This could be a very complex answer but I'll try to break it down to you as simple as I can. In Hollywood, agents act as the intermediary or middlemen between the actors (which is you) and the studios.
In the golden days of Hollywood filmmaking, it was the studios who had great power and control over the actors. The studios would discover and groom their own actors. Talent agents came into existence because actors had many financial and legal disputes with the big studios and needed someone to represent them.
Today, even though the major studios are still a dominant force in the industry, talent agents are just as powerful if not more powerful than the studios because the studios must go through the talent agents in order to hire the actors.
The Big 4 Hollywood Agents
Agents can be basically broken down into different categories: A, B, and C. An “A level" agency has the greatest power, “pull”, and prestige. Most new actors are not even considered by these top agencies because they mostly handle the big stars.
It is very well possible that one of these agents will approach you one day. I say “approach you” because the majority of the time these agents cannot be acquired. They seek you out. Of course, you’d have to be out there in film or television doing something in order for these agents to approach you. The top four agents in Hollywood are Creative Artists (CAA), The William Morris/Endeavor Agency (WME), International Creative Management (ICM), United Talent Agency (UTA) and tons of others in between but those are the top four.
Just about every major star you see in the movies or on television most likely are represented by one of these four agents.
Most actors seek representation from agents on the B and C (and sometimes D) levels. A legitimate talent agent is always considered "SAG Franchised”, meaning they are licensed and registered with the main actor’s union, The Screen Actors Guild.
If they are not listed with SAG, you’re wasting your time. Always ask an agent if they are SAG franchised before dealing with them. Also, most actors don’t realize that when seeking talent representation that the agent works for them. Another thing, legitimate agents receive a 10% commission off the jobs they book you and they NEVER charge you upfront fees.
This is the legal set-up. 10% always goes to the agent. Never more, never less. Talent managers on the other hand are a whole other article but you must beware of anyone claiming to be an agent or manager and they charge you upfront fees. If they tell you that they need upfront fees to get you started, it’s probably a scam.
A typical day for an agent
I’ve had agent representation on A, B, and C levels. These levels are basically Hollywood’s “in-house” way of rating the agents. The level of the agent or agency is determined by prestige, experience, contacts (who they know), years in the business and who they represent. Having an agent on a “higher level” may determine you getting the role over another actor just as talented as you.
Agents spend most of the day on the phones, looking through the “breakdowns” (a daily listing of all the acting roles the studios/casting directors are seeking) and submitting pictures to casting directors, hoping to get you in on an audition. If an agent works hard for you, they may be able to get frequent auditions for you.
This is a good thing because the more acting auditions you go on, the better chance you’ll have of getting a part. Agents also negotiate contracts and how much money you get if you do get an acting role. However, most of the days are spent trying to get you the audition. There are many other factors that can determine you getting the role. Do you fit the part? A great headshot and having a good resume' is most important. In any occupation you must have some experience in order to get a job and the entertainment business is no different.
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