What talent agency is real and not a scam?

twilightfan823: What talent agency is real and not a scam?
Well on the radio station and at festivals I always see JPR and I know from research that it is a scam. So what acting agency is not a scam?

Answers and Views:

Answer by TruthTeller59
JRP, Barbizon, and John Casablancas are NOT agencies! They fool people into believeing they are. Agencies ONLY make money when YOU do. Legit agents take 10% from anything you make from film/tv and comercials and 20% from commercial print.

Look up LEGIT agencies here:
https://www.agentassociation.com/

https://www.sagaftra.org/

To get an agent, you need to get GREAT headshots, a good resume, and training from the best. These are enough to get you a commercial agent at least. Getting a GOOD theatrical agent (Film/tv) takes longer. Most good theatrical agents won’t see you unless you’re SAG, have a polished resume, and a demo reel. Commercial agents are more lenient about that. What the best Commercial agents want to see on your resume are good commercial classes, improv, and cold reading.

You can get an agent multiple ways. Here are a few common ways:
-Mail in an unsealed manilla envelope with a CONCISE coverletter and headshot with the resume stapled on the back. If you have a demoreel include that too.
-Attend a showcase and impress them. By showcase I do not mean scammy conventions like IMTA, IPOP, Proscout, or Best New Talent. I mean legit ones like at Actor Connection, Reel pros, Network Studios, etc.
-Get a referral from a friend who is with the agency that you’re interested in

DON’T
-Email them unless they tell you to. IT’S UNPROFESSIONAL!
-Call unless they tell you to. ALSO UNPROFESSIONAL!
-Walk in and ask for a meeting. UNPROFESSIONAL THREE!
-Sign with them if they ask for upfront money, make you take new photos with THEIR photographer, or take THEIR classes. Agent’s ONLY make money when you do. Agents usually make 10% on film/tv and commercials and 20% on commercial print.

Sample Resume:

Avoiding BAD Headshots: