How To Start Your Own Casting Agency

Ever wanted to work in the world of television, theatre or film? Starting your own casting agency could be the ideal avenue to being able to work in the entertainment industry.

Casting agencies connect productions with actors who fit the roles outlined by producers and directors.

If one of the actors put forward is given the part, the agency will then need to negotiate and agree the contracts and fees.  

If this sounds like something you’d love to do, read on to find out how.

Business Model And Strategy

When launching any new venture, you must start by creating a thorough business plan. This will ensure you stay on track with your objectives during the early stages of growth.

Some of the key parts include:

  • Executive summary: An overview of your business, detailing its purpose and goals.
  • Market analysis: Conduct research into the industry so you can gauge its size and scope. Find out what your potential customers need and outline how you aim to deliver that for them.
  • Competitive analysis: Cast an eye over the competition and their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you position your agency for success.
  • Operational plan: This details the day-to-day running of the business.

Forming A Legal Entity

The key advantage of a limited company is limited liability, ensuring that personal assets are protected, and the director’s loss is limited to the face value of their share.

This addresses the vulnerability of sole traders whose personal and business finances are not fully separated.

Additionally, limited companies enjoy a lower tax rate on profits. This business structure, characterized by separate legal and financial identity, involves one or more directors, individual bank accounts, specific taxation including the requirement for a UK VAT number, share trading capability, and mandatory registration at Companies House.

Given that the stakes can be quite high, many people get advice from experienced professionals to avoid leaving anything to chance.

Find Your Target Market

When writing your business plan, you’ll glean information on the different segments of the industry and get a feeling for the ones that appeal to you most.

For example, you could choose to focus on advertising, solely work with independent filmmakers, try to break into Hollywood or lean on relationships with commercial businesses.

Once you’ve settled on your specialism, you’ll have a better understanding of who will be receptive to working with you – both on the acting side and the production side. You can then gear your services towards what they need and tailor your marketing to be able to reach them.

Define Your Brand

Branding gives your business a distinct identity, differentiating it from the competition.

You’ll need to come up with a name, logo and messaging that are authentic and trustworthy, otherwise potential clients will simply look elsewhere.

Everything from the tone of voice of website copy to your social media activity and approach to corporate responsibility will need to be aligned to ensure people’s perceptions are what you intended them to be.

Set Up Your Accounting

To initiate your Casting Agency business, a crucial initial step is opening a business bank account to segregate personal and business finances for streamlined expense and income tracking.

Required information for account setup includes business name, address, Social Security number or Employer Identification Number (EIN), a list of company owners, officers, and directors, as well as either articles of incorporation or a business license.

A voided check or deposit slip from your chosen account is also necessary. Visit a local bank or credit union to complete the account setup.

Subsequently, for effective financial management, establish business accounting by selecting suitable accounting software, creating a chart of accounts for income and expenditure categories, setting up a dedicated bank account, meticulously recording financial transactions, and ensuring timely preparation and filing of annual tax returns to comply with financial regulations

Find An Office

Every credible agent operates from a physical office rather than a home office to facilitate client meetings. It is crucial to choose a unique agency name that is not already in use.

Similar to launching any small business, addressing legal requirements is necessary, involving tasks such as acquiring a business license, setting up a current account, and producing promotional materials like business cards.

Industry Networking

Participate in networking gatherings and build connections with as many individuals as possible.

These contacts will prove valuable when presenting your clients to casting directors and producers.

The broader your network, the smoother your navigation within the industry will become.

Get Started

When you’re ready to launch, it’s best to do so with a few clients already on your books.

If you don’t, you might find it harder to attract other talent. It only takes one client to land a big role and the work will snowball from there.