Launching Your Entertainment Career at a Talent Agency
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The talent agency process is a tradition in and of itself. Today we’re diving into what it means to work at an agency, often considered the gateway to a successful career in entertainment.
The Call Sheet teamed up for a Q&A with UTA talent assistant Lizabeth Du Val to give you advice on how to begin the difficult but rewarding journey ahead.
Q: What is the agent trainee application process like?
A: My application process was very simple — I applied online along with 5 billion other people. Unfortunately I had little to no connections at UTA, but with my internships at WME and various entertainment companies I was able to get an interview! The initial interview process wasn’t too groundbreaking — we spoke with our head of HR for maybe 5 minutes about our experience in the industry and what we want. Why UTA? Why entertainment? How can you be an asset to them?
It is much more important to discuss your drive and what you can do for them than it is to discuss what you studied. At the end of the day you’re competing against thousands of kids who all went to great schools, who all graduated top of their class, who all have connections. Some who have worked at other agencies under agents and have twice your experience. You need to be able to distinguish yourself in other ways.
Q: What were your duties as an agent trainee?
A: The whole point of the mailroom is to make connections and learn the company. You take every opportunity you can — whether it be passing out mail to agents’ assistants, or shadowing an assistant in a department you’re interested in, or meeting with agents themselves.
While the mailroom assists in getting comfortable with the company, that’s where you need to step out and prove yourself. We’re given a set amount of time to find a desk. If you’re not hired onto a desk within that amount of time, your position at the company is reconsidered.
So although technically, you can just sit in there all day sorting mail, you need to do more. You need to meet with agents and introduce yourself. Go for desks that you know you won’t get, but at least you’ll get face time. Meet with assistants and become their best friends. Annoy HR and let them know you’re here to stay. That’s how you get a desk and that’s how you stay important in this type of company culture.
Q: How did you make the jump to talent assistant?
A: It comes down to timing. I was offered an internship at UTA which I happily accepted. But, knowing nothing is ever certain, I went ahead and applied to other agencies for full time positions. I received offers from 3 major agencies — but I wanted UTA.
I loved the culture and the spirit, they seemed to be the only large agency that bred legitimate talent agents. I used those offers as leverage to get an interview at UTA, and barely got one. Thankfully I was hired. I had made it clear from the beginning that I wanted talent, and went for any and every desk that opened. The first desk I applied for, I was offered amongst 10 other applicants. And so it began! I worked on his desk for 14 months, my second desk for 13 months, and currently work for the head of the talent department.
Q: What are your duties as a talent assistant?
A: The job of a talent assistant is the equivalent of being an agent, a publicist, a manager and a babysitter all in one. Of course there are the regular assistant duties: answering phones, scheduling meetings, coming in early to get your boss the particular type of coffee they request, set visits, a ton of reading, etc.
If you’re one of the good assistants (which surprisingly, are few and far between), you’ll do what is asked of you and then go 10 steps further. Their clients are your clients. Their livelihood is in your hands — so you read everything, tracking any projects suitable for them, learn how to negotiate, learn how to navigate, and most of all learn to be a fierce advocate for each client on your roster. And at the same time, be entirely too detail oriented and live on your phone 24/7, because if an email comes in at 2am and you don’t answer it by 2:01am, that’s entirely on you.
Q: And your advice for those looking to work at an agency?
A: My biggest piece of advice is to do your research on each agency. Don’t get blinded by the idea of working for the largest agency with the most well-known name. Realize that with bigger agencies, your road to becoming an agent will be much longer. Look up a few of your favorite actors, writers, directors and see where they’re repped and by who — you’d be surprised who has who. Ultimately, apply to all agencies, but know which agency you’d fit in best at and put your all into getting an interview there. Don’t be afraid to do a little agenting of your own!!!
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