When To Seek Representation

The value of seeking representation is best applied during periods of growth and beyond. For up-and-coming clients, this is when work begins to come organically, and momentum builds. There is a misconception of what an agent does, outside of actors and department heads. It’s not simply about getting jobs. A good agent helps position and market the client based on their trajectory, structures deals to protect long-term earning power, and creates a professional buffer between talent and employer. Representation becomes most effective when the client has established a strong presence in their field. When producers or decision-makers are staffing a $25+ million project, they are looking for operators with proven experience and competitive credits. An up-and-coming resume may struggle to compete in that arena, and in those cases, representation alone cannot substitute for experience.

At its best, representation is a partnership. The client operates as the CEO of their career, while the agent functions in the COO and CFO roles. Managing negotiations, protecting positioning, and ensuring each deal supports future opportunities. I often hear, “My agent never got me a job,” but that overlooks the many factors at play. When a client is highly sought after, and work is stacking back-to-back, an agent’s value shifts toward structuring deals, preserving market value, and freeing the client to focus on craft and personal life. On the other hand, when a client is still building their network and work is inconsistent, marketing becomes more challenging. If a resume sits idle, earlier credits lose momentum, and no agent can persuade decision-makers when each project has different budgets, directors, and creative priorities.

A useful analogy is golf: beginners don’t hire a caddie; that partnership makes sense once the player reaches a competitive level. In the same way, as leads come across my desk, my responsibility is to partner with operators who are equally competitive so producers continue to trust the roster. An agent can present the strongest possible candidates and advocate for them, but ultimately, the credits, experience, and professionalism speak for themselves. Representation works best when both sides bring strength to the table, building trust, protecting value, and positioning the career for long-term success.