Advice for Actors With Agents

The vast majority of UK agents subscribe to PCR (it is worth checking that your agent does) in order to help them to know who is casting which film. If you have an agent, it is still worth subscribing to PCR. The following points explain why...

• If you have an agent, it is always best to go through him or her when applying to a casting director for big budget features, television productions and West End/major touring theatre productions. Casting directors are generally more receptive to phone calls and approaches from agents. This is because it means they have to deal with fewer approaches and they know that actors represented by an agent have already been through one screening process (i.e. the agent has decided the actor is talented enough to represent them).
• Agents are, however, very busy and it is worth helping them out by scanning your weekly PCR to see which productions you may be appropriate for. You can then get in contact with your agent and talk to them about putting you forward for that particular production. Don't worry - we've asked quite a few agents about this and most don't mind actors making these types of suggestions. It is your career after all!
• If high-paid acting jobs are in short supply, it may be worth bulking up your resume by working on low budget and fringe productions. Your agent will generally not put you forward for these, as they will not make any commission, but most are happy for their clients to take on this kind of work (it is a good idea to speak to your agent about this though). Working on a low budget production means you will also get additional material for your showreel, and you can invite casting directors to see you in a fringe show. You are also making very valuable contacts - the young director who cast you in a short may turn out to be the next Neil Marshall or Anthony Minghella!
• With the introduction of our last minute casting email alerts, PCR is increasingly featuring casting in non-traditional areas such as commercial video, pop promos and voiceovers. Some agents do not put their clients forward for these types of things, so you are free to do so yourself!