Big Mouth Talent

Big Mouth Talent is a well-established and respected Chicago-based talent agency that has built a particularly strong reputation in the commercial and voiceover segments of the market. The agency represents actors for commercials, film, television, voiceover, print, and industrial work, providing comprehensive coverage of the opportunities available to performers in the Midwest. Big Mouth Talent's name reflects its emphasis on communication skills, vocal ability, and the confident delivery that characterizes successful commercial and voiceover performers. The agency has been a consistent presence in the Chicago talent community for many years, earning the trust of casting directors who regularly turn to Big Mouth Talent when they need reliable, professional actors for commercial campaigns. Their roster includes a mix of experienced commercial actors, trained theatrical performers, and skilled voice artists who collectively represent the breadth of talent the Chicago market produces.

In the current Chicago market, Big Mouth Talent occupies a strong position as one of the go-to agencies for casting directors seeking professional talent for commercial and voiceover work, which together represent the primary income source for the majority of working actors in the Midwest. The agency's commercial division consistently books clients in regional and national campaigns for major brands, generating substantial income for actors who understand how to deliver compelling commercial performances. The voiceover department is a particular strength, providing access to narration, commercial voice, animation, and industrial voiceover opportunities that many agencies lack the expertise or connections to access. Big Mouth Talent has also developed a growing theatrical division that pitches clients for film and television projects, though the commercial and voice work remains the agency's core strength. The agency's reputation for sending well-prepared, professional talent to auditions has made it a trusted partner for Chicago's casting community.

Actors can submit their materials to Big Mouth Talent through the agency's website, and the agency also holds periodic open call events where prospective talent can be seen in person. A professional headshot with a strong commercial look is essential for consideration, along with a well-formatted resume that demonstrates training and professional credits. Voiceover demos are a significant differentiator — actors who submit with a professional-quality VO demo immediately signal that they can contribute to one of the agency's strongest departments. The agency looks for talent with a range of skills and marketable types, particularly actors who bring natural, authentic energy to commercial work rather than an overly theatrical or stiff approach. Training in commercial acting technique, on-camera technique, and voiceover is valued, and actors who have studied at Chicago's many excellent training institutions have a built-in advantage.

Once represented by Big Mouth Talent, actors can expect a steady flow of commercial auditions alongside opportunities in voiceover, theatrical, and industrial work. The agency's commercial division is particularly active, with agents submitting clients for a high volume of audition opportunities ranging from local retail commercials to major national campaigns. The voiceover department provides additional auditions for radio spots, digital ads, narration projects, e-learning modules, and other voice work that can be recorded from a home studio. The theatrical division pitches clients for film and television roles shooting in the Chicago area and beyond. Big Mouth Talent agents provide audition preparation guidance and feedback, helping clients refine their technique and approach for each specific opportunity. The agency's communication style is professional and responsive, keeping clients informed about submissions and opportunities as they arise.

Big Mouth Talent's roster reflects the diverse commercial talent pool of the Chicago market, with actors representing a wide range of ages, ethnicities, types, and specialties. The agency attracts actors who have strong commercial instincts — the ability to be natural, engaging, and relatable on camera in the way that modern commercial casting demands. Voiceover artists with developed skills and professional-quality home recording setups are particularly valued, as the VO market increasingly relies on remote recording capabilities. Both SAG-AFTRA members and non-union performers are represented, and the agency supports actors working toward union eligibility through commercial and voiceover bookings. The actors who find the greatest success through Big Mouth Talent tend to be those who embrace the commercial side of the business wholeheartedly, understanding that national commercial campaigns represent some of the most lucrative work available to actors at any career level.

Big Mouth Talent operates on the standard commission-based model, earning 10 to 20 percent of booked work depending on the category, with no sign-up fees, monthly charges, or upfront costs of any kind. The agency earns only when its clients book paid work, which ensures that the agency's financial motivation is directly aligned with the actor's success. For commercial work, which is the agency's primary strength, earnings can be substantial — a single national commercial campaign can pay thousands of dollars in session fees with additional residual payments that may continue for months or years. Voiceover rates vary based on the type of project, with national broadcast commercials paying the highest rates and industrial or digital work paying more modest fees. All commission rates comply with SAG-AFTRA guidelines and industry standards.

Big Mouth Talent is an excellent choice for Chicago-based actors with strong commercial instincts and voiceover skills who want an agency that excels in the most financially rewarding segments of the regional market. If commercial work is your bread and butter or you have invested in voiceover training, this agency should be high on your list. The agency is also suitable for versatile actors who want representation across multiple categories including the growing theatrical division. If your primary ambition is straight theatrical film and television work, you may want to consider agencies with stronger theatrical divisions as your primary representation, potentially maintaining Big Mouth Talent for commercial and voice work. Actors new to the commercial and voiceover world should invest in appropriate training before approaching the agency.

Lead your Big Mouth Talent submission with your strongest commercial headshot and your voiceover demo if you have one, as these two elements signal immediate revenue potential in the agency's strongest departments. Invest in commercial acting technique classes that teach you to be natural, authentic, and compelling in 15 to 30 second formats — commercial technique is a learnable skill that is distinct from theatrical acting. If you are interested in voiceover, build a professional home recording setup and get coaching on your demo before submitting it, as a poorly produced VO demo is worse than none at all. Once signed, treat commercial auditions as seriously as theatrical ones — commercial actors who book consistently earn more than many film and television actors, and the financial rewards of landing a national campaign can be career-sustaining. Stay current with commercial casting trends by watching current ads and understanding the styles, tones, and types that brands are currently seeking.