This is a guest post by Alex Collins

Every agency relationship is different. Communication style with your agent is a lot like dating and you should discuss it during the initial “date” or meeting with a potential agent.

How frequently should you check in? What methods of communication do they most prefer? Least? If you can't answer these questions with your current reps, it's time to find out so you can improve your communication moving forward.

Are there times when you should call your agent?

• If your agent calls you to discuss something, you should call your agent (back).

• If your agent needs to confirm your availability for a job you're up for that isn't a done deal yet, or, needs to finalize contract terms for a booking, such as rate, perks, dates, etc. 

• If you're on-set and there's a problem with your contract before signing, you should call your agent. (sidebar: You should ALWAYS have a 24-hr number for your agency in case of emergency). 

When should you NOT call your agent?

• To ask if they've heard back about an audition you submitted. 

• To ask if there are any roles for you in XYZ project you heard about.

• To discuss which of your 357 headshots you should pick, which clip you should use, or whether or not you should quit the business. 
   

Note: All of these elements could be email-worthy if you have that sort of relationship with your agent. But, read on to decide why that may not be the best idea. 

Some agents and agencies have relationships with their talent where they encourage them to reach out with concerns, worries, or challenges that they may be having. Traditionally, this is a bit more of what a manager does. They have smaller rosters. They can take the time to chat with an actor about what is worrying them. Every phone call an agent takes to do that is time they aren't submitting, pitching, or negotiating for their actors, so there is a trade off. 

Ultimately, be judicious in how frequently, and for what reasons you may reach out to your agent. You never want to be the actor who elicits this response when you're calling the agency: “Oh, it's them again. I'll just let it go to voice mail.”

Be your own CEO. Be your own advocate.