How Do I Become a Talent Director?

If you are looking to become a talent director, also known as a casting or artistic director, you need to have experience and knowledge of the entertainment industry. Some talent agencies prefer their applicants to have an undergraduate degree of some sort, but experience in the industry carries a lot of weight, too. An internship, trainee program, work as an assistant or work as a volunteer for no pay may be the only ways to break into the business and become a talent director. If you wish to pursue this line of work, do some more additional research into the entertainment industry talent agency business.

Many people who want to be a talent director earn a degree in broadcasting, filmmaking, communications, or business. Some education may be needed for those who want to become a talent director, however, most who work in this field have no formal education or training at all. Like most jobs in this industry, experience matters more than formal training. If you want to go to college, you should probably look at a communications, film, radio and television, or even an acting degree. Check the courses and degrees offered by a school before making a commitment.

Some in the business who have become a talent director suggest that the place to start may be an internship. Talent director is one of those jobs that requires actually doing the job before you get the job. Talent agencies offer training programs and assistant positions, but those interested in becoming a talent director should be self-starters, learn quickly, have a strong desire for this position and a strong work ethic. Volunteering to work as an assistant to a talent director may also provide a good way to learn the ins-and-outs of this business.

Most talent agencies are small and may not be able to afford an intern. You should be willing to accept experience as your wages. Experience counts in this business so any experience is going to be helpful in advancing your efforts to become a talent director

Contact the Casting Society of America (CSA) for information on how the professional talent and casting business works and what it takes to become a talent director. You may also want to get in touch with the Association of Talent Agents (ATA), which maintains a section of job listings for talent agent trainees, trainee programs and talent agency assistants. Those already in the business suggest reading The Mailroom, When Hollywood Had a King, The Agency, and Reel Power.