Talent Agent: Becoming an Agent and Getting Representation

Talent Agents are the key to connecting talent to productions.

Created byFaith in Dreams Edutainment

Last updated 10/2015

English

What you'll learn

Understand how to become a Talent Agent
Understand different entertainment industry terms
Understand what makes a good momager
Understand how to prepare talent for auditions
Understand what makes a good Talent Agent and how to build a Career

Course content

1 section • 17 lectures • 3h 42m total length

Course Introduction0:07
Terminology18:15
Before diving into the entertainment industry, it is vital that you understand certain terminology and vocabulary that is commonly used. This lesson will introduce common terminology a talent agent uses when interacting with entertainment industry professionals.
Setting Up Your Agency, Part 18:50
Setting up an agency is a detailed process. Before setting up your agency, there are a lot of items that you must keep in mind. Create a check list of the items after watching the video and learn important tips to save time.
Setting Up Your Agency, Part 213:19
Thought you heard everything necessary to setup up your agency? There are more items and details to consider...Continue your check list as you watch the video.
Finding Talent16:42
It is absolutely necessary that a talent agent finds the right talent. A talent agent's reputation and ability to earn money is dependent upon finding the best talent. Listen as you learn how to build your organization and catalog of quality talent.
Credibility5:49
Building credibility is so important to having long term success. Sounds easy, but talent agents can make a multitude of mistakes that can ruin their credibility. Learn more by watching the video.
Reading the Trades2:05
Reading the trades and keeping up on the industry is extremely important for an agent. The industry is always evolving and you should always know who's on top, who's on the bottom and how it relates to your business as an agent. Be sure to make a list of the trades that you are interested in subscribing to.
Training Talent13:56
Before you send your talent out on auditions, there is training that must be done to ensure that your talent is always representing themselves in the best way possible. It is to the talent agent's advantage to be proactive in making sure this is done properly. Learn tips for training your talent.
Educating Talent22:07
In addition to training your talent, talent must be properly educated on the entertainment business and how one should interact on auditions. Talent must be well informed of the do's and dont's of the industry in order to represent your agency appropriately. While watching this engaging lecture, you will collect many ideas for educating your talent.
Getting Talent Out There17:11
Now that you have talent to represent, how do you get them out there to be seen? A talent agent is only successful if their talent is working. The agent must be prepared to get talent in front of the right people. Learn more in this segment and write down the tips for getting the best opportunities for your talent.
Setting Up An Extras Department - Featuring Raquel Osborne13:32
Specializing40:53
When representing talent, there are so many categories of talent that you can represent or you can choose to specialize in a genre. Some genres that talent agents specialize in are children, seniors, even certain sized people for example. Perhaps specializing is something you would like to consider? It is your choice; this next discussion will give you some ideas on specializing.
Building Relationships3:49
Relationships, relationships, relationships. One cannot understate how important relationships are in the entertainment industry - in all professions. Hear how building relationships as a talent agent will enhance business growth and development.
Contracts20:27
It is important to understand contracts, the different types, and how they are written. In this section, you will learn about the various types of contracts and how to access them.
Payment Structure7:14
You may be wondering, how much should I be paid as a talent agent? Learn what the industry standards are and where there is room to negotiate.
A Day in the Life of a Talent Agent17:42
Now that you are equipped with the tools necessary to begin your career venture, hear about the daily activities that take place on a typical day for a talent agent.
Course Conclusion0:19

Requirements

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Description

Talent Agents must understand every facet of show business. From dealing with egos, to negotiating salaries, this class provides an in-depth look at actors, studios, producers, casting, and how to begin and sustain a career as a talent agent. This class is also a must for actors, managers, directors, and producers.

Industry Expert

Carolyn Thompson Goldstein Talent Agent

Carolyn has been a licensed SAG and AFTRA franchised talent agent representing talent for film, television, and commercials for over 23 years. Her clients have been on such television shows as Frazier, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Lost, Wizards of Waverly Place and Judging Amy. They have also been in films such as Antoine Fisher, 13 Going on 30, The Polar Express, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Bridge to Terabithia, andYou Got Served.

Featured Expert Raquel Osborne Extras Casting Director

With a career that extends over twenty years, Raquel has credits on such films as Don Juan Demarco (Johnny Depp, Marlon Brando), American Beauty (Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening), and Doctor Dolittle (Eddie Murphy, Ossie Davis). Her television castings have been for hit shows such as The Practice and 24.

Who this course is for:

Aspiring Talent Agent
Entertainment Industry Enthusiast
Actors
Anyone that wants to work in the Entertainment Industry