Finding the right talent for your project can sometimes feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. You may find yourself poring over hundreds of headshots and resumes with little luck. Talent representation agencies can save you time and energy by streamlining the casting process. Here’s how to leverage them to find the right actors for your next project.
Vet the Agency
If you’ve never worked with a talent representation agency before, ask around for recommendations. Trusted industry professionals can be a great resource for referrals. See if someone you know has worked with an agency recently, and if so, ask about their experience and whether they would use the agency again.
As you embark on your search, think about what type of agency you would like to work with as well. Talent representation agencies are usually classified by size. You have large, full-service agencies that represent a range of talent, including A-list celebrities, across multiple fields and disciplines. Inclusive talent agencies, noted for representing talent with more diverse backgrounds and abilities, may fall under this category as well.
On the other end of the spectrum, you have smaller talent agencies, often known as boutique agencies, which typically specialize in a single area and may represent niche or up-and-coming talent. Mid-size agencies fall somewhere in between. Factors like budget, project type, skills you’re looking for, and personal preference may help you decide which type of agency suits your project best.
Once you have a few agencies in mind, check out online reviews to see how satisfied others are with their work. You can view reviews on Google, Facebook, and other platforms to vet the agency and decide whether it would be a good creative fit for your project.
Provide a Character Breakdown
Agencies often know their talent best. They understand each actor’s experience level, skill set, and character range, so they’re uniquely positioned to determine which roles are most suitable for them.
If you want an agency to provide personalized recommendations for your project, provide them with a detailed character breakdown for each role you are looking to fill. A character breakdown should include physical description, age range, personality traits, and any other information relevant to the role. For instance, is the character a girl-next-door type or more of a world-wise businesswoman?
If you’re looking for someone specific for the role or if a special talent is required, let the agency know that as well. For example, if the character is a classical pianist, inform the agency that you need an actor who is skilled at playing the piano.
In the film Coyote Ugly, the lead character, portrayed by Piper Perabo, is a singer-songwriter who plays the guitar. But there was one problem—Perabo herself didn’t actually know how to play the instrument.
When she auditioned for the role, however, Perabo told the casting director she did play guitar. She then spent the time between her audition and callback learning how to play. It all worked out in the end—Perabo landed the part and the film was a huge success.
If there are certain must-haves for the role, communicate them to the agent. They will be able to look for someone who fits your project needs or who, at the very least, is a quick study, as in Perabo’s case.
The more details you can provide about the project and the roles you are casting, the better.
Screen Talent
Once you’ve narrowed down the field, the next step is to screen and audition talent for your project. You have a few options for how to go about this. First, decide if you want to rely on the agent’s recommendations or if you want to review the pool of talent yourself.
Some agencies, like InnoVision Talent Agency, have online rosters for you to browse. You can look at headshots and resumes or view reels at your leisure. They may also offer ratings for individual actors based on client feedback regarding reliability, skill level, availability, and so on.
After you’ve screened the talent yourself or gathered an agent’s recommendations, it’s time to audition the selected talent.
Decide whether you want to hold in-person auditions or if you would prefer actors to self-tape. In-person auditions allow you to meet actors face-to-face, engage in conversation with them, provide direction, and answer questions.
On the other hand, self-tape auditions allow for more flexibility. You can send the actors’ sides and request them to return taped auditions to you by a certain date. Decide which approach makes the most sense for your project needs.
Negotiate Terms
Have you found the right actors for your project? Perfect! Now it’s time to seal the deal. In some cases, you may want to draft your own contract outlining the project terms, shoot dates, rates, and other important information. However, some talent representation agencies may also be able to assist in this process.
Talent agencies have a vested interest in ensuring that all parties are satisfied—you, their client, as well as the talent they represent. Agencies can take over the negotiation process to ensure everyone is on the same page and agrees with the project terms.
The key to a smooth and successful shoot is negotiating in good faith and being open and transparent about job expectations and role requirements. Clear communication reduces the chance of any confusion or conflict on set.
If you do allow the talent agency to draw up the contract, be sure to have your own attorney review it for fairness and accuracy. Everything should be clearly outlined.
Talent agencies often make for a seamless hiring experience and can assist you with many aspects of the casting process. Start by leveraging your industry connections for recommendations. Then do your research and communicate clearly and openly about who you’re trying to find.
Whether you’re looking for a seasoned star or a star in the making, talent agencies can help you uncover the exact right person for the role.
