Agency Representation

thekeygun

thekeygun

Well-known member
I'm looking into getting an agent for directing various forms of branded entertainment and commercials. A media company is interested in some work i've done, but i'm not sure I want to work with them exclusively.
I'd also rather have an agent negotiating rate than having to pay my ent. lawyer to send them contracts.


Does anyone have experience working with agents?

What type of questions to ask?

What to avoid/expect from them?

Percentages of wages taken?


Any suggestions are appreciated! Thanks!
 
I came here to post very similar questions, so thanks, I would also like to know the answers.

As well.. How does one usually go about being represented by an agency/production company? Do they come to you and invite you to join their company, or would you go to them and submit a reel or other samples of your work?

Thanks for any help you can give!
 
Agents normally receive a 10% fee on top of your pay...called plus 10. Now the important part. The best way to frame this discussion is what can you do for the agent? Agents represent people who make things happen. They want you making them money. So think of the type of people they want to represent. They want closers...self-starters who can market and network ...shakers and movers. They do not represent people who are green...needy...people who call them up and ask them what they are doing for their career. Agents can get you inside the room...they can open the door for you, but after that it is up to you to close the deal. They want confidence. How do you get their attention? Kick ass! Make films. Get it done without them and then they want to represent you. What could be easier than representing a director, writer, DP, actor, etc. that gets work without representation. So you have to get their attention. Never ask them for representation. Make them want you. Tell them what you are doing. Tell them about the films you are making. Simply email or write them and tell them about the latest film you are shooting, writing, etc. The best way to get their attention is by referral...by finding someone who is already represented by them or knows them and getting that referral to get you into the door of the agency. But once you are there then it's time to prove to them that you will make them money! Have plenty of ideas, scripts, films to discuss. Do your research on production companies, players in the industry, and you have to understand how the industry works. They don't want to teach you anything. They expect you to know it and know how to put it to good use. Go into the meeting with the agent exepcting them to ask you what you will do for them.

The letter that got me into the door of some of the top agencies was two lines long. Here is what I said. "The cast, crew and financing are in place. Longshot Charlie starts shooting May 15th." That was it. I told them what I was doing...not asking them for anything. That piqued their interest.

Sorry for the rambling answer.
 
I randomly got approached by one of the big players, they had seen my short online.
Of course I jumped at the chance.

from what I understand, a lot of writers pitch loglines and brief outlines, they might get a request to read, and based on whether your ideas are any good you may get invited to be repped.

I think its a little different for directors, they wont approach you unless you have done something already, thats getting some kudos. My advise it make something that you think represents your ability, most likely a short. Then get it everywhere you can, do your own viral marketing, do interviews, talk to people, and hope for the best.

Kess is right, they like it if youve got lots of eggs in your basket. Im writing my own spec, and luckily have been approached by a couple of well known writers with scripts, who have respected Reps & Managers, if your new, you need to look like your gonna do it repped or not.

just get your stuff out there.
 
Good advice everyone! Thank you!


crazycatz said:
I came here to post very similar questions, so thanks, I would also like to know the answers.

As well.. How does one usually go about being represented by an agency/production company? Do they come to you and invite you to join their company, or would you go to them and submit a reel or other samples of your work?

Thanks for any help you can give!
Click to expand...

I definitely am not interested in being represented by a production company...this I know.
 
We are getting into a messy discussion as from my experience you are on A team or B team for an agency. A team if you make money for them B team if they make money for you.

Most agents will ask you to sign exclusivity agreement which in reality means that they get a cut of EVERYTHING you make no matter if they brought you the job or not. In that sens you work for the agent as without doing much for you get always get their 10%.

That said though if you make them money then they want to make you money and you are the first one to call when a job comes in.

Personally i don't like that set-up so i never signed that agreement with my rep, but that means i got on their B team - meaning i get scraps or nothing at all, or what's worse if someone interested in you calls the rep to talk rates they will stear the client away from you and towards their A team.
 
That's interesting Patryk, thanks for sharing that experience. I guess it makes some sense, I had never thought of it that way before.

I admit I would be bothered by the idea of me finding a job and giving an agent 10% of it, unless I felt like they earned it. Like if they were able to negotiate for me, deal with all of the contracts and paperwork, and on top of that find me additional work, ok, fair enough. Otherwise screw them, if I was finding the work myself I wouldn't want to pay them 10% for sitting around doing nothing. I could just donate the money to charity if I was that ok with losing 10% haha
 
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