Some questions to ask a new agent.
- Is there a charge to join? (any amore than a $75. - $100. admin fee is too much)
- Do they have a sound studio in the office and a VO department?
- Do they regularly get calls for VO talent?
- Who are some of their VO clients? (do you recognise any names from the media?)
- How would they promote you?
- Do they send out your mp3 demo files or is that your responsibility?
- Do they have a website with their roster of VO talent on it?
- Are they listed with videovoicebank.net?
- Are they a full-service agency ie. would they expect you to go to on-camera auditions as well?
- Are you expected to sign a power of attorney for cheques to be processed by the agency? (this is standard)
- If it doesn't work out is there a binding 30-60 day cool down time before you can join another agency? (not good because it puts you out of commission)
- Ask them if they have signed the EIC Entertainmnt Industry Code of Ethics and therefore have been approved by Theater Ontario. If you like what they have to offer, start with them to get some experience. Once you have an agent, it is easier to move to another agency if it eventually doesn't work out.
If you like them, tell them you have a couple of other meetings before making a final decision. This will give you some time to reflect. Remember that your agent works for you and you have to look forward to speaking with them every day on the phone. The chemistry has to be right for both of you.
If you have any questions at all call the AMIS - Acting Modelling Info Service - hotline at 416-977-3832.