Talent Agencies

Making a film requires a base of fans who all want it to get made. Even though a film only needs one creative vision from the director, the process is extremely collaborative. Usually, filmmakers only think they need a crew and actors but you really need many more fans to get your film a high level of distribution. Distribution starts with getting actors who are valuable to a distributor. These actors are sheltered by agencies who act like gatekeepers. Yes, agents have bad reputations for being tough businessmen but you must get them excited about your movie so they move from obstacle to facilitator. Once you have an agency on board with an impassioned agent championing your film, the process should become easier to attach actors. If you can pay a 5% packaging fee to an agency, you should definitely let them know it. Agencies are always looking for ways to bring in more money to their agency. So if you can offer a packaging fee and the possibility to make another commission of selling the film, do it! The 5% of your film budget will most likely be worth it. Just keep in mind that you only want the agency's best actors. The worst case scenario is that you pay the 5% and then accept the agency's out of work actors who are meaningless to distributors.

Check www.QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget.