Don’t Let Your Agent Let You Go

Agencies can decide to let talent go for a number of reasons. Many times, models and actors are given the dreaded “Dear John” letter for not being requested by clients, going out but not booking gigs, not being actively involved and/or not updating their marketing materials and stats. Basically, if you’re not putting in the effort you should be or you’re not producing results, the agency could decide to move on. So, how can you step up your game so you don’t end up being one of the letter’s recipients? Here are some tips from Backstage.

Keep your agent ‘in the know’

Update him or her every time you go out and book something on your own. Agents don’t want to be left in the dark, and they appreciate proactive talent who are working just as hard on their careers as the agency is working for them.

Keep up with kind gestures

Your agent is an important confidant to keep. Little things like sending birthday cards, Valentine’s Day chocolates, and holiday greeting cards can go a long way. You want to stay on the agency’s radar, so there is an incentive to keep working hard to move your career forward.

Remember, this goes both ways

You want your agent to be your biggest advocate and you should be theirs, too. Friend them on social media, like their posts, and congratulate them on significant career wins, such as whenever the agency receives an award or books talent on a high-profile project. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to take note of personal achievements as well, such as sending best wishes for a significant life milestone (i.e., the agent is getting married, having a baby, or welcoming a grandchild). Make sure to show your appreciation.

Don’t keep marketing updates a secret

If you update your headshot, resume, or reel, make sure your agent knows about it as soon as the new material is available. Send him or her new acting clips on a regular basis so they can see the scope of your talent. You want to keep the connection an exciting one, so they are motivated to continue finding new work for you. You can also invite an agent to your performances or screenings of the projects you were booked in.

Reputable agencies see a ton of talent entertainers on a daily basis. Sometimes they see so many headshots that they all start to sort of blur together. You don’t want to be one of the unremembered. Of course, you don’t want to be too over-the-top either. Develop a strategy for staying in touch that comes across as both genuine and professional, and you will enjoy a working relationship with your agent that lasts for a long time.

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