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Is it Time to Leave Your Talent Agent? Your relationship with your Talent Agent is comparable to dating. You may have some rough times that you’ll have to work through together. On the other hand, sometimes no matter how hard you both try to make things work; it just doesn't work out in the end. What is the Main Problem? The first thing to do when deciding whether or not to leave your Talent Agent is to recognize what the problem is. Why are you unhappy working with this person? Is the issue simply due to a lack of auditions, or is it more complicated – such as your Agent’s behavior? Is he or she treating you respectfully (and are you treating them respectfully, too)? Is communication a problem between the two of you? As is true with dating, identifying the reason why you are unhappy with your current partner allows you to begin to take control of the situation. Taking control of the situation allows you to be able to decide if it’s something that you are able – and/or willing - to work on. Is the Problem Able to be Rectified? Taking control of the situation and determining if the problem can be rectified also means looking at your role in the partnership. I suggest that you think about what can be done on your part to improve the business relationship. If you are not going out on many auditions, for example, think about what it is that you can do to help. Are you making yourself completely available for any auditions that come up? Do you need to have new headshots taken? Having a great headshot is important, and great headshots are something that Agents always ask for. On the other hand, most everyone has a beautiful headshot! Is your headshot really the root of the problem, or is the problem that your Agent is not working as hard as they should be to get you in the door to castings? This is certainly something to consider. How Available Is Your Agent to You? Communication is key. Talking about your concerns and meeting with your Agent is always the best way to determine how to go about addressing the issues that are bothering you. How available is your Agent to meet with you and talk with you? If the problem has to do with a lack of correspondence on the part of your Agent, you should take notice. While it is understandable that Agents may not be available to each of their clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, there really is no excuse to not be available when a Performer needs to take a meeting. Again, comparable to dating, you should be a priority to your Agent. If you’re not a priority, things will not work out favorably for either of you. Maintaining a healthy business relationship is an ongoing process. There must be an equal interest and excitement on behalf of the Agent and Performer in order for true magic to happen! Attitude Along with availability on the part of the Agent, how does he or she treat you? Do you feel that you are valued and that you are important to your Agent? You should know that you are deserving of being treated with respect at all times (just the same way that you should treat your Agent!) If you do happen to deal with any bitterness or anger on the part of your Agent, be the bigger person. Before dropping them, remember that he or she may have had a bad day. Compromise The most important thing to remember before leaving your Agent is to consider whether you really want to stay with this person. Are you both willing to make compromises to allow the business relationship to work? Sometimes it may just be best to end the partnership and move on to another person – as it will benefit both of you When deciding to leave your current Agent take a step back to consider everything about your relationship with the person. Be honest, be truthful, and always keep communication open; (just like all relationships!). It will work out the way that it is meant to.
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