Talent Agents and Scouts

Employers

There are 18,600 agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes in the United States. Talent agencies are located throughout the United States, handling a variety of talents. Those agencies that represent artists and professionals in the film industry are located primarily in Los Angeles. Some film agencies, such as William Morris Endeavor (WME), are located in New York City. An agency may specialize in a particular type of talent, such as minority actors, extras, or TV commercial actors. The top three film agencies that employ agents are the Creative Artists Agency, United Talent Agency, and WME. The Association of Authors' Representatives has a list of member agencies, and the vast majority are located in New York City. The top modeling agencies, such as Wilhelmina, Ford, and Elite, have offices in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami, but there are talent/modeling agencies in all metropolitan areas.

Starting Out

The best way to enter this field is through an internship with an agency. Many talent agents and scouts get their start through an internship with an agency. Those who live in Los Angeles or New York have access to opportunities for internships, part-time jobs, and even volunteer work. Search the Web sites of talent agencies as well as SAG-AFTRA for current listings of available internships and job openings. There are also employment agencies that focus specifically on certain media, such as film and entertainment, and deal with talent agencies; these can be found through online searches.