Best Talent Agencies in Atlanta: Where to Start, Who to Call, and How It Works

Atlanta has become a major hub for film, TV, commercials, music, and live events, so it’s no surprise that many people here are looking for the best talent agencies in Atlanta to help them break into the industry or level up their careers.

Whether you’re an actor, model, voiceover artist, or commercial performer, this guide walks you through:

  • How talent agencies work in Atlanta
  • Well-known local agencies to look into
  • What different types of agencies specialize in
  • How to evaluate if an agency is a good fit for you
  • Practical tips for reaching out and avoiding scams

Everything here is tailored to Atlanta and the surrounding metro area so you can move confidently and safely in this market.

How Talent Agencies Work in Atlanta

A talent agency in Atlanta typically:

  • Represents performers (actors, models, kids, voice talent, influencers, etc.)
  • Submits them for paid work in film, TV, commercial, industrial, print, and live events
  • Negotiates rates and contracts, taking an agreed-upon commission on booked work

Many agencies in Atlanta are SAG-AFTRA–franchised or work regularly with union productions, especially with the growth of Pinewood/Trilith Studios, Tyler Perry Studios, and other production centers around the city.

You’ll see several types of agencies here:

  • Theatrical/film & TV agencies – focus on movies, TV, streaming, and some commercials
  • Commercial/print agencies – focus on ads, catalogs, lifestyle shoots, and local campaigns
  • Modeling agencies – fashion, runway, print, brand campaigns
  • Specialty agencies – kids, voiceover, sports, influencers, or niche performers

Most reputable Atlanta agencies:

  • Do not charge upfront “representation fees”
  • May recommend optional headshot photographers or classes but do not require you to purchase in-house “packages” to be represented
  • Take a commission from the work they book for you (often around 10–20%, depending on type of project and union status)

Quick Snapshot: Types of Talent Agencies in Atlanta

Type of TalentCommon Atlanta Focus AreasWho It’s Good For
Film & TV (Theatrical)Network TV, streaming series, feature films, indie projectsTrained actors seeking speaking roles
Commercial & IndustrialTV spots, web ads, corporate videos, training contentNewer actors, professionals, and commercial faces
Modeling & PrintLifestyle, fashion, e‑commerce, catalogs, campaignsModels of various looks and ages
Kids/Youth TalentCommercials, TV, film, printChildren with strong focus and parent support
VoiceoverCommercials, e‑learning, animation, narrationStrong vocal performers and trained VO artists

Well-Known Talent & Modeling Agencies in Atlanta

Below are established Atlanta-area agencies many local performers research when starting out. Always verify current details (addresses, submission instructions, and categories they represent) before taking action, as business operations can change.

Film, Television, and Commercial-Focused Agencies

These agencies tend to work heavily in Atlanta’s booming film and TV market, along with commercials and industrials.

People Store

  • Location: Commonly associated with central Atlanta (Midtown/Downtown area)
  • Focus: Film, TV, commercials, voiceover
  • Notes: Known for representing a wide range of professional actors, including series regulars, guest stars, and strong commercial talent. Often sought out by actors who already have training and credits.

Atlanta Models & Talent (AMT)

  • Location: Metro Atlanta
  • Focus: Commercial, print, industrials, some on-camera work and voiceover
  • Notes: Works with both actors and models, including families, lifestyle talent, and corporate-friendly looks. Often used for commercial and corporate projects shooting around the city.

Houghton Talent

  • Location: Generally central Atlanta
  • Focus: Film, TV, commercials, print
  • Notes: Known in local circles for a strong commercial and industrial presence, plus theatrical submissions for TV and films shooting across Georgia.

J Pervis Talent Agency

  • Location: Metro Atlanta
  • Focus: Film, TV, commercials, youth and adult talent
  • Notes: Works with a wide variety of on-camera performers, including kids and teens. Often associated with episodic TV and film projects shot in and around Atlanta.

Modeling and Print-Oriented Agencies

If you’re more interested in print, fashion, lifestyle, or runway, these are some names you may encounter when researching Atlanta modeling representation.

The Salt Agency (Atlanta office)

  • Location: Atlanta metro area
  • Focus: Fashion, lifestyle, commercial print, some on-camera
  • Notes: Works with models for print and advertising campaigns. May also place talent with jobs outside Atlanta, depending on market needs.

Ursula Wiedmann Models (UWM)

  • Location: Typically associated with the Atlanta area
  • Focus: Fashion, editorial, commercial, lifestyle
  • Notes: Known for developing models who work in both the Atlanta market and other fashion hubs. Often interested in strong editorial or runway looks as well as commercial print.

MP Management / MP Atlanta (if operating in the market)

  • Location: Atlanta area (check current presence)
  • Focus: Fashion and commercial modeling
  • Notes: Some multi-city modeling networks maintain a presence or scouting operations in Atlanta. Their local activity can fluctuate, so it’s worth checking if they are actively representing local talent.

Kids and Youth Talent in Atlanta

Many Atlanta productions need children and teens for family-friendly commercials, TV shows, and movies. Some agencies have strong youth divisions.

Agencies to research for kids and teens may include:

  • J Pervis Talent – has a youth roster
  • Atlanta Models & Talent – often represents families and kids for commercial work
  • People Store – may have teen and youth rosters for TV/film

When it comes to minors, parents should pay extra attention to:

  • Clear contracts
  • Ethical work practices
  • Transparent communication about school hours, set rules, and child labor laws in Georgia

How to Choose the Best Atlanta Talent Agency for You

The “best” talent agency in Atlanta isn’t the same for everyone. It depends on your goals, experience level, age, and type of work you want.

Here are key factors to evaluate.

1. Match Your Category and Goals

Ask yourself:

  • Are you pursuing film/TV, commercials, print, or modeling?
  • Are you brand-new or do you already have professional credits and training?
  • Are you an adult, a child, or a parent of a child performer?

Then look for agencies that:

  • Clearly state they represent your category (e.g., theatrical, commercial, VO, fashion)
  • Show recent projects and types of work you realistically fit into

An actor who wants dramatic film roles may do better prioritizing agencies with a strong theatrical department, while someone with a marketable “real person” look might be fine at a commercial/print-focused agency.

2. Reputation in the Atlanta Industry

In Atlanta, word-of-mouth matters. To assess reputation, many performers:

  • Ask acting coaches, photographers, or film community contacts which agencies they see booking real work
  • Observe which agencies are frequently credited on professional actors’ résumés or casting notices
  • Join local Atlanta acting or modeling groups and listen for balanced, detailed experiences (not just one-off rants or praise)

You’re looking for patterns like:

  • Consistent communication
  • Real auditions and bookings
  • Professional behavior with both talent and clients

3. Transparency and Professionalism

Signs an Atlanta agency is operating professionally:

  • Clear, written commission structure and representation agreement
  • Specific submission instructions (headshots, resumes, reels)
  • No pressure to buy in-house photos or classes as a condition of representation
  • Straightforward company address and contact method

Red flags to be cautious about:

  • High upfront fees just to be “listed” or “signed”
  • Aggressive selling of expensive photography or classes tied to representation
  • Vague claims about “guaranteed work”

Legitimate agencies can never guarantee you bookings, especially in a competitive market like Atlanta.

4. Communication Style

Atlanta’s production schedule can be fast and unpredictable. You need an agency that:

  • Responds to emails and calls within reasonable timeframes
  • Provides clear audition details, including self-tape deadlines, locations (often around Midtown, Buckhead, or studio zones), and wardrobe needs
  • Explains contract terms and conflicts in everyday language

Many talent in Atlanta find that the right agency for them is one where they feel respected, informed, and comfortable asking questions.

Where Talent Agencies Fit in Atlanta’s Production Ecosystem

Atlanta’s entertainment industry is concentrated around:

  • Major studios like Tyler Perry Studios, Trilith Studios (in Fayetteville), and Assembly Studios
  • Production activity in Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and surrounding metro counties
  • A large base of commercial, corporate, and industrial clients that regularly cast local talent

Agencies interact with:

  • Casting offices – they receive breakdowns and submit their clients
  • Production companies – for commercials, branded content, corporate shoots
  • Ad agencies – often based in Midtown, Buckhead, or out-of-state but shooting in Atlanta

Most day-to-day interaction for talent is digital now, especially:

  • Self-tape auditions (recorded at home or at local taping services)
  • Virtual callbacks via video platforms
  • Occasional in-person callbacks or fittings around Atlanta’s core neighborhoods

How to Submit to Talent Agencies in Atlanta

Each agency has its own submission process, but some common approaches include:

1. Online Submissions

Many Atlanta agencies use:

  • Online forms on their websites
  • Dedicated submission email addresses with instructions for photos, résumés, and reels

Typically requested materials:

  • Actors:
    • Professional headshot
    • Acting résumé
    • Demo reel or taped scenes (if you have them)
  • Models:
    • Polaroid-style digitals (natural light, minimal makeup, simple clothes)
    • Measurements and height
  • Kids:
    • Recent clear photos
    • Age, parent/guardian contact info, basic résumé or experience if any

Always follow each agency’s posted instructions exactly.

2. In-Person or Open Calls (Less Common)

Occasionally, agencies in Atlanta may:

  • Hold open calls
  • Attend talent showcases, fashion events, or work with local training programs

Even in those situations, you’ll usually still be directed to complete a formal submission through standard channels afterward.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Performers Looking for Representation

Here are some locally-relevant, practical steps you can take.

Build a Basic Foundation First

Before approaching most reputable Atlanta agencies, it often helps to have:

  • Professional or strong amateur headshots
  • At least a few acting classes or workshops under your belt
  • A simple, clean résumé listing training, theatre, student films, or indie work
  • For models: clear digitals and basic awareness of posing and runway (if applicable)

Atlanta has many acting studios and photographers known in the local scene; agencies often recognize these names when reviewing submissions.

Understand Self-Tapes and Local Logistics

Because Atlanta is a major production center, you should be prepared for:

  • Same-day or next-day self-tape deadlines
  • Frequent filming in and around Downtown, Midtown, and scattered outer suburbs
  • Early morning call times that may require driving to Fayetteville, Union City, or other studio zones

Talent who succeed here usually:

  • Have quick access to a quiet, well-lit self-tape setup
  • Are comfortable driving across the metro area when needed
  • Keep a flexible schedule, especially for last-minute bookings

Protect Yourself from Scams

Scam operations sometimes try to take advantage of people hoping to work in Atlanta’s TV/film boom. To protect yourself:

  • Be wary of any “agency” that insists you must pay large upfront fees
  • Check how long the company has been operating in the Atlanta area
  • Search for public business listings and cross-check with industry conversations
  • Question any promises like “You’ll be on TV in no time” or “Guaranteed work”

Legitimate agencies make money when you book real jobs, not from selling you costly “starter packages.”

When You Might Not Need a Full Talent Agency Yet

Some Atlanta-area performers start by:

  • Working as background/extra talent through dedicated background casting companies
  • Building experience in student films, indie projects, and community theatre
  • Creating content on their own (short films, web series) to gain practice and footage

This can be especially useful if you’re:

  • Brand new and not yet ready for professional representation
  • Unsure whether you want to focus on film/TV, theatre, commercial, or modeling
  • Building confidence before approaching top-tier agencies

Once you’ve gained some experience and training, you may be more attractive to selective Atlanta agencies that handle speaking roles and paid commercial work.

Taking Your Next Steps in Atlanta

If you’re serious about finding the best talent agency in Atlanta for your goals:

  1. Clarify your focus – Are you pursuing acting, modeling, voiceover, or a combination?
  2. Research agencies by specialty – Use the names above as a starting point and confirm their current categories and submission rules.
  3. Prepare your materials – Headshots, résumé, digitals, and any reels or clips.
  4. Submit professionally – Follow each agency’s directions exactly and be patient.
  5. Keep training and working locally – Atlanta offers classes, workshops, and indie projects that can strengthen your skills and résumé.

With a realistic understanding of how talent agencies operate in Atlanta’s fast-growing entertainment market, you can make informed choices, avoid common pitfalls, and position yourself for real opportunities in the city and beyond.