How to get a talent agent in Los Angeles?

How to get a talent agent in Los Angeles?

• hi, i need to get an agent and i do not know where to begin. i read that Shia LaBeouf found an agent from yellow pages. Even though i hardly believe it is not first actor that got an agent so easily. many hollywood actors say its la, all u do is audition all the time. well i found MANY agencies in the yellowpages, but idk what should i do? do i call them? and if yes, what do i say? or should i go in there and what should i say? do i have to make an appoitment? if yes, what shud i get ready for, like besides portfolio, and resume? should i memrize a dialogue and where can i find one? im sorry for too many questions but i really need help on this one!!

• Answer:

  You won't be able to find a legitimate agent who will represent you until you have acting experience, since an agent's job is to send qualified (experienced) actors to audition for professional jobs. Sadly, there are more frauds claiming to be agents than people who could actually find you work. As a rule, any agent who charges any money up front is not legitimate. A fraud will tell you he needs money to cover the cost of classes, head shots, promotional materials, etc. But a legitimate agent only gets paid when you do, since he earns a percentage of what you're paid for a job. If you already have acting experience (other than school productions, which won't get you far), ask some actors you know (from your previous jobs) to recommend agents. And if you don't yet have experience, contact a local theater and inquire about classes. Those are a great way to become involved with a specific theater where you may have the opportunity to audition for shows. And once you've appeared in a few productions, you'll have the experience required to shop for a legitimate agent.