It is very common to hear top actors and models refer to their agents. They talk about how important the agent was in getting them that amazing role or photo shoot. It is easy to think that “if I could only get signed with one of these agents, my career would go out the roof.” The truth is that there are a variety of different kinds of agents and agencies. They can be categorized in a lot of ways including: do they actively represent the client for extra work, do they handle the bookings for professional talent, or do they specialize in developing new stars.

Because of this wide span of focuses, it is important to find the agent that is going to be best suited to you. There are a few things you may want to think about when pursuing an agent. First, you need to critically evaluate your experience. Consider how strong your resume is, what kind of work you want to do, and if you want to become a union member. Next, you need to realistically look at where you eventually want to be in the business.

There are a lot of people that participate in the entertainment business part-time. These are the people that like to make a little money on the side, but know they don’t have the skill to make a career out of acting or modeling. It is better to come to this realization before you spend 15 years and 30 thousand dollars at something you’re really not that suited for. If you want to work limited hours, it is still a good idea to get an agent. There are plenty of agencies that specialize in part-time clients. An agent will save you a lot of money and will help you to find the right work. If you think you have the talent to make a full-time career in the entertainment business, you need to find a more intense agency.

If you are a less experienced actor or model, chances are, you’re not going to get signed with a large agency. The more common experience is for you to pay money for photos, membership fees, and business expenses for the agency. This is not necessary a bad thing. All people that are starting out in the business have to pay their dues. You have to understand that agencies have a lot of expenses and a lot of these get passed down to the new recruits.

In the end, finding the right agent can be the difference between living your dreams or working the same old nine to five. If you think you have the talent, it is time to get out there and see what you can do. Work with a local agency if you are lacking experience. This will give you the chance to beef up your resume so you can be successful in the acting/modeling industry.