How do I contact an Agent? A Guide to Writing to Agents for Actors Without Representation

If you’re an actor looking for an agent, and you’re not quite sure where to start, you’re in the right place. Maybe you’ve just finished training, maybe you’ve been working without representation for a while, or maybe you’re returning to acting after a break. Whatever your path, reaching out to agents can feel a bit overwhelming!

Here’s a simple, honest guide to help you to get started!

Start by Finding an Agent that's Right for You

Not all agents are going to be the right fit for you and that’s o.k. The Spotlight Contacts Directory is a good place to begin. It lets you browse agents who are open to submissions. You can then check their websites to see what kind work they cover and the type of actors they already represent.

Take the time to look at their pages and client list. Ask yourself:

• Do they rep actors at your stage of career?

• Does their work reflect where you see yourself working?

• Do they seem approachable?

Don’t send the same message to everyone. It’s much better to send five thoughtful emails than fifty generic ones. Keep track of who you have contacted and send in batches, prioritising the best fit, rather than sending hundreds of emails all at once!

Watch Out for Red Flags

Sadly, not everyone calling themselves an “agent” is operating professionally or legally.

Be cautious if:

• An agent is vague about who they represent

• You cannot find a proper website, contact info, or client list

• They ask for money up front (legitimate agents take commission, not fees)

• They pressure you into paying for “exclusive” photography through them

• They love bomb you! Agents cannot promise you work, it just doesn't work that way. So be careful of agents who say they can guarantee you a job!

Typical UK agent commissions:

• 10%–15% on theatre work

• 15%–20% on film, TV, and commercial work

• Sometimes higher if they’re using a sub-agent or working internationally

An agent should only earn money when you do. If someone is charging you up front or asking for 30% commission, that’s a red flag. Trust your gut.

Write It Yourself

Agents want to hear from you, not from a chatbot. It’s fine to use a tool to check spelling or help you structure or start your email. But the tone, the intention, the voice? That should be yours. If you struggle with writing, it's o.k. to use AI to help you out, but double check what it suggests, overly long generic emails are hard for agents to work through!

It absolutely doesn’t need to be perfect or really long. Just make it honest and clear.

What to Include in Your Email

Keep it simple. Their is no need for big emotional declarations or your full life story. You just need the important information, structured well. A few short paragraphs is enough.

Include:

• Who you are and what you’ve been doing

• Why you’re getting in touch with this particular agent (be careful to do your research here and don't be insincere)

• A link to your Spotlight profile that includes your showreel

• A recent headshot (attached, not embedded)

• Any upcoming work or recent credits (if you have them)

• If you already have an agent, it's also worth including why you are seeking new representation

If there’s something that makes you stand out, mention it. You might be fluent in another language, have a native American accent, or be trained in firearms or stage combat or be 6'8" tall! Special skills and attributes are often a brilliant way to show your versatility and help you to stand out.

Keep your subject line simple and to the point highlighting something about you.

• [Your Name] – Recent Grad from [Your School] Seeking Representation

• [Your Name] – Bilingual Actor Seeking Representation

Some agents ask for a specific format or subject line so be mindful of this!

Before You Hit Send, Check Your Materials

Agents need to see that you are ready to submit for castings, so make sure your headshots are strong. Professionally shot by an experienced headshot photographer, clear, and current. No blurry selfies, modelling shots or photos with dramatic filters.

Make sure your showreel leads with your strongest work. If you don’t have one yet, a good quality self-tape (see previous blog) that shows you on camera can work as a placeholder, but make sure it's shows you in your best light!

Keep your Spotlight profile up to date and professional, this is the equivalent of your shop front!

Agents use these elements to understand if you are a good fit for their books and bookable. If your materials aren’t ready, it’s okay to wait until they are. In the meantime, you can find work for yourself and build up a showreel and credits, student films can be great for those starting out.

When to Follow Up

If you don’t hear back, don’t panic. It’s normal. Agents are very busy and they have lots of enquiries. Assume it's a no if you don't hear in a couple of weeks.

Only follow up when you have something new to tell them. That could be:

• New headshots

• A fresh showreel

• A role in something noteworthy

• An invite to see your work (be realistic here, agents will not have the time to travel across the country!)

They may not remember that you have contacted them before, so ensure you include everything again, make their lives as easy as possible!

Final Thoughts

There’s no perfect formula for getting an agent and a lot of it is timing. You might just be what they are looking for at that particular time. Agents need variety on their books and simply cannot take everybody on, no matter how talented you are, so don't take it personally if they say no.

Representation is a great step to take, as it can open more doors for you, but it’s not a measure of your worth as an actor. Take your time and do it properly.

Next week, I will be talking about how to represent yourself as an actor.