What is your image? What kind of model or actor could you be? Are you a model or an actor? Are you petite or full figure? Do you have great hands, feet or legs? Do you have any special talent? Can you act?

All agencies do not represent all ages and sizes, it is imperative, therefore, to know which agency to see and why. Begin by going through this guide (which has an extensive list of agencies around the world) and call the modeling agencies listed, or by ask other models and photographers for referrals.

Actors need to look for a franchised agency. Why? Because in order to join SAG you need to do union work which is channeled only through franchised agencies. Without a franchised agent you would only have access to extra and non-union work. Furthermore, once you join the union, you can't be represented by a non-franchised agent anyway. Here are some suggestions to help you:

1. Call your local union office and ask them to send you the names and addresses of franchised agencies.

2. The next step is to find out if the agencies you are interested in are licensed. Call the Department of Labor, City Hall, the BetterBusiness Bureau and/or the Department of Professional Regulation in your state.

A little research can save you a lot of brief. The key ingredient in choosing an agent or agency is the excitement factor. There are fellow actors, models, instructors, and other industry people who can help you choose the right agency. To start, you want a small-to-mid sized agency that is excited about you and will work for you. The agency you sign with shouldn't have too many actors or models to represent. An agency with more than 50 clients means you're signing with a "meat market", you'll probably get the jobs on your own and they'll be the ones to cash in. If you come across an agent who works alone and claims he or she is a commercial and theatrical and voice-over and modeling agent, avoid signing unless you want your career to go down the drain. It is hard for one individual to handle more than one category.

Once you have completed your research, call and make the appointment. Follow the step-by-step procedure defined in this guide for the best results. On the day of the interview, ask questions. Just as the agent will ask you questions, you, too, must find out as much information as you can. You and your agent should agree on your career strategy. Here are some basic questions to ask:

1. How would you market me?

2. Are you going to promote me in the USA or internationally?

3. Can I do print, runway, TV Commercials, etc?

4. How much money will I have to invest immediately and in the long term?

5. Do you think I will get work quickly?

6. Do you think I need to change my hair style, lose weight, etc?

7. How much commission do you take?

8. How do I get paid?

9. What are the rates?

10. Do you require exclusive or non-exclusive contracts?

11. What are the terms on the contract?

12. How long is the contract term?

13. Are you going to find my work part time or full time?

14. How soon do you pay talent after you get paid from the client?

15. Are there any hidden costs?

16. Do I have to take any classes or seminars? If yes, why?

Just because a specific agency is considered to be the best for other people does not meat that it is going to be the best agency for you. Search until you find the best for your particular requirements.