Act Like an Agent

Episode #379

Act Like An Agent

Air Date:

Welcome to Casting Actors Cast — the podcast that gives actors the tools, tactics, and mindset shifts they need to work smart and book more. I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach, your host — casting director, author, and coach. Today’s episode flips the script in a really fun and useful way. We’re calling it: Act Like an Agent. That’s right — we’re going to look at your acting career from the perspective of the people who represent you — your agents and managers.

Why? Because the better you understand their world — their pressures, their priorities, their process — the stronger and more effective you’ll be as their client. This isn’t just about 'being easier to work with.' It’s about empathy, strategy, and collaboration. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to get more auditions, how agents make their decisions, or how to keep that relationship healthy — this episode is tailor-made for you. Let’s step into the agent’s office and see what it’s like on the other side."

1. Why “Acting Like an Agent” Matters

• Most actors only see their side of the equation: auditioning, waiting, hoping.

• Agents are working on behalf of talent, but also under constant pressure from casting, producers, and a large client roster.

• Developing agent empathy = stronger communication, smarter self-promotion, and better alignment.

• It’s not just “what can my agent do for me?” but “how can I help my agent help me?”

2. What Motivates Agents to Submit Talent

Commission-Based Income

• Agents only get paid when you get paid — typically 10% of what you earn.

• This motivates them to prioritize talent with strong booking potential.

• A submission is an investment of time, reputation, and belief.

Marketability & Readiness

• They look for talent who are easy to pitch and ready to work — headshots, reels, resumes, and self-tapes must be strong.

• They know casting preferences — they submit actors who align with breakdowns and are likely to deliver.

Efficiency & Relationships

• Agents build casting director trust by being reliable and submitting thoughtfully — not just flooding with names.

• If you’re consistently reliable and bookable, you’re more likely to rise to the top of their list.

3. How Agents Juggle So Many Clients

• Many reps handle 30–100+ clients at once.

• They use client databases, submission platforms (like Breakdown Services, Casting Networks), and daily breakdowns.

• They categorize talent by type, availability, and heat (recent bookings = more visibility).

• Communication is often triage-based: urgent bookings first, then career development.

• Your job: stay visible, stay booked, and make their job easier.

4. How Career Development Factors In

• Reps often play both short- and long-game:

  • Short-term: Get you in the room, get you booked.

  • Long-term: Position you for higher-level work, bigger roles, better contracts.

• They assess your trajectory — are you growing? Training? Rebranding? Diversifying your skills?

• When they see you investing in your own career, they’re more likely to invest energy into guiding it.

5. Step-by-Step: How to Be a Great Client (And Keep the Relationship Strong)

Step 1: Communicate Effectively — But Not Excessively

• Update them on bookings, classes, reel upgrades. Keep it concise and professional.

• Don’t spam. Make your messages valuable: “Here’s my new reel, hope this helps for episodic submissions.”

Step 2: Be Reliable and Professional

• Submit tapes on time. Be early for auditions. Be gracious, even when the results don’t go your way.

• Agents don’t like surprises — keep your calendar current and let them know about availability changes.

Step 3: Keep Your Materials Current

• New headshots, fresh footage, training — all of this keeps you “submit-ready.”

• A well-edited, type-appropriate reel can completely change your audition volume.

Step 4: Be Proactive Without Being Pushy

• Ask smart questions: “Is there anything else you need from me for pilot season?”

• Check in occasionally with clear goals, not complaints: “I’d love to focus more on commercial this quarter.”

Step 5: Show Gratitude and Team Spirit

• A simple thank-you goes a long way. Agents work hard behind the scenes.

• When you book something, always credit them — publicly and personally.

Closing Thoughts & CTA

"So… ready to think like an agent? When you shift into their shoes, even just a little, you unlock smarter strategies, more trust, and a better working relationship. Remember, you and your rep are a team — but you’re also a brand. Help them help you. And if you don’t have representation yet, this mindset still applies — everything we talked about today helps you prepare to attract the right agent when the time comes. If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts or stories. Send me a message or leave a review. And hey — send this episode to a fellow actor who might need a new way to think about their team. Until next time — prepare smarter, act better… and book more. Let’s go!"