Expert: Kitty Kavey - 4/26/2009

Question
Hi Kitty,
I'm having a lot of trouble finding an agency in the UK, London, that offers both acting and modelling work.
I would like to focus mainly on acting, with opportunities to get into film, but I would also like to do some commercial work in the meantime.
A lot of the agencies ask for a representation fee of around £100, which I know I shouldn't be paying.
I'm just grasping at straws when I try to find one on the Internet.
Do you know of any?

Thank you,
Fearn x

Answer
Commercial print work, such as we know in the US, is much more difficult to find over on this side of the globe.  London is also known for it's fashion models, so I can understand why you are finding it a challenge to find a legit commercial print (US-style) and talent agency there.

If you are able to find a working model/talent similar to you in that area, of course asking for a referral to their agency would be ideal.  If not, perhaps focusing more on the acting to begin with would be a place to start.  You can try contacting the Equity UK Trade Union (www.equity.org.uk) to see if you can get a list of actor's agencies in London.  Whether or not they also represent other types of talent and/or models will vary from agency to agency.

In the past, I've found that once one is on set (working) that can be a great opportunity to talk with other talent and see what agencies are doing well for them if they are represented in multiple areas (acting, modeling, voiceover, etc.)

Good luck to you,
~Kitty