Finding_an

Dr. Diane Howard

Legitimate talent agents in Texas are licensed. You can check the Texas database to see if they are
licensed. In Texas the website for licensing and regulation is http://www.license.state.tx.us/databases.htm.
Click on Licensing, indicate talent agencies, then a list of licensed agents will appear.
Talent agents in Texas can not require you to pay for their services
(classes, workshops, seminars, headshots etc.)
Although booking agents sometimes have other businesses,
which offer services you may choose to use.

How Do I Get An Agent?
(from Austin Film Casting List)

Acquiring an agent, or representative for your talents is not an easy task. Here are a few suggestions...
Again, ask questions... Do your research before signing with anyone. Can a contract be broken? READ THE FINE PRINT. Take it home if you like. If you feel any pressure at all, say "I'm not comfortable signing this right now" and walk away. Chances are, you'll be saving yourself a lot of grief in the long run. If an agent charges you to be represented? Run. As fast as you can.

Another important tool is your picture and resume. Please, please, please, have it done professionally.
You cannot imagine how many times we've seen the photo that was taken by a "friend". Believe me, it looks
like it was!!! So, what's the proper format? What's the best picture? Check with your photographer. Look at his book before plunking down your hard earned cash. Is their style the same as what you have in mind?
Be creative. This is how you want to be represented.

Note from Katsy Krebs Joiner-
Just one note...
some folks do have more than one agent in one city-
such as Dallas where the market is much bigger.

There are different types of agents -

theatrical (acting)
print (modeling)
promotional ($20 an hour giving out samples at the mall)

It is possible to have contracts with more than one agent in a city-
as long as the umbrella of representation does not conflict.

In smaller markets such as SA - or Killeen -
one agent might represent you exclusively for EVERYTHING!
And some even have built in Manager clauses that say
they represent you across the state - EXCLUSIVELY!!!

Just be sure to check your contract & conflicts
before signing to be sure you understand what you are agreeing to exactly!
and the terms of the agreement... 1 yr 5 yr.... etc.

I was just trying to clarify details!

- KATSY

Scams
Always be careful in working with new agencies. Don't give money or credit card numbers up-front. Do not pay to meet, read, or audition. If you believe that you have been the victim of a scam, you can file a complaint online with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/. The State Attorney General should also be notified. Mastercard has free information on Scams and Flim-Flams at 1-800-999-5156. A watchdog group at www.fraud.org/internet/intset.htm also keeps track of several illegal money making schemes. The Better Business bureau advises caution when dealing with talent/modeling agencies.
See http://www.license.state.tx.us/databases.htm for
Legitimate, Licensed Talent Agencies in TX. See www.DoNotPay.org.
See http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/model.htm
for information on modeling and talent scams. To search for the license of a
Texas Talent &/or Modeling Agency, see http://www.license.state.tx.us/LicenseSearch/.