If you are an actor, writer, director or other artist seeking work in the entertainment business and you are looking for agency representation,you can either call or write to the W-WTA agency to inquire.

Due to the expiration of the Agency Regulations,no talent agent is franchised,Agents continue to comply with State law and existing franchise regulations with AFTA, DGA, WGA and Equity. 

A state or city Talent Agency license is most often required to represent clients and to solicit work for them. Check out Licensing on the ATA website for more information.

Entertainment labor unions are involved in regulating agents who deal with the members of the union. The unions are concerned about the vulnerability of the their members. Included in the regulations are maximum commission rates that an agent can charge,as well as the term of representation agreements and dispute resolutions. These agreements entered into between agents and union are called, franchise agreements. 
 

Talent agents come from varied backgrounds, including the performing arts, business, and law. The most successful possess a deep understanding of artists and both the creative and business aspects of the work they seek for clients. It’s a tough, demanding business with the benefit of working in a dynamic industry with very talented people. Many find an entry point as an agent assistant, or in the mailroom at a large talent agency.
 

You can email or call W-WTA with the name of the agent you are seeking and if the agent is not a member of W-WTA, we may assist you by researching our agency reference books for recent contact information.

No. ATA represents over 100 talent agencies located primarily in California and New York. We do not refer clients to agents,but the ATA website contains a complete list of member agents and the representation areas the agency specializes in.

The Unions/Guild Agency Agreement along with city and state regulations provide for the length of the initial term. AFTRA initial term is eighteen (18)months. Renewals may be three (3) Years. THe ATA/State Approved Agency Contracts basically vary between one (1) and three (3) years. The DGA initial term may be two (2) years and a renewal may be three (3) years. The WGA initial term may be two (2) years with a eighteen (18) month opt out in the initial term only. 

States have different licensing requirements. In California, the Labor Commissioner issues talent agency licenses. In New York, the Department of Consumer Affairs grants talent agency licenses. In some states, an Employment Agency license is required. Check with your State Labor department for license applicability.

A manager will help organize every aspect of your career, ranging from setting up interviews with radio stations, magazines and newspapers, as well as guiding you through the correct steps to help you become successful. A manager will help take your career to the next level, when you're ready.

The main function of the Talent Agent is to secure auditions for their actors, as well as help manage their career from a small flourishing one to a very successful one.

All legitimate talent agents are usually SAG Franchised, which means they follows a set standard of rules that are regulated by the Screen Actors Guild, or SAG. All Talent Agents take a commission from the work they find you.