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RPT Entertainment

Brooklyn-based boutique agency with over 20 years of experience representing talent for commercials, industrials, and film/TV

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Overview

RPT Entertainment was established over two decades ago in Brooklyn, New York, at a time when the borough was becoming an increasingly important hub for independent film and commercial production. The agency was founded by industry veteran Melanie, who recognized the need for personalized representation that could compete with Manhattan agencies while offering the accessibility and community-oriented approach that Brooklyn-based talent valued. From its early days, RPT positioned itself as an agency that truly understood the local market while maintaining strong connections to the broader New York entertainment landscape. The agency built its reputation through consistent placements in commercials and industrials before expanding into theatrical representation. Over the years, RPT has cultivated deep relationships with casting directors who appreciate the agency's professionalism and quality of talent submissions.

Today, RPT Entertainment operates as a respected boutique agency serving Brooklyn and the greater New York area with a focus on commercials, industrials, print work, television, film, and modeling. The agency maintains a manageable client roster that allows for personalized attention to each performer's career development and submission strategy. RPT's market position reflects their strength in commercial and industrial casting, where their track record of reliable, professional talent has made them a go-to resource for local casting directors. The agency has successfully adapted to the evolving entertainment landscape by expanding into self-tape coaching and virtual audition preparation while maintaining their core strength in traditional in-person auditions. RPT's Brooklyn location gives them unique access to the borough's thriving independent film scene and the commercial production companies that have relocated from Manhattan.

How It Works

RPT Entertainment accepts submissions from both freelance and contractual talent, making them more accessible than many Manhattan-based agencies that exclusively sign contracted clients. The submission process typically begins with an online submission through their website or email, including headshots, resume, and a brief cover letter explaining why you're seeking representation. The agency evaluates talent based on market readiness, commercial viability, training background, and professional presentation. Actors who have completed professional training programs, accumulated some credits in student films or theater, and have professional-quality headshots are well-positioned for consideration. RPT particularly values actors who demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and a genuine work ethic. The agency occasionally holds open call auditions or attends showcases at recognized acting studios to scout new talent.

RPT's services span multiple areas of the industry including commercial representation, theatrical representation for film and television, print modeling, industrial and corporate video work, and voiceover opportunities. The commercial department is particularly active, submitting talent for national commercials, regional spots, and local advertising campaigns across a wide range of products and services. Their theatrical division focuses primarily on television guest star and co-star roles, independent films, and web series projects that are increasingly common in the New York market. The print division represents models and actors for still photography work including advertising campaigns, catalog work, and promotional materials. RPT maintains strong relationships with industrial video production companies that create corporate training videos, educational content, and branded entertainment, providing steady income opportunities for clients. The agency's voiceover division connects talent with commercial voiceover work, audiobook narration, and animation projects, though this is a smaller segment of their overall business.

Who Uses It

RPT represents a diverse roster of actors, models, and performers at various career stages from emerging talent building their first professional credits to established working actors with extensive commercial and theatrical resumes. The agency works with both union (SAG-AFTRA, Actors' Equity) and non-union performers, recognizing that many actors are in the process of earning their union eligibility. Their client base includes actors of all ages, ethnicities, and physical types, reflecting the increasing diversity in commercial and industrial casting. RPT particularly excels at representing character actors and real-people types who work consistently in commercials and industrials but may not fit the traditional leading player mold. The agency has successfully launched the careers of numerous actors who went on to book national commercial campaigns, recurring television roles, and supporting roles in independent films. Their clients have appeared in commercials for major brands, guest-starred on network television shows filmed in New York, and worked steadily in the industrial video sector that provides reliable income between theatrical bookings.

Pricing & Plans

RPT Entertainment operates on standard industry commission rates, typically 10% for theatrical bookings in film and television and up to 20% for commercial work depending on whether the client is union or non-union and the specific contract terms. As with all legitimate agencies, there are no upfront fees, monthly charges, or costs for submission services. Actors who also work with managers should anticipate combined representation costs of 20-30% of gross earnings. For freelance clients, the commission structure is the same, though freelance actors should understand they may receive fewer submissions than contracted clients during peak audition periods. Actors represented by RPT can realistically expect consistent commercial and industrial audition opportunities, particularly for the types of roles that require authentic, relatable, character-driven performances. The agency's strength in the commercial sector means clients often see steady audition flow for advertising campaigns, though booking rates depend on individual factors including type, training, and audition performance. Theatrical opportunities tend to focus on guest star and co-star television roles, supporting parts in independent films, and web series that are becoming increasingly professional and well-paid in the streaming era.

Pros & Cons

What's Great

RPT's greatest strengths include their personalized approach to client relationships, their deep knowledge of the New York commercial and industrial markets, their accessibility for emerging talent, and their flexibility in working with both union and non-union performers. The agency excels at developing relationships with casting directors who value reliability and professionalism over celebrity, creating consistent opportunities for working actors who may not be household names but who deliver strong, bookable performances. RPT's Brooklyn location positions them uniquely within the borough's growing film and commercial production ecosystem, giving clients access to opportunities that Manhattan-focused agencies may overlook. The agency's willingness to work on both a freelance and contractual basis allows actors to test the relationship before committing exclusively, which reduces risk for both parties. RPT's longevity in the market demonstrates their business stability and sustained industry relationships, providing clients with confidence that the agency will be around for the long term.

What Could Be Better

RPT's primary limitations stem from their boutique size and Brooklyn focus, which means they may have less leverage in negotiations for major network television roles or studio film projects compared to larger Manhattan agencies with decades-long relationships with top-tier casting directors. The agency's strength in commercials and industrials, while valuable for consistent income, may not translate to the high-profile theatrical opportunities that some actors prioritize as they advance in their careers. Actors seeking representation specifically for Broadway or major theatrical productions should understand that RPT's focus is primarily on camera work rather than stage performance. The freelance option, while accessible, can mean less consistent attention during busy periods when the agency prioritizes their contracted clients. The agency's smaller staff means that response times may be slower during peak submission seasons, and individual agents may be managing larger rosters than would be ideal for maximum personalized attention.

Our Recommendation

RPT Entertainment is best suited for early-to-mid-career actors building their commercial and television resumes, particularly those who live in Brooklyn or the outer boroughs and want an agency that understands the local market. Character actors and real-people types who work consistently in commercials and industrials but don't fit traditional leading player categories will find RPT's casting director relationships particularly valuable. Actors who value personalized attention and direct communication with their agent over the prestige of a major Manhattan address will appreciate RPT's boutique approach. Performers who are in the process of earning SAG-AFTRA eligibility through consistent non-union work can benefit from RPT's willingness to work with both union and non-union talent. RPT is not the ideal choice for actors seeking high-profile Broadway representation or major studio film opportunities, as these are outside the agency's primary focus areas. Performers who are already well-established with extensive credits and seeking top-tier representation for series regular roles or leading film parts will likely outgrow what RPT can offer. Actors who expect constant communication and immediate responses to every email may find the reality of a boutique agency's resource limitations frustrating.

Pro Tips

The most effective way to approach RPT Entertainment is through a professional online submission that demonstrates your market readiness and understanding of the commercial and industrial sectors where the agency specializes. Include current professional headshots that showcase your authentic type, a well-formatted resume that highlights your commercial training and any relevant credits, and a brief, professional cover letter that explains why you're seeking representation and what you bring to the agency's roster. Mention specific skills or unique qualities that make you particularly castable for commercial work, such as athletic abilities, special talents, or authentic representation of underrepresented communities. If you have trained at recognized New York acting studios or have worked with casting directors who know the agency, mention these connections. The ideal time to approach RPT is when you have completed solid commercial training, have professional headshots that accurately represent your current look, and have accumulated at least some credits that demonstrate your ability to perform professionally on camera. Actors who are brand new with no training or credits should complete foundational work before submitting, while those with extensive major credits may want to target larger agencies that match their career level.

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Quick Facts

PricingCommission-based (10-20%)
Best ForEarly-to-mid-career character actors building commercial and TV resumes with a Brooklyn-based boutique agency