What Is a Talent Report? Should I Be Asking for One? And How Do I Best Use It?
By The Up-To-Date Actor, June 21, 2025
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In an industry where knowledge is power, having insight into how you’re seen by casting professionals can help you make smarter decisions about your career. That’s where a talent report comes in.
But what exactly is a talent report, when should you ask for one, and how can you use it to advance your career strategically? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Talent Report?
A talent report refers to a computer-generated list of all the projects and casting directors that an actor has been submitted for during a specific number of months by their agent/manager. For the period requested, the report will include these summary categories:- total number of submissions
- total auditions
- total callbacks
- total Eco Cast Self-tapes
You can ask for other feedback from your agent/manger which may include:
- Notes on who’s viewing your materials
- Feedback from Casting Directors on your auditions and self-tapes
- Casting directors or CDs who have expressed interest or passed
- Project types you're most being submitted for
In short: it’s your behind-the-scenes scorecard.
Should You Be Asking for One?
Yes—professionally and respectfully.
If you’re signed with representation and you’re feeling out of the loop, a talent report can help spark a transparent, productive conversation. You’re not being “difficult” by asking. You’re being proactive.
You might want to ask if:
- You haven’t had auditions in a while and want clarity on what’s happening
- You’re considering changing reps and want to assess your activity level
- You want to adjust your materials and need data to guide your decisions
Just be mindful: your rep may not use the term “talent report,” and the format may vary. What matters is getting useful insights, not how they label it.
How to Ask for One (Without Burning Bridges)
Approach it with curiosity, not confrontation. Here’s a sample email:
Subject: Quick Check-In and Request
Hi [Agent’s Name],
I hope you're well! I’ve been thinking about how I can best support the work we’re doing together, and wanted to see if we could take a quick look at how things have been going. Would you mind sharing my talent report for the last quarter or an update on any submissions, views, or interest recently?
I’d like to be able to introduce my talent to casting directors who do not know my work, and seeing a breakdown of submissions would help me target them.
Also, I would love to get your suggestions as to what I can do to help you open more doors, see what’s been resonating, and where I might adjust or refresh my materials.
Thanks, as always, for being in my corner!
Warmly,
[Your Name]
How to Use Your Talent Report Strategically
Getting the numbers is only step one. Here's how to make that data work for you:
1. Spot Trends
Are you being submitted mostly for one type? Are those roles in alignment with how you see yourself? If not, it may be time to adjust your branding materials (headshots, reel, etc.).
2. Track Casting Director Relationships
If you see the same names coming up repeatedly—either as “viewed,” “called in,” or “passed”—it’s valuable intel. You can tailor your mailings and updates with that data in mind.
3. Update Your Tools
If your audition or callback ratio seems low, the issue might not be your rep—it might be your materials. Use the report to help guide what to refresh first: headshots, footage, training?
4. Reaffirm (or Rethink) Your Rep Relationship
If the numbers show consistent effort from your team, great! That builds trust. If not, and communication has been lacking, it might be time to consider a change.
Bottom Line
Asking for a talent report isn’t just about collecting numbers—it’s about owning your career. Understanding what’s happening behind the curtain helps you make more empowered decisions, refine your marketing, and strengthen your partnerships in the industry.
So don’t be afraid to ask the question. A clear picture leads to smarter moves—and smarter moves lead to more bookings.