Anything Goes : Agent representation by Dumisile Owane

I don't see why you can't just take it and leave when you get bigger and have more to choose from. Beggars can't be choosers, IMO.

My concern is that they're asking for a percentage of the work that I find for myself without their help. Currently I've found all my work by self-marketing. I have no problem with giving them their due for the work that they find for me, but I feel like they shouldn't get a cut of what I source myself. It seems like a better deal to keep doing what I'm doing until a better situation comes along.

Yeah not sure how that works. Any chance you can call a bigger agency and ask the assistant for some advice? Or even call the Writer's Guild? I was in a similar situation but now I can't remember what the agent said. I think they were going to help set up the deal that I had found but not take a big percentage and then from then out other deals would be normal.

Thanks, I did a bit of research and found that though some agencies do this, it's not always the case. Currently, not the best situation for me, so I ended up walking away. Probably better to not get locked into a situation where I'll be unhappy with the terms.

Yeah probably smart. And writers don't need agents. They think it gives them some legitimacy but it's not necessary. When the time is right, the right one will want you. I think you made the right decision.

Thanks, this was actually an agent for my voice over work, but its basically the same principle :)

Rep is a catch 22. It sucks. But you are going to have to give something to gain someone who will whore you out because of their connections and footwork. More people talking about someone the better. When it feels right let it happen.

Simone, an agent asking for a percentage of work you find for yourself is standard. Not work you found before representation - only during your representation by the agent. Especially for a new client. Using their name can open doors not previously open. However if you don't feel comfortable with that standard practice you can always ask for a change in your contract with them. It seems you are doing fine without representation so it might be the better choice to keep shopping for an agent who is a better fit.

Yeah but RIk it sounds like this is work she found all on her own. Not with the agent. All before. Right Simone?

Yes, currently I don't have an agent, and all the work I've done has come through self-marketing. I think the thing that worried me was that during the meeting she made it sound like she probably wouldn't be able to get me much work (given the current amount of work that is out there in my city.) I don't want to be in a situation where I end up finding all the work for myself, and have to give them their commission, but they end up not finding any work for me. I guess that's a risk involved in this line of work, but at this point I think I'm going to keep going the way that I have been going, and just keep putting myself out there. And the door is still open for me in the future with this particular agency.

I have yet to meet an agent who doesn't think you owe them because they rep you. A good agent can always do something with anyone. If you are doing better work without her then good! That means she's not the right fit for you. It's sad when talent is booking more and better work than a agent can get you.

Thanks for all your feedback. I'm still figuring my way around the business side of things. Would anyone know about representation through online talent agencies, such as VOX Talent?

I understand, Denise. But presumably all work found before signing with an agent has been paid for so that isn't much of an issue. It's easy to put in writing with an agent that nay previously sold but yet unpaid work is not subject to commission. Simone, it's a trade off toward the beginning of a writing career. You don't have the clout to be at the very top of the agents client list in a small agency or to attract a strong, aggressive agent in a large one. So sometimes just having the "name" can ope doors - even if it's you opening the doors. From what you say here, I think you're right, Simone. You have been doing well without representation and the agent you spoke to cannot help you any better than the way you are helping yourself. It's good that they are remaining open to you. At some point if you hit that "we will only speak to your agent" door, you can call the agent, sign on and open the door.

Thanks Lyse, I'm grateful to all for the info. I wasn't aware that it was standard practice for an agent to take commission for work that one finds themselves, and that was definitely good to know. I may find myself turning around in a few months and changing my mind after going it alone for a bit, but only time will tell, thankfully I'll be more prepared for the discussion.

Yeah I don't think anyone said work found on your own the agent gets a cut. I think even Rik said work found on your own he thought you would have been paid for so it would be a non issue. I've been reading all the posts and I think, correct me if I missed one, that work found on your own is your own money. And work after would be the agent's cut. I'd hate for you to be mistaken and then get the raw deal!

Just to clarify, the representation that I'm looking for is for voice over work, not writing. I think there is a little confusion. What I was told by the agent, and what I'v gathered from this discussion, is that once I sign up with this agent - they will get a commission on any work that they find for me, and also any work that I find for myself through my own self-marketing will also have to go through them, and they will take a commission on that. I'm assuming that their part will be to negotiate the best price for me on any voice work that I find for myself.

Yeah that sounds right. Once you're with them, they get a portion. But every talent needs to keep looking for work. Agents don't usually find work, they negotiate deals. Managers find work.

Yeah from everything I've heard, once you get an agent, don't sit tight and wait for the work to roll in. But keep on doing what you've been doing. They at least get you in places. Like when I got to Disney recently, they said I had to have an agent send my script. I didn't have an agent so luckily found someone to submit for me. So that's the benefit of an agent.

I have both turned down and terminated agent representation. Turned down, due to them simply not being well enough connected to get anything down and terminated for not doing their job, which ended up costing me around $200K over a 2 week period. Getting an agent can be a great thing, or ruin you, but it needs to be approached with the correct attitude. What is more important than an agent is a good entertainment lawyer, as they are the ones that will make sure you are protected it the projects that you get. An agent is suppose to go out an represent your projects, but all too often simply leach off of your efforts by not shopping your work. This happens by them simply sitting back and collecting their percentage from your labor. My recommendation is to find a good lawyer and a manager. A manager will guide you, and though they aren't actually suppose to be acting as an agent, often will bring deals to the table. A good manager will get you on track and keep you there.