People You Should Know If You Want A Career In the Acting or Entertainment Industry

If you are wanting to break into the acting business, there are a few different people you're going to want to get acquainted with both in job title and in a networking perspective.  If you can get to know the people out there that are influential in the industry, you are far more likely to get your foot in the right doors at the right time! There are always an abundance of different people in the entertainment industry who are essential to an actor. Here are a few.

Manager

A manager is a person hired by the actor to find work, give advice, and generally guide the actor's career. With the exception of child actors (who often need extra development and guidance into the business), most actors will not require a real manager until they are well on the road to success.

Talent Agent

A talent agent is someone who finds work for an actor in exchange for 10-15% (10% for union actors, typically more for nonunion) of the actors' earnings. They have an extensive network of contacts and clients, and use this network to get interviews and auditions for the actor. They also will work on the terms of your contract when you get a job. As an actor, you are a product and the agent is your salesperson.

Casting Director

The CD is hired by the producers of a show to find talent (or "cast") for the show. These are the people who the agent will send photos and resumes to, and the actor will audition for. While it is possible to submit your photo and resume directly to a Casting Director, they usually only seriously consider actors submitted by an agent.

Producer

A producer is the person in charge of all the "behind the scenes" work of a show or film. They bring together a script, director, and actors, then oversee the film until it is released. The easiest way into Hollywood is knowing a producer, be they family or friend. Unfortunately for most of us, this isn't possible. But if you do happen to have a connection, don't hesitate to use it.

We want to see you succeed.  Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at the New York Acting School for Film and Television and ask about our acting coaches, acting classes and school for further training and practice.