Spotlight agencies

[essexmum]

Hello there:
I'm new to all this and and currently seeking an agent for my dd aged 11 but would like it to be associated with spotlight, she has experience, but I'm new to the whole searching for an agent thing, any help appreciated x

[pg]

Hello. Any actor's agent worth its salt will encourage its actors to have Spotlight entry - however, not all agents whose actors have Spotlight entry are necessarily good agents. An agency that appears in Contacts, or whose actors appear in Spotlight still needs checking out.

There is a lot of information on the site about looking for agents - it's worth setting aside some time just to browse through the threads, you will find answers to most of your questions there (and answers to questions you hadn't thought of ) It's difficult for anyone to recommend an agency as what suits one won't suit another and if an agent already has someone like your dd on the books they may be reluctant to take her on. If you browse through the threads you can see what to avoid (which is the important thing) and then it's a case of applying to some and seeing what happens (and not rushing in to anything).

Child performers can have Spotlight entry providing they are represented, adult actors do not have to have representation to have Spotlight entry but they do have to have had accredited training and/or professional (paid) credits.

The Spotlight site gives more information. http://www.spotlight.com

[champagnecharlie]

When I was looking to find a new agent I actually went to the Spotlight offices and asked if I could look through the books. It was a real eye opener to see all the thousands of kids represented by Spotlight and by which agencies. It certainly gave me a clearer idea than the sometimes confusing information you can get from the internet.

Good luck with your search.

[jollyjelly]

Order a copy of Spotlight's Contacts Handbook, which lists a huge amount of agencies countrywide.... http://www.contactshandbook.com/ best £12.99 you'll ever spend!

JJ x

[pg]

champagnecharlie - that's a really good idea. Looking at the style and quality of the photos and making a note of how many actors are on an agency's books (and whether any of them are actors you recognise) can give you a good indication of where to start looking and who to avoid.

The Contacts book is very useful but it doesn't give you any information about the agencies - just their contact details. Entry in Contacts is no guarantee that the agency is efficiently run and there will plenty of agents listed that still charge up-front fees (dressed up as something else, sometimes) and have hundreds and hundreds on their books. You still have to do plenty of research

[essexmum]

Thank you, that's great advice I think I will order a book, has anyone joined Sylvia young agency but child doesn't attend the school? It's one obv I've heard of, mark jermin was another one mentioned on here? I know each child has their own experience with each agent, sum get castings sum don't etc etc, but it's the organisation and feedback of the agency I'm interested in x thanx any advice/ experience would be great x