, both positive and negative. This will help you know which talent agents you should add to your list and which ones you should avoid altogether.
For instance, if you’re an actor taking acting classes, you may want to ask your acting coach or fellow students how they landed their agent and what their experience working with them is like.
Once you have a few recommendations, do your own research. Visit each agency’s website to see what you can learn about them. Check out industry social media groups to see if anyone has experiences they’re willing to share. Even a simple Google search can help you learn lots of information about the talent agencies you’re considering.
Agency Fee
When you meet with an agent, inquire about the fee they charge for representation. The higher the agency fee, the less money you’ll be able to take home from any work you book. If you’re looking to make acting or modeling your full-time career, you’ll want to hold on to as much of your income as possible. While agency fees may vary from one talent agency to the next, most talent agencies in California charge anywhere from 10 to 20 percent.
So let’s say you book a role, and you’re paid $2,000 for the job. If your agent charges you a 10 percent fee, you’ll take home $1,800. On the other hand, if your talent agent charges you 20 percent, you’ll only receive $1,600. So it’s important to ask your agent what percentage they charge in order to get a better idea of how much money you’ll actually be able to keep.
The good news is that it is possible to work with a talent agency and keep 100 percent of your rate. For instance, instead of billing our talent, ITA bills production companies directly. That means if you land a role and we negotiate a rate of $2,000 on your behalf, the full $2,000 will be yours to keep. It’s just one way we set ourselves apart from other talent agencies in California.
Brand Statement
Whatever talent agency you wind up working with, you should ensure their vision matches your own. Do they represent your type, for instance? How will they set you apart from their other clients? Do you believe in their mission or brand statement? When deciding between talent agencies, try to choose one that closely aligns with your goals.
For instance, ITA’s brand is centered on inclusion and diversity. We believe the art world should be representative of our world in general. We want to elevate the faces and voices that are often not seen or heard. If you agree with our vision, we believe working together could be a mutually beneficial partnership.
If you feel you’re not the right size or don’t have the right look to be an actress or model, think again. We pride ourselves on representing people from diverse backgrounds who have diverse skill sets. Everyone brings something a little different to the table. We want to highlight your uniqueness and show the world exactly what you’re capable of doing.
Submission Policy
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of prospective agents, you should reach out to each one to inquire about their submission policy. For instance, some agents may want you to submit a headshot and demo reel before they will consider representing you. Other talent agents may represent new talent who are just embarking on their acting or modeling careers.
Make sure you understand their submission process and be prepared. If the agent requests an in-person meeting, ask whether you should prepare any specific audition materials. If so, make sure you’re thoroughly rehearsed and ready to go before your meeting. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the office early. First impressions are everything.
ITA makes applying to our online talent roster quick and easy. If you’re interested in being represented by us, simply fill out our online talent application. Once you’re in our system, we’ll review your materials and get back to you with more information on how to move forward.
Exclusivity Clause
Before you sign on the dotted line with any talent agency, be sure to read the fine print. For example, some talent agencies require you to work with them exclusively. That means you’ll only be able to work with that specific talent agency for the duration of your contract. Be sure you fully understand the terms and conditions of your agency’s representation before signing with them.
Not all agencies require you to be exclusively represented by our agency, meaning you can work with whomever you want, whenever you want. ITA does not, for instance. We also offer competitive and fair talent agreements that keep your interests front and center.
For a great talent agency, it’s not about them; it’s about you—ensuring you get the right amount of exposure and the opportunities to have your voice amplified. Agencies like ITA are all about supporting your career growth and want the very best for you. So they’ll do everything they can to showcase your talent in the right light.
We believe your dreams can become reality. All you have to do is take that first step. It’s easy to do, and who knows what awaits you. The possibilities are limitless. Contact InnoVision Talent Agency today and let us represent you.