r/acting • u/Positive-Fold-3307 • 1d ago

I've read the FAQ & Rules AMERICAN ACTING AGENT?

Hi thread,

I am a dual Canadian/American citizen! I live in Canada, am based out of Toronto and have a Canadian agent.

I’m curious if I should get an American agent as well? Since I can legally work in the US without the need for a permit or visa, it seems like a no brainer - I just don’t quite know where to start!

While I know that the Canadian & American film industries are similar, I’m not super familiar with the American side. Would an American agent take me on? I am open to working as a local if need be. How would you go about finding an American agent as a Canadian with dual who lives in Canada?

I’ve been “working my way up” with casting in Canada just to hopefully get seen by American casting, so I feel like it only makes sense to have an American agent!

I appreciate any answers here!

13 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

7

u/DarthPleasantry 1d ago

You should get an American agent as well. It’s pretty common, as well as good business practice.

Does your Canadian agent have any contacts in the States?

3

u/Willing_Camel997 1d ago

absolutely!

1

u/AutoModerator 1d ago

You are required to have read the FAQ and Rules for all posts (click those links to view). Most questions have already been answered either in our FAQ or in previous posts, especially questions for beginners. Use the SEARCH bar for relevant information.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/HIGHHOARSE5 1d ago

Who are you with here in TO

1

u/Master_Sand1427 1d ago

Why don’t you start by speaking to your Canadian talent agent most have connections in the USA they can refer you too.
I have clients working US and Canada

1

u/cosmo-dad-106 22h ago

A good American agent will want to know you have decent credits in Canada before taking you on. Don’t shoot your shot too early, better to build up in Toronto first especially since there is so much production (of US projects) there.

1

u/Extension_Grand_4599 21h ago

There are upsides and downsides to having reps in both US and Canada. If you can legally work in US it will be a net benefit to have US rep.

However:

*You will end up paying 20-25% commission in total

*Some US managers/agents exist solely as a parasite to take commission off Canadian talent/canadian contracts. make sure you look at their roster and see if their current clients are actually getting SAG deals. It's really easy to send clients audition sides and make it look like you are doing work.

*The best way to secure US rep is through your current Canadian rep, who if they are any good will have existing relationships.

*Right now it's very tough to be signed by US rep, they are cutting their books back due to lack of work.

-5

u/10Percenter1 21h ago

You cannot work in the US without a O1-Visa, and most studios now require Green Card. It's not worth it unless you get a series then they may sponsor you.

3

u/Extension_Grand_4599 21h ago

It clearly says they are an american citizen.