Los Angeles is the center of California’s entertainment industry, and every talent agency here needs the same thing before it can operate: a talent agency license from the state and a $50,000 talent agency bond. The requirement is statewide (Labor Code § 1700.15), so an agency in Hollywood files the same bond as one in San Diego — but working with a local agency means someone nearby who knows the entertainment business.
What LA Talent Agencies Need
- A California talent agency license from the Labor Commissioner, if you procure work for artists.
- A $50,000 surety bond deposited with the Labor Commissioner before the license issues and before each renewal.
- A SAG-AFTRA franchise bond, if your agency is franchised by SAG-AFTRA to represent union members.
For the full details of the state requirement, see our California talent agency bond guide.
Agencies We Work With in Los Angeles
We place bonds for agencies of every size across LA County, including:
- Commercial and theatrical agencies in Hollywood, Studio City, and Burbank
- Modeling and print divisions of licensed talent agencies
- Music and literary agencies in Beverly Hills, Century City, and West LA
- Youth talent and voiceover agencies across the Valley
- New agencies applying for their first license
Franchised by SAG-AFTRA?
Many LA agencies represent union members and need a SAG-AFTRA franchise bond on the union’s own form. We can place it together with your state bond.
Starting a New Agency?
New agencies can get bonded. Sureties look mainly at the owner’s personal credit and background. Because we submit to several surety companies, a decline from one isn’t the end — if one declines, we go to the next.
What It Costs
You do not pay the full bond amount. You pay a premium — a percentage of the bond amount based mainly on your personal credit and business history. We submit your application to several surety companies, and each sets its own rate, so your premium depends on which surety approves you and isn’t set until you’re approved. If one surety declines, we go to the next.
How to Get Your LA Talent Agency Bond
- Call (818) 392-4275 or request a free quote online.
- Complete a short application — we handle the underwriting.
- Get approved and pay your premium.
- Receive your bond to deposit with the Labor Commissioner with your license application or renewal.