Do you have a manager, agent or representative who helps you sign or close deals? Why or why not? If you do have one, how did you find them and how did you know they were the right one for you? These are some of the questions we asked some very talented folks from the community and we’ve shared their responses below.

Alfonso Aguirre

I truly believe that while you can do some things on your own, it is absolutely necessary to surround yourself with the right people in order to achieve anything. I am very grateful to have an amazing team of people in different regions. It all started in Texas, where I am represented by Addie Eckert Brown, Erica Battle and now also Beth Tamez at Page Parkes. I did some acting when I was in high school, but I put that on hold because I wanted to pursue a career in music. So years later, when I returned to it, I made up my mind and decided to fully commit to my career. I think they saw that. Read more>>

Valeria Goroh

In the modeling industry, having an agent or agency is crucial for building a career. Every professional model begins by searching for a mother agency, which will manage their portfolio and secure contracts globally. In some cases, the agency may also represent the model in a specific city. For example, if you’re living in Los Angeles and signed with NEXT, IMG, FORD, STORM, or WOMEN, they will not only help you build your career and find contracts internationally but also offer work in the Los Angeles market as the local agency. Your mother agency can be located anywhere in the world, but if you’re just starting in the industry, I would recommend looking for a mother agency in your home country. This might help with better communication and understanding, in my opinion. Read more>>

Meg Biddle Smith

I have had a couple of agents now. And honestly the journey hasn’t been easy. When I first moved to Atlanta 10 years ago, with a theatre degree and bright eyes for the future ahead, I had no idea how hard pursuing a career in acting was going to be. It took me 3 1/2 years to sign with my first agent, and hindsight there were definitely things I could’ve done differently, but also, I know I was exactly where I needed to be, learning the lessons that have made me a better business owner with my career today. With my first agent, I wasn’t really clear on what I wanted in my career, I didn’t really know who I was or the actor I wanted to be – (but then again how many of us really know at 23?!) All I knew was I just wanted to act. Read more>>