If you are a model or talent, you may be lost as to how to find jobs and build your career in the industry. Agencies are well known for representing talent and finding them work and opportunities in the industry.  Some are exclusive and some are not, but you will need to have a portfolio, headshots and an up to date resume to represent exactly what you do and the relevant experience you have. Getting signed by an agency is no easy task. You must fit their qualifications, have the look and talent they need, so they can best serve you and get you work.  Having previous experience and a strong resume will help you get in the door.  Beware of companies that make you pay or take classes they offer & get pictures taken from their photographers.  Let’s go deeper and see exactly what it is working with talent agencies.

Getting discovered

Making sure to have an up-to-date portfolio with professional photos and a strong resume is extremely important when trying to get picked up by a talent agency. Those are the first things they ask for. Whatever your talent may be: modeling, singing, dancing, acting, etc., make sure to have proof of your experience and a video reel is even better.  What gigs have you landed? Did you go to a school for your talent? Make sure all of that is present in your resume. Having an up to date portfolio is vital because the talent agency is going to want to see your most recent headshots or even you performing your talent. Have at least between 6-10 photos that represent you in the best way possible. You must make an appointment with talent agencies and some require a referral to be seen.  Feel free to invite them to a showcase or performance of your work. If you can get them to come that is the best way to be seen. Once you’ve gone through the interview process with the talent agency, they will let you know if they want to represent you or not. If you don’t land it with the first agency do not get discouraged. There are plenty of other opportunities and ways to find work we will discuss later.

Once Signed

Once you are chosen by an agency, there are contracts to sign and things they require you to do in order to be represented by them. Most agencies will want you to update your photos or clean up your resume to match their standards.  This is typical, however beware of agencies that hold classes for your talent like modeling classes, or acting classes or even make you shoot with their photographers for a fee.  This is not standard from a professional or legitimate agency.  They should never charge talent an upfront fee for their services.  Agencies typically take 10-20% commission from the jobs you book and negotiate the deals. Taking classes and getting photos are good and should be done, but at your own will with providers you select at your discretion.  An agent will typically give you advice about what to wear or resources of where to go, but their primary job is to get you work and to broker the best deals for you.

The Waiting Game

Once you have signed with an agency and have the perfect package of photos, video, etc… now is the waiting game. Your talent agents are the ones looking out for gigs or auditions to send you to. You don’t have too much control over where or when you will be submitted for work so you have to put full trust in your agency. After you’ve completed your gig be prepared to wait weeks even months to get paid for it. That is just the way agencies work. Putting your career in someone else’s hand can be hard, but there are many other ways to find work while you are waiting for your big break.  They are many online platforms today that list job opportunities for talent but Castango.com, makes it super easy to create your own portfolio online, apply for jobs and get paid on demand.  Not only can you find work, but also get scouted by companies looking for talent just by completing a profile.  What is even better is that they are nationwide, so you don’t have to live in LA or NYC to land a job.  Companies use Castango to find talent across the country for tv, film, trade shows, live events, print campaigns, and more.  The freelance economy is on the rise and If you want to take more control over your future an online web platform like Castango may be better for you. Whatever you choose, always put your best foot forward and present yourself professionally.  

In closing, make sure to do your research before you sign with any agencies. Remember that agencies are not your only option either. Keep a lookout for online web platforms that allow you to have full control over when and where you book your gigs like Castango.  Don’t just settle for anything. Make sure you are completely happy with how you want to build your career and your future.