Understanding Your Acting Agent Contract

Signing with a talent agent is a significant career step. Before you do, you should understand what you are agreeing to. Agent contracts in the UK can vary considerably — in length, scope, commission structure, and the obligations on both sides. Taking time to read and understand the agreement will protect you and establish a clearer professional relationship from the start.

Exclusivity

Most UK acting agent contracts are exclusive — meaning the agent is your sole representative for the types of work covered by the agreement. You cannot simultaneously have another agent submitting you for the same categories of work.

However, exclusivity typically applies by category, not universally. A standard contract might be exclusive for screen and theatre but allow you to have a separate voiceover agent or commercial agent. Read the scope of exclusivity carefully.

Commission Rates

The contract will specify the percentage commission charged on different types of work. Standard UK rates:

• Screen and theatre: 10–15%
• Commercials: 15–20%
• Overseas work: 15–20%
• Voiceover (if included): 15–20%

Some contracts charge VAT on commission if the agency is VAT-registered. This is legal but should be stated clearly. A 15% commission plus VAT becomes an effective rate of 18%. Factor this into your calculations.

Scope of Work Covered

The contract should clearly define what types of work are covered. Look for:

• Television (scripted, unscripted, commercials?)
• Film
• Theatre (West End, touring, regional, fringe?)
• Voiceover
• Commercial and advertising
• Presenting and hosting
• Digital/online content

Any work categories not listed may or may not be covered depending on the contract language. Clarify ambiguities before signing.

Term and Notice Period

Contracts specify either a fixed term (e.g., one year, then rolling) or an open-ended arrangement terminable with notice. Key questions:

• How long is the initial term?
• Does it auto-renew? If so, on what terms?
• What notice period is required to end the agreement? (Three months is common, six months appears in some contracts)
• Can either party terminate during an active booking?

A shorter notice period gives you more flexibility. If a relationship is not working, you want to be able to move on without being tied in for a year.

Post-Termination Commission

Most contracts include a clause stating that the agent continues to receive commission on work booked during the contract period, even after you have parted ways. This is reasonable — if they booked you a long-running job while you were their client, they are entitled to commission on those earnings.

What to watch for: clauses that claim commission on work arising from contacts made during the contract period, even if the actual booking happens after termination. Negotiate time limits on such clauses if possible.

Expenses

Some agents charge expenses for specific costs — postage, couriering scripts, overseas calls — as separate items alongside commission. These should be itemised and capped or pre-agreed. Vague "expenses" clauses without limits are worth querying.

Before You Sign

Practical steps:

1. Read the entire document — not just the headline commission rate
2. Ask questions about anything you do not understand before signing
3. Consider having a solicitor or the Musicians' Union / Equity (if you are a member) review the contract
4. If the agent is a PMA member, their contracts should comply with PMA guidelines — a reasonable baseline
5. Do not be pressured into signing immediately. A reputable agent will give you time to review.

Equity Membership

Equity is the UK trade union for actors and performers. Members have access to model contracts, legal advice, and contractual guidance. If you are offered representation, it is worth checking whether the agency is an Equity-approved agent, and whether you should consider joining Equity before signing if you have not already done so.