ASK AARON - March 2000 Answer
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Tags: starting agent
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From Carol, MI
What do I need to do to start a great agency?
Dear Carol:
First, you have to absolutely love the acting and modeling industry. It is also necessary to really enjoy working with people involved in the industry. You will be spending your days on the phone and meeting with actors, models, photographers, art and creative directors, producers, directors and casting agents.
Your job will be to find and help promote new talent and models and develop strong relationships with the people in the industry who either directly or indirectly hire them. Helping your clients get auditions, jobs and paid are part of the job description as well.
Helping your clients put together strong head shots and composite sheets is a must. Creating a strong agency book or at least a poster showing off your wonderful talent will be extremely helpful to your agency.
Once you have great photos of your clients and strong marketing materials, then you have to hit the street and begin showing everyone in the industry why they should contact your agency when models and actors are needed. Set up appointments and talk with them to let them know how wonderful you and your talent are.
You also want to contact businesses that hire models and actors for trade shows and conventions. Perhaps contacting your local Chamber of Commerce would be helpful. Speak with companies that put on special event programming would also be helpful.
You will need to check with your local government to see if or what kind of license is needed to open up your agency. The law changes from state to state.
The most important thing is to have an honest relationship with your clients and the people who hire them. Stand up for your clients and treat everyone with respect. Be available for those who need your help emotionally. It can be very hard for people who really want to work in the industry and consistently get turned down after auditioning. It is also important that you set very clear agency policies with your talent and models. It is crucial that you stick with your policies and that you take a strong stand when they are broken or ignored.
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