Talent Agents and Scouts

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted film and television production, sports events, fashion and modeling events, authors' tours, and other artists' and performers' events. Slow growth is expected for talent agents and scouts into 2021, or at least until the pandemic ends and productions and events can fully resume.

Post pandemic, employment in the arts and entertainment field is expected to grow rapidly in response to the demand for entertainment from a growing population. The Department of Labor predicts 12 percent employment growth, much faster than average, for agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes through 2029. However, the numbers of artists and performers also continues to grow, creating fierce competition for all jobs in this industry. This competition will drive the need for more agents and scouts to find talented individuals and place them in the best jobs. This trend will also create strong competition for jobs. Many agents have trouble breaking into the business and holding full-time positions. Many, frustrated by the strong competition, leave the field for other jobs.

The film industry is expected to have steady growth at the box office in the coming years. Markets overseas are expanding, so even the films that don't do well domestically can still turn a tidy profit. As a result, agents at all levels in the film industry will continue to be needed. Also, more original cable television programming and shows for on-demand and streaming videos will lead to more actors and performers seeking representation.

The fashion and modeling industries fluctuate slightly with the economy. During recession periods, consumers are likely to spend less, and advertisers plan more modest campaigns. There is stiff competition among the vast numbers of hopeful models for the relatively few available positions, and it takes skillful agents to find the best assignments for their clients.

Artists' and authors' agents play an important role in getting their clients' work seen and read, and will continue to find employment opportunities. Most book publishers will not even consider a manuscript unless it is submitted through a reputable agent.