Voiceover Agents are a critical and important part of the voiceover industry. There is a misconception that when one gets an agent, they can sit back and wait for the phone to ring. This is really not the case at all. A voice actor should work as hard as their agent to bring in the work. They can do this by ensuring that demos are up to date and they have a professional headshot. Voiceover artists need to market themselves well. Not only this, but it is vital to be professional and as hard-working as possible with every audition and job you undertake.
Relationship between Voiceover Agents and Artists
An agent is effectively a business partner. You had the goods to sell (your services/talents) and they have the customers to sell it to. The issue is the client on the other end is spoiled for choice, which means the industry is competitive. Nonetheless, make sure your demos are produced professionally, and if your agent asks you to change something, do it. Likewise, your headshot gives a bit of your personality to the end client, so make sure these look professional. This is a business relationship, not a one-way consumer relationship. Work hard for yourself and your agent. You can count your bets that they are hustling hard for you.
Voiceover Agent Expectations
Agents have a long list of business relationships, from the end clients to directors and of course, casting directors. Casting directors in particular will have hundreds of auditions come their way, so they really don’t have time to deal with files that are not labeled properly or have bad audio. Here is the problem: It looks bad on the agent and the agency. An agent needs you to read the brief in thorough detail and follow the instructions perfectly. Top-tier audio quality is fundamentally the basics; this is a given expectation. If you have issues with your audio quality, you need to address this quickly. If relationships become rocky between an agent and their client because of your error, you might find yourself looking for a new agent.
Voice Actors Working With Their Agents
Feel free to check in from time to time, letting them know what you have been up to. A new brand, website, demo, or success might help them promote you that little bit further. Ask your agent how you can help them and make their lives easier. Maybe you add a paragraph to their newsletter or a post on their social media.
General Courtesy for Voiceover Agents
Like with any good business relationship, make sure your manners are always at the forefront of your relationship. Additionally, share your gratitude and never be scared to ask for constructive feedback. Your agent sees the trends and how the industry is moving and can give you that direction. Also, it is not mandatory, but sending a card at Christmas and a text on a birthday is never going to be a bad thing. Just remember, you are working together! They represent you, but you also represent them. The old phrase Do to others as you would have them do to you comes to mind. Work as hard for your agent as you hope they are working as hard for you.
Voiceover Agents by Alan Shires
