An agency does not make anything and does not employ its clients; it is paid a commission on what the work it negotiated earns. That one fact explains the office: why the phone is answered on the first ring, why an availability check is urgent, why the diary is sacred, and why an agent's standing with casting directors is the company's real asset. In a large agency the departments, actors, literary, directors, crew and presenters, are separate businesses sharing a kitchen; a boutique is a founder, an assistant and two rooms.
Senior agent or partner
Agent
Associate agent, or junior agent
Agent's assistantEntry-level job
Floating assistant, or the mailroomEntry-level job
Contracts and business affairs
Accounts
Office manager
