United Agents

United Agents was founded in 2007 when several top agents from PFD (Peters Fraser & Dunlop) and ICM merged to create an independent powerhouse that quickly established itself among the elite tier of UK talent agencies. The agency represents actors, writers, directors, and other creatives across all entertainment mediums, with their independence from corporate ownership meaning all decisions are made by the agents themselves rather than a parent company board. United Agents' track record of BAFTA and Olivier Award-winning clients speaks to the calibre of their representation, and industry casting directors consistently cite United Agents as one of the top agencies whose submissions they prioritize. The founding merger brought together some of the most experienced and well-connected agents in London, and the resulting agency quickly filled the space between traditional legacy firms and newer boutique operations.

The acting division boasts a roster of award-winning talent who work across the West End, National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Donmar Warehouse, and major film and television productions for BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Netflix, and international studios. United Agents is known for nurturing long-term careers rather than chasing short-term bookings, with agents treating clients as creative partners in a collaborative atmosphere rather than adopting the corporate, transactional approach that characterizes some larger agencies. The dual expertise in literary and talent representation gives United Agents early access to scripts and projects before they are widely known in the industry, providing a unique advantage for their acting clients who can be considered for roles in projects still in development. Represented actors frequently praise the quality of their agent relationships, noting that the independence of the agency creates a culture of genuine care and investment that is reflected in every career decision.

Prospective clients can submit via the agency's website, though unsolicited submissions face stiff competition and most new signings come through industry referrals, showcase scouting at leading drama schools, or agents seeing an actor's work in theatre productions. When submitting, research the agency's current client list thoroughly to ensure there is a gap on the roster that you could fill rather than duplicating existing clients, and include a concise, well-written cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the agency's values and client base. If possible, invite agents to see you perform live, as United Agents places exceptionally high value on theatre work and witnessing an actor's craft in person remains one of the most effective pathways to representation. The agency prefers actors with substantial drama school training from institutions like RADA, Guildhall, LAMDA, or Central, or those with notable professional experience that demonstrates their readiness for top-tier representation.

United Agents operates with a flat management structure where each agent has significant autonomy in managing their clients, creating the personalized attention of a boutique agency within the infrastructure of a major firm. The agency uses a combination of direct casting relationships and digital platforms like Spotlight to submit actors for roles, and internal strategy meetings occur weekly where agents discuss upcoming productions and match them with suitable clients. The agency excels for actors who are balancing high-profile theatre seasons with recurring television roles or feature film commitments, coordinating complex schedules between a three-month theatre run and overlapping TV series shooting blocks. Their strength in representing multi-hyphenate talent — actor-writers, actor-directors, and creatives who work across multiple disciplines — also makes them ideal for performers who create their own content alongside traditional acting work.

The core demographic at United Agents consists of mid-career to established actors who have trained at prestigious UK drama schools and built substantial professional credits across theatre, television, and film. Many clients hold National Theatre, RSC, Donmar Warehouse, or Royal Court credits alongside significant television work for BBC, ITV, and international streaming platforms. The agency also represents a growing number of multi-hyphenate creatives who write or direct alongside their performing work, reflecting the evolving nature of the entertainment industry where actors who create their own content are increasingly valued. International actors who have built strong UK-based careers are also represented, and the agency's roster reflects a commitment to diversity of talent types, career stages, and creative ambitions.

United Agents charges commission in the range of 10% to 15% on theatrical work and up to 20% on commercial engagements, with the specific rate agreed upon during the signing process and varying based on the nature of the work and the actor's career stage. There are absolutely no joining fees, annual charges, administrative costs, or hidden expenses imposed on actors — the commission-only model means actors only pay when they earn, which directly aligns the agency's financial interests with their clients' success. Compared to agencies that layer on additional fees for marketing, website presence, or showcase participation, United Agents keeps their fee structure clean and transparent. The value is particularly strong for actors who work consistently, as the agency's top-tier connections and outstanding negotiation reputation tend to generate high-paying engagements that more than offset the commission percentage. The agency's leverage in contract negotiations means represented actors frequently secure better terms and higher fees than they would through less established agencies.

United Agents is the ideal choice for serious, career-minded UK actors who have already established themselves professionally and want representation that thinks long-term, champions artistic choices alongside commercial viability, and operates with genuine independence from corporate pressures. If you value a collaborative relationship with your agent and want representation at the highest level of the UK industry without the corporate feel of the largest conglomerates, United Agents deserves serious consideration. Actors without substantial credits should focus on building their CV through training and work at agencies like Hamilton Hodell or Tavistock Wood Management before approaching. Direct competitors include Curtis Brown Group and Independent Talent Group at the top tier, while actors seeking a similar collaborative ethos but with an even smaller, more boutique roster might consider Troika or Conway van Gelder Grant. For any UK actor ready for top-tier independent representation that combines prestige with genuine personal investment, United Agents occupies a unique and highly valued position in the British entertainment landscape.

Before submitting, review the agency's full client roster to identify where you would fit and ensure you would not be duplicating existing clients — agents notice immediately when a submission overlaps significantly with someone already represented. Do not exaggerate credits or training on your CV, as the UK industry is remarkably small and inaccuracies are quickly discovered and permanently damage your credibility. If your initial submission is unsuccessful, do not sign with a lesser agency simply because United Agents did not respond immediately — building your credits and reapplying with genuinely stronger materials after twelve to eighteen months is a perfectly viable and respected strategy. Refrain from approaching agents at social events in an overly aggressive manner, as the British industry values discretion, professionalism, and the ability to read social situations appropriately. Develop your theatre credentials seriously, as United Agents places exceptional value on stage work and seeing an actor's craft in a live performance remains one of the most effective pathways to securing representation.