How to Get an Acting Agent in Ireland: A Complete Guide

Every actor wants an agent, but very few are told how the process actually works. This guide breaks down what an acting agent does, what a fair arrangement looks like in Ireland, how to approach agencies, and what to ask before you sign anything.

First, two rules to hold onto before you sign with anyone:

• A talent agent in Ireland typically takes 10 to 15 percent commission on your earnings. It is highly unlikely a legitimate agent will charge more than 20 percent.
• You should never pay a talent agent a registration fee or an annual maintenance fee. An agent earns money when you do, not before.

What does an acting agent do?

Casting directors, directors and producers send breakdowns to agents. A breakdown lists the characters being cast, along with the storyline, the application deadline and the shoot dates. Your agent reads it, decides which of their clients suit each role, and suggests you to the casting director. If the casting director agrees that you fit, they invite you to audition in person or to send a self-tape.

When a casting director posts a casting on Actorly, the breakdown goes out to the actors on Actorly, to registered Irish agencies, or to both, depending on who the casting director wants to hear from. So an agent who is on Actorly sees the same breakdowns you do.

Talent agent or background agent?

The difference is exactly what the names suggest. A talent agent has principal actors on their books. A background agent, sometimes called an extras agent, manages people who are interested in background work only. If you want speaking roles, you want a talent agent.

What is a co-operative agency?

Co-operative agencies are staffed by actors themselves, who take turns handling the administrative side of the agency and promote one another for casting opportunities as a team.

If you want more control over your career and can handle the responsibility that an agent would normally take off your hands, a co-operative can suit you well. Think carefully about what you are signing up for, though. You will be responsible for the careers of others as well as your own, so you must be able to conduct yourself well when speaking to casting professionals, and you will commit some of your time to the paperwork: finances, forms and follow-ups. If you are considering one, ask how the workload is shared and how decisions get made before you join.

Choosing the right agent for you

Many actors believe that bigger is better, and that signing with the biggest agency in town automatically means more work. That is not necessarily true. A large agency may have more clout in the industry, but you can also get overlooked if the agent is busy looking after their star clients.

The most important first step is to find an agent who believes in your talent, will work to get you seen by casting directors, and has a genuine interest in progressing your career.

Start with the agency's website. Would they be a good fit for you? Do they represent other actors with your look? Are their actors working? You can check that last one by searching for the agency on IMDb Pro.

Sending your package to an agent

Once you have decided to submit to an agency, go to their contact page or any page with actor submission instructions. Most agency websites say exactly how they like to receive submissions, so follow that to the letter.

Include your cover letter, your acting CV and your headshot. Those three pieces are the agent's first impression of you. They will almost certainly want a showreel too, to see how you look on camera, so have one ready before you start writing to agencies.

Interviewing an agent

Yes, interviewing an agent, rather than the agent interview. The agent is interviewing you, but you are equally interviewing the agent. Weigh up their experience, their interest in you, their enthusiasm for working with you, their goals and their professionalism. Some things to consider or ask outright:

• Do they seem genuinely interested in you and in moving your career along?
• How many actors do they have on their books?
• How many actors like you do they have on their books? Your headshot and your look are what sell you. If they already represent several people with the same look, you risk being overlooked because you are in constant competition with them.
• What are their goals? What made them become an agent?

Signing with an agent

If everything goes well, you are happy with them and they are happy with you, the next step is joining their books. Most agents ask you to sign a contract. A contract protects everyone involved, so it is essential that you understand every word before you sign.

Do not feel pressured to sign before you have had a chance to read it properly, whether the agent is brand new or has been around for decades. Make sure you understand what you are agreeing to, and that you are happy with it.

A few other things that often come up when you join:

• You may need to update your CV with the agency's template, logo and contact details.
• They may ask you to get new headshots.

What if an agent turns you down?

Do not be afraid to ask for their reasons. That way you will know whether it is something you can work on. If one agent decides you are not right for their books, it does not mean another will feel the same way. Often it simply means they already have a number of actors who fit the same roles as you.

Keep training, update your showreel, and consider new headshots so that you can present yourself afresh. Then try again in about twelve months.

Finally: the agent is not magic

An agent can open doors, but it is your career, and it is not up to them to do all the work. Think of it as a team where each side brings half. Keep training, keep your headshots and showreel current, and be prepared for every audition you are called to.

Whether you are self-represented or have an agent, keeping your profile up to date and applying for castings yourself is still the fastest way to be seen. Casting directors post their castings on Actorly, and it is free to join and free to apply. Create your free actor profile and be there in searches for when casters are looking for you.