How To Get An Agent For Voice Acting

Are you a beginner voice actor looking for good career opportunities, or are you a seasoned voice-over actor itching to get a voice talent agent? In both cases, you must be thinking “where to start?” Our blog will help you identify ways that you can connect with the right voice agents. 

Voice acting is a rewarding and challenging career that requires a lot of dedication and hard work. Whether you're an experienced voice actor or are just starting out, having an agent can help you find work and grow your career. In this blog, we'll discuss how to land an agent for voice acting and what you can do to increase your chances of success in voice acting. But first, let’s see when is the right time to start looking for an agent. 

At What Point In Your Career Should You Start Looking For An Agent?

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are some general guidelines that can help you determine when it's the right time to seek agency representation. Let’s explore when you should start looking for an agent for your voice-over career.

Firstly, it's important to note that not all voice actors need an agent. If you're just starting out and have little to no experience, it may be best to focus on building your skills and gaining experience before seeking representation. However, if you're an experienced voice actor looking to take youcareer to the next level, an agent can be a valuable asset.

Here are a few general guidelines to consider before looking for a voice talent agent:

1. You have Professional Level Skills And Experience

Before seeking representation, it's important to have the skills and experience to back up your talent. This means having a professional-grade demo reel and a strong resume that showcases your experience in the industry. Voice acting courses online can boost a voice acting career by providing a strong foundation in acting techniques, character development, and industry exposure. If you're able to consistently book gigs and are confident in your abilities as a voice actor, you may be ready to start seeking representation.

2. You're Booking Regular Gigs On Your Own

If you're already booking regular voice-over gigs on your own, it may be time to start looking for an agent. While an agent isn't necessary to find work, having representation can help you secure higher-paying gigs and access opportunities that you may not be able to find on your own.

3. You're Looking To Expand Your Client Base

If you're at a point in your career where you're ready to take on more work and expand your client base, an agent can help you achieve this goal. They have connections and relationships within the industry that can help you find new opportunities and reach a wider audience.

What Can A Voice Agent Do For You?

A voice agent can play a vital role in advancing your voiceover career. A voice agent can do several things to help you advance your voiceover career, including:

1. Finding better work opportunities

A voice agent can help you find work opportunities that match your skills and experience. They have access to a network of clients and casting directors who are always on the lookout for talented voice actors.

2. Negotiating contracts

When you book a job, your voice agent can negotiate the terms of the contract, including the payment and any usage rights. They can ensure that you're getting paid fairly and that your work is being used appropriately.

3. Marketing and promotion

Your voice agent can market and promote you to potential clients and casting directors. They can showcase your demo reel, highlight your skills and experience, and help you build your brand as a voice actor.

4. Providing guidance and support

A voice agent can provide guidance and support throughout your voiceover career. They can help you set goals, develop your skills, and navigate the industry.

5. Managing administrative tasks

Your voice agent can take care of administrative tasks such as invoicing, accounting, and contract management, so you can focus on your craft.

6 Steps To Get A Voice Talent Agent

1. Build Your Skills And Experience

Before you start looking for an agent, you need to have the skills and experience to back up your talent. Take acting classes, work on your voice acting technique, and build up your resume with relevant experiences, such as radio ads, podcasts, or audiobooks. It's important to have a professional demo reel showcasing your best work, as this will be the first thing an agent will want to see.

2. Research Agents

There are many voiceover agents out there, and not all of them will be the right fit for you. Do your research and find agents that represent voice actors in your specific niche or genre. Look up their websites, read their client testimonials, and find out how they prefer to receive demo reels and applications.

3. Prepare Your Materials

Once you've identified the agents you want to work with, prepare your materials. This will typically include a resume highlighting your relevant experience, a cover letter explaining why you want to work with that particular agent, and a demo reel showcasing your best work. Make sure your materials are professional and well-presented, as this will help you stand out from the competition.

4. Submit Your Materials

Different agents will have different submission guidelines, so make sure to follow them carefully. Some agents may prefer email submissions, while others may want physical copies sent to their office. Be sure to include all of the materials requested and follow any formatting or file size guidelines.

5. Don’t Forget To Follow up

After you've submitted your materials, it's important to follow up with the agent. This shows that you're interested and motivated, and can help keep you at the top of their mind. Follow up with a polite email or phone call a few weeks after submitting your materials to check on the status of your application.

6. Always Be Patient

Getting an agent can take time, and you may need to submit to several different agents before you find the right fit. Don't get discouraged if you receive rejections or no response at all - keep building your skills and experience, and continue to submit to agents that you think will be a good fit.

Tips To Ace The Meeting With a Voice Talent Agent

• Meeting with a voice talent agent can be a critical step in advancing your voiceover career. It's a chance to showcase your skills and potentially secure representation. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your meeting with a voice talent agent:

• Before the meeting, research the agency and the agent you'll be meeting with. Look up their website, social media profiles, and any interviews or articles they've been featured in. This will help you get a better sense of their priorities, values, and the type of talent they represent.

• Make sure your materials are up-to-date and professional. Bring copies of your resume, headshot, and demo reel. Consider bringing multiple copies in case there are other agents or assistants in the meeting. It's also a good idea to bring a list of your skills, including any accents, impressions, or languages you're proficient in.

• First impressions matter, so dress professionally for the meeting. Dress in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and avoid anything too casual or flashy. Keep in mind that you're showcasing yourself as a professional voice actor, so dress accordingly.

• During the meeting, be personable and engaging. Make eye contact, smile, and show enthusiasm for your craft. Agents are looking for talent that is not only skilled but also easy to work with and professional. Make sure you listen to their questions and respond thoughtfully.

• Ask the agent questions about their agency, their clients, and their process. This shows that you're interested and invested in the industry and can help you get a better sense of whether the agency is a good fit for you.

Things to Understand Before Signing a Contract With An Agent

Once you land a voice agent, you will be required to sign a legal contract. While it is a normal process, signing a contract with a voice agent can be a nerve-racking experience, especially because it contains a lot of clauses and conditions that you may not understand at that time.

Thus it becomes very important that you understand the terms and conditions of the contract before signing it. Here are some tips to help you navigate the contract-signing process with a voice agent:

1. Understand The Terms Of The Contract

Make sure you read and understand all the terms and conditions of the contract. This includes the duration of the contract, the commission percentage the agent will take, the types of work the agent will represent you for, and any other clauses or provisions.

2. Seek Legal Advice

If you're unsure about any aspect of the contract, consider seeking legal advice from a qualified attorney. They can help you understand the legal implications of the contract and ensure that your rights are protected.

3. Negotiate The Terms

Don't be afraid to negotiate the terms of the contract. You can discuss the commission percentage, the duration of the contract, and any other clauses or provisions you're uncomfortable with. Remember that the contract is a mutual agreement between you and the agent, and both parties should be satisfied with the terms.

4. Keep A Copy Of The Contract

Make sure you keep a copy of the signed contract for your records. This can be useful in case there are any disputes or issues in the future. Once you've signed the contract, make sure you fulfil your obligations as outlined in the agreement. This includes paying the commission fees on time and providing the agent with any necessary materials or information.

5. Communicate With Your Agent

Maintain open communication with your agent throughout the duration of the contract. Keep them informed of your availability, any new skills or experience you gain, and any bookings or projects you're working on. This can help them better represent you and secure more opportunities for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What Does Working With A Voice Agent Entail?

Your agent acts as a mediator between you and your clients and will be responsible for seeking out and booking work opportunities and auditions through effective negotiation. They will submit your demo for roles that match your abilities, and if you express interest in a particular job, they will provide you with the details, including the script, time, date, and location of the audition.

Once you complete a job that your agent has set up, the payment for the work will typically go through the agency. The agent typically takes a commission of 10-15%, which may be a fixed amount or a percentage of each job you get. If their commission is higher than the industry norm, it is important to understand why and what additional services they provide to justify the higher fee.

Q2. How Much Does An Agent Cost For Voice Acting?

The cost of an agent for voice acting is typically a commission on the jobs they book for you. In the voiceover industry, the standard commission is between 10-15% of the total fee for each job.

For example, if you book a job for $1,000, your agent would receive a commission of $100-$150, leaving you with $850-$900. The exact percentage can vary depending on the agency and your level of experience.

It's important to note that you should never pay an agent upfront to represent you. Legitimate agents only make money when you do, through the commission they receive from the jobs they book for you. If an agent asks for a fee upfront, it may be a red flag indicating that they are not a reputable agent.

Q3. Do Voice Agents Guarantee Providing Work?

Having an agent does not guarantee you work. Voiceover agents work to find opportunities for their clients, but they cannot guarantee that you will book every audition or job.

While most agents work in their client's best interest, some may prioritize their own interests or the interests of their most successful clients. It's important to do your research and choose an agent who you feel is trustworthy and will advocate for you.

To Sum It Up

Getting an agent for voice acting can be a great way to find more work and grow your career. By building your skills and experience, researching agents, preparing your materials, submitting them, following up, and being patient, you can increase your chances of finding an agent that will help you achieve your goals. Good luck on your journey towards a successful career in voice acting!