<h2 id="0717f1a4-229a-4d35-b085-7d3d605d6d1f" data-toc-id="0717f1a4-229a-4d35-b085-7d3d605d6d1f" style="font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">If you are building a career in film, television or commercial production, one of the biggest decisions you will make is whether to work independently or be represented by a talent agency.</h2>NZAT is a New Zealand-based talent agency representing performers across all levels of screen production from standard extras to stunt performers.This guide explains the difference between being independent and being represented, and how NZAT supports your long-term career.<h2 id="bef977b4-4d17-43db-9031-6bc666252ecc" data-toc-id="bef977b4-4d17-43db-9031-6bc666252ecc" style="font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">What Is NZAT Agency?</h2>NZAT is a talent agency for TV, film and commercial productions.We represent:<ul><li>Standard Extras</li><li>Featured Extras</li><li>Body Doubles</li><li>Stand-Ins</li><li>Action Extras</li><li>Stunt Performers</li><li>Athletes for screen productions</li></ul>Our focus is simple: Connect reliable, trained talent with professional productions while ensuring fair communication, proper administration, and safe working conditions.<h2 id="a80bfd04-4160-46d6-9527-c1e1eb430c31" data-toc-id="a80bfd04-4160-46d6-9527-c1e1eb430c31" style="font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Being an Independent Actor, Action Extra or Stunt Performer</h2>Working independently means:<ul><li>Finding your own acting or stunt jobs</li><li>Network directly with production</li><li>Negotiating your own rates</li><li>Managing contracts and paperwork</li><li>Handling invoices and payments</li><li>Communicating directly with production</li></ul>You keep 100% of your fee. However, you also take full responsibility for administration, negotiations and follow-ups.The challenge is access.Sometimes productions contact agencies directly for talent. If you are not represented, you may never hear about those opportunities.While this can work for occasional jobs, long-term growth in the film and TV industry often requires consistent industry exposure and professional representation.<h2 id="ac628a8c-f6ba-41c4-9f62-f1c3097e3b91" data-toc-id="ac628a8c-f6ba-41c4-9f62-f1c3097e3b91" style="font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">More Work Opportunities Through Representation</h2>One of the key advantages of being represented by NZAT is increased visibility.Production companies often:<ul><li>Contact agencies directly for crew and talent</li><li>Request specific types of performers</li><li>Need urgent replacements</li><li>Ask for curated shortlists</li></ul>If you are independent, you may not be aware these jobs exist.As an agency, NZAT can:<ul><li>Put your profile forward proactively</li><li>Recommend you directly when productions contact us</li><li>Promote your specific skills (martial arts, driving, combat, athletics, etc.)</li><li>Follow up with casting and production</li></ul>An agent can push your profile because we are already in communication with decision-makers. That visibility creates more consistent opportunities over time.<h2 id="8db8e07e-0775-45c5-8340-de7db49674c7" data-toc-id="8db8e07e-0775-45c5-8340-de7db49674c7" style="font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">What NZAT Handles for You</h2>When you are represented, we:<ul><li>Submit you for suitable TV, film and commercial roles</li><li>Communicate directly with casting directors and production</li><li>Manage confirmations and contracts</li><li>Process invoicing and payments</li><li>Help ensure fair and safe working conditions</li></ul>For TV and film work, NZAT commission is 18%, compared to the common 20% charged by many agencies.That commission covers professional administration, accounting, and ongoing representation.<h2 id="aa68e6af-1b65-4bdb-ba05-45c23994f82d" data-toc-id="aa68e6af-1b65-4bdb-ba05-45c23994f82d" style="font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Action Extras with Martial Arts or Stunt Training</h2>If you have previous martial arts experience or stunt training, you can join as an Action Extra.This allows you to:<ul><li>Gain experience on professional film sets</li><li>Work on action-based productions</li><li>Be visible to stunt coordinators</li><li>Build credits and progress toward stunt roles</li></ul>It is a structured entry pathway into the stunt and action side of the industry.<h2 id="dce8634e-859e-416d-aa2a-9acdd6098667" data-toc-id="dce8634e-859e-416d-aa2a-9acdd6098667" style="font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Stunt Performers – Flexible Representation</h2>NZAT operates differently for stunt performers.Anyone who has completed professional or foundational stunt training with any recognised provider can apply for stunt representation with NZAT and will be required to<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/en/product-detail/stunt-assessment/7594/"> complete a stunt assessment.</a>All applicants must pass this assessment to ensure they are ready for basic stunt work and can be safely recommended to stunt coordinators.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/nzss-training-pathway/">Completion of NZ Stunt School’s Fight for Camera (FFC) course allows you to join NZAT without requiring a separate stunt assessment.</a>If you are completely new to stunt work, you can complete <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/fight-for-camera">NZ Stunt School’s Fight for Camera (FFC) </a>course to gain the required foundation..All stunt applicants must pass an assessment to ensure they are ready for basic stunt work and can be safely recommended to stunt coordinators.For stunt performers, NZAT applies a finder’s fee rather than commission. This small recommendation fee covers administrative time when connecting you with coordinators.You are free to:<ul><li>Work independently</li><li>Accept outside stunt jobs</li><li>Continue building your own network</li></ul>Our goal is to support the start and development of your stunt career without limiting your opportunities.<h2 id="863edf8b-8489-493d-98f9-2a760193a5fc" data-toc-id="863edf8b-8489-493d-98f9-2a760193a5fc" style="font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Independent vs Represented – Long-Term Perspective</h2>You may secure individual jobs on your own. However, long-term career growth in the screen industry often depends on:<ul><li>Consistent exposure</li><li>Ongoing submissions</li><li>Professional relationships</li><li>Industry credibility</li></ul>Representation increases your visibility and access to jobs that are not publicly advertised.It is not only about commission — it is about positioning.<h2 id="a53c3622-62bd-48b1-99b8-324b39bf4157" data-toc-id="a53c3622-62bd-48b1-99b8-324b39bf4157" style="font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/nz-action-talent-agency/">Join NZAT Talent Agency</a></h2><ul><li>Join the NZAT book at no cost in February 2026</li><li>Standard joining fee is $50</li></ul>Whether you are starting as an extra, building experience as an action performer, or stepping into stunt work, NZAT provides structured representation and access to professional productions.<h3 id="dfda5fa0-d097-45b2-94bb-eaf121348ce6" data-toc-id="dfda5fa0-d097-45b2-94bb-eaf121348ce6" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.2;"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/nz-action-talent-agency/">Apply to join NZAT and expand your opportunities in the film and television industry.</a></h3>

Action Extra and Stunt Performer representation in New Zealand. Learn the difference between working independently and joining NZAT for film and TV opportunities.

How NZ Action Talent Helps You Get Film & TV Work in New Zealand

If you are building a career in film, television or commercial production, one of the biggest decisions you will make is whether to work independently or be represented by a talent agency.

Being an Independent Actor, Action Extra or Stunt Performer

More Work Opportunities Through Representation

Action Extras with Martial Arts or Stunt Training

Stunt Performers – Flexible Representation

Independent vs Represented – Long-Term Perspective

Apply to join NZAT and expand your opportunities in the film and television industry.

Explore stunt training tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and advice for aspiring stunt performers | NZ Stunt School

How NZ Action Talent Helps You Get Film & TV Work in New Zealand

How NZ Action Talent Helps You Get Film & TV Work in New Zealand

Related Posts

Acting in New Zealand Film, TV & Commercials — How to Start Your Career With NZAT

Stunt Performer in New Zealand — How NZAT Can Help You Get in Front of the Right People

Are You a High-Level Athlete or Skilled Performer? Film and TV Productions in New Zealand Need You

What Is an Action Extra in Film and TV? An Honest Guide for New Zealand

What Is a Picture Double or Body Double in Film and TV? An Honest Guide for New Zealand