Dear Ms. Wisdom: I Have Two Agents, and Both Booked Me for the Same Job — Who Do I Pay?

Dear Ms. Wisdom,

I have two agents, and they both submitted me for the same job — and both booked me. It’s one project, and I can only confirm through one agent, otherwise casting and payroll will get confused. The offer came through both around the same time, and now I have to choose which one attaches the contract. Once I get paid, who should I send the commission to — the one who submitted me first, the one I think can handle the contract better, or the one I like more?

— Double-Booked and Conflicted

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[Read also: Should I Still Submit Myself for Roles If I Already Have an Agent? | Teacup of Wisdom]

Dear Double-Booked and Conflicted,

This happens more often than people admit. You get excited about having multiple agents, and then one day they both booked you the same job. Congratulations — that is what success with representation overlap looks like.

The first thing to do is communicate. As soon as you realize both submitted you, tell them. Let each know that you want to avoid any conflict and that you will attach the contract to only one agency to keep payroll clean.

When deciding which one, look at timing, consistency, and professionalism. Who sent you the breakdown first? Who usually follows through? Who do you trust to handle the paperwork, invoicing, and follow-up without drama? That is your answer.

When payment comes in, both deserve a commission. Send the 10% to the agency attached to the contract, and send another 10% to the other agent as a courtesy. It is the cleanest, most ethical way to keep relationships strong.

This business runs on relationships. The agent you rarely see might be the one pushing your name behind the scenes, submitting you daily, and convincing casting to take another look. Keeping their motivation and loyalty matters. There is no formal rule saying you owe the agent who is not attached to the job anything financially, but honoring the effort keeps you top of mind for the next booking. Call it goodwill, call it a personal code — it is smart business.

Actors who last understand that loyalty is currency. Treat your agents as partners, and they will keep fighting for you even when you are not in the room.

— Teacup

☕ Have a question? Pour it into tea@teacupofwisdom.com

[Read also: 9 Insanely Common Misconceptions About Agents | Teacup of Wisdom]

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