New Year, New Agency?

Do you have representation but still don’t feel like your career is taking off? Often aspiring singers, dancers, actors and models are so excited to sign with an agency, but then the experience leaves much to be desired. There are many reasons why clients are dismayed by their relationship with their agency. Perhaps they are not being sent on auditions frequently or at all. Maybe, especially if they signed with a smaller agency, they don’t feel as though they are getting the personal attention that they expected or were promised.

Are you unhappy with your agent, but you’re simply not sure if you should leave the agency? Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you feel that your agent or manager has a strong knowledge of the business?
• Does your agent or manager have good relationships with casting directors, producers and directors? Or is your agent actively trying to develop these kinds of relationships?
• Does your agent send you out on auditions that you are well suited for?
• Does your agent believe in you?
• Is your agent or manager a skilled negotiator?
• Is your agent or manager trustworthy?
• Does your agent or manager make sure that you’re paid in a timely manner?

If you’ve answered no to several of these questions, then it’s probably time to start exploring other agencies. There’s nothing wrong with exploring your options if you’re unhappy with your representation, as long as you aren’t bound by contractual obligations. But it’s very important that no matter what, you try to leave your old agency without burning any bridges.

Before you do anything else, let your agent or manager know that you’re unhappy. Give him or her a chance to turn things around. Perhaps you somehow got lost in the shuffle and your agent just needed a nudge to give you the additional attention you deserve. If that doesn’t work and you’re still unhappy, be sure to tell your agent that you’re exploring other options before you begin contacting other agents. It’s a small world out there and you don’t want to be perceived by your old agent or a potential new agent as dishonest.

If in the end you part ways, it’s important to be as polite and respectful as possible. Don’t give your old agent any reason to say anything negative about you to others in the industry. Be sure to thank your old agent for the opportunity and any assistance they’ve given you.

If you’re looking for a new agent in your area, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and click on our 'Talent Resources' page to view the tons of agents in our database. Good luck!