Are you an aspiring actor looking to kickstart your career with one of the top acting and talent agencies in the UK? As a headshot photographer I work with many actors and performers who already have, or are currently looking for representation. Finding the right acting agency can be a game-changer. A reputable agency can provide invaluable guidance, opportunities, and ultimately help you to get in the room and book roles! To help you on your journey, I've created a comprehensive guide to UK acting agencies including a list of top UK-based agencies, along with what to look out for and tips for applying.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Agency:
Specialization:Â Some UK agencies focus on specific genres (e.g., film, TV, theatre) or demographics (e.g., children, seniors). Be sure to select the ones that fit you best.
Reputation:Â Look for agencies with a proven track record of representing successful actors, that you've potentially heard of, or know friends use.
Commission Structure:Â Understand the agency's fee structure and how they earn their commission.
Agent-Actor Relationship:Â A strong, collaborative relationship with your agent is crucial. Be sure this is something that the agency prioritises.
Tips for Submitting To Uk Acting Agencies:
Research:Â Learn about the agency's specific requirements and submission guidelines. If you get in touch with them, mention why you've contacted them specifically. A personalised email always works well.
CV and Showreel:Â Prepare a professional CV highlighting your acting experience and a showreel demonstrating your skills. Check out how to build a portfolio that lands you roles here!
Follow Up:Â Do be patient but it's sometimes worth politely following up after submitting your materials if you haven't heard anything for a while. Even if it just means you gain a little feedback on your application, you'll be better placed for future applications!
Don't Get Discouraged: The performing arts industry is tough and you'll get more no's than yes's. Keep plugging away, you can't lose if you don't quit!
Professional Headshots:Â Invest in high-quality headshots that showcase your uniqueness and personality! I can help you here. Hit the button below to find out more about my headshot packages and stand out from the crowd!
Enough of that though...here's a list of agencies within the UK you can reach out to:
Top UK Acting Agencies
Curtis Brown:Â A leading agency representing a diverse range of talent, including actors, writers, and directors.
Website:Â http://www.curtisbrown.co.uk
United Agents:Â Known for representing established and emerging talent across various industries, including acting, film, and television.
Website:Â https://www.unitedagents.co.uk
Spotlight:Â A membership organization that provides a database of talent and connects actors with agents and casting directors.
Website:Â https://www.spotlight.com
ARG Talent: Artists Rights Group is the leading bespoke agency for talent in the UK, providing highly individual personal management for its elite list of creative talent. Website: www.argtalent.com
Gordon & French: Gordon & French is an actors' agency based in Soho, London. They are all about creating trusted relationships with the world-class talent they represent, nurturing careers and supporting their clients as they strive for the highest standards of artistic performance.
Website: www.gordonandfrench.co.uk
Bloomfields Welch: Bloomfields Welch is a leading international actors' management agency based in London.
Website: www.bloomfieldswelch.com
Conway Van Gelder Grant: CVGG is an established Soho agency with big-name clients and contacts in the industry, working exclusively with actors. Â
Website: www.conwayvangeldergrant.com
Lip Service: Lip Service is a London casting agency with over 30 years of experience.
Website: www.lipservice.co.uk
Creative Artists Management: Creative Artists Management is a leading talent agency who is passionate about representing and nurturing a diverse range of clients.
Website: www.cam.co.uk
Hamilton Hodell: Career management for extraordinary talent.
Website: www.hamiltonhodell.co.uk
Independent Talent Group: Independent Talent Group represents actors and provides an overview of their talent.
Website: www.independenttalent.com
The Milk Collective: The MiLK Collective is a world-renowned talent management agency specialising in managing the careers of developing, emerging and established talent across the Fashion, Digital and Broadcast industries.
Website: www.milkmanagement.co.uk
Lou Coulson Associates: Lou Coulson Associates has a team ethos that combines traditional agenting and innovative thinking with a focus on building long-lasting careers for actors.
Website: https://loucoulson.co.uk/
Markham, Froggatt & Irwin: Markham, Froggatt & Irwin is a London-based talent agency representing actors for Film, Television, Theatre, and commercial endeavours.
Website: markhamfroggattandirwin.com
42 Management: 42 Management is a fully integrated management and production company, producing film, television, and content, representing various creative talents.
Website: www.42mp.com
Actors International:Â A global agency with a strong presence in the UK, offering representation for actors at all stages of their careers.
Website:Â www.actorsinternational.co.uk
The Artists Partnership:Â A well-established agency representing a wide range of talent across film, television, and theatre.
Website:Â https://theartistspartnership.co.uk
The Agency:Â A boutique agency with a focus on representing diverse and emerging talent.
Website:Â https://theagency.co.uk
Bona Fide:Â A boutique agency specializing in representing actors for film, television, and theatre.
Website:Â https://bonafidetalents.com
Smaller UK Agencies
1. The Young Actors Agency
Focus:Â Young actors (ages 4-21)
Specialties:Â Theatre, film, TV, commercials
Website:Â https://theyoungactorsagency.com/
2. Oh So Small
Focus:Â Actors with dwarfism and short stature
Specialties:Â Film, TV, commercials, modelling
Website:Â https://www.ohsosmall.com/
3. The Narrow Road
Focus:Â Actors, writers, directors
Specialties:Â Theatre, film, TV, commercials
Website:Â https://narrowroad.co.uk/
4. Regan Talent Group
Focus:Â Actors, presenters, creatives, drag performers
Specialties:Â Film, TV, theatre, commercials
Website:Â https://regantalentgroup.co.uk/
5. MacFarlane Doyle
Focus:Â Actors, writers, directors
Specialties:Â Film, TV, theatre, commercials
Website:Â https://www.macfarlanedoyle.com/
6. BMA Artists
Focus:Â Actors, models, presenters
Specialties:Â Film, TV, commercials, fashion
Website:Â https://bmaartists.com/
7. Rebecca Middleton Talent
Focus:Â Actors, writers, directors
Specialties:Â Film, TV, theatre, commercials
Website:Â https://www.middletontalent.com/
8. Hatch Talent
Focus:Â Actors, writers, creatives
Specialties:Â Film, TV, theatre, commercials
Website:Â https://hatchtalent.co.uk/
Remember, finding the right agency is a process. There are plenty out there but hopefully the above should get you started. Don't be discouraged if you don't receive immediate responses or get a few no's. Keep networking, build your skills, and explore different options. With dedication and persistence, you'll find an agency that will help you achieve your acting goals.
Jonny
