Actors' agent

Mark McCrory says:

This role involves finding the right part for the right actor, or vice versa.

Mainly I spend my day checking email cast breakdowns, preparing casting sessions for my artists (which may mean reading a script or two) and being on the phone for at least five hours a day! In the evening, it’s usually a trip to the theatre or a film set to see my actors at work. If I’m lucky, I get to read my baby a goodnight story.

The best bits of my job are increasing an actor’s fee, and getting to tell them when they’ve got job! Sometimes I get free tickets to shows. Most agents do try to make a difference in the industry and I think I’m one of them, perhaps because I come from an acting background.

The worst bits are telling artists when they haven’t got the job, having to re-invoice companies because actors always seem to be the last ones to get paid.

My advice would be to be prepared to lose money in your first couple of years. Sometimes one has to be ruthless and let go of artists you feel aren’t right for your agency so a thick skin is important. Take nothing personally.