Agents, Agencies and the Union

Finding a good casting agent, what may make one agency better than another and most importantly maintaining a good relationship with your agent and their clients - your employers - is an important topic prompting plenty of debate and comment on this site.

By all means, ask questions and seek advice about agents but consider the following important information first.

• Media Entertainment Arts Alliance provides a list of registered agencies in each state of Australia:
  Agent Listings
  
• Note there are registered agents and MEAA emphasise that they make no recommendations.
  
  http://www.alliance.org.au/simplefaq/task,display/Itemid,27/catid,14/page,1/#FAQ30

• It is illegal in a number of states for agents to charge up front fees. Specifically, it is illegal in Queensland to charge an upfront fee for representation. Also, it is illegal for an agent to charge more 10% commission on your gross wages. The 10% fee is the total amount payable. You should not pay your agent for postage, phone calls or similar costs.
  
• Media Entertainment Arts Alliance recommend that artists should not pay upfront fees to agents anywhere in Australia
  http://www.alliance.org.au/simplefaq/task,display/Itemid,27/catid,14/page,1/#FAQ30
  
• Arts Law Centre of Australia offers information on what agents do, contracts and legal information, the agent's obligations, and so forth. In particular they discuss laws in NSW that set limitations on percentages and fees.
  
  http://www.artslaw.com.au/LegalInformation/AgencyAgreements/default.asp