Does agent submitting me for acting auditions count as EDD work search activity?

I'm also in the entertainment industry and went through this last year. From my experience, yes, your agent submitting you DOES count as work search activity! When I had my eligibility interview, I explained that having an agent submit me for roles is the standard way to find work in our industry. The EDD interviewer accepted this as valid work search activity. Just make sure you document the dates your agent submitted you, what roles/projects, and which casting directors if possible. I kept a spreadsheet with all this info and it saved me during my interview. Good luck!

As someone who works in the industry too artist submitions DO NOT COUNT as work search!!!! u have 2 be proactive looking 4 work urself... my friend got disqualified for only listing agent submissions!!! EDD wants to see YOU applying directly 4 jobs. not someone else doing it 4 u!!!

Hi there, I can clarify this based on current EDD guidelines. Having a talent agent submit you for auditions can count as part of your work search activities, but there are some important caveats: 1. You need to be actively engaged in the process (discussing potential roles with your agent, following up, etc.) 2. You should document each submission with dates, production names, and casting directors when possible 3. EDD generally prefers to see a mix of work search activities, not just agent submissions The key is that you're making a "reasonable effort" to find suitable work in your customary occupation. For actors, working with an agent is indeed part of that process, but EDD may want to see additional self-directed efforts as well. I recommend keeping a detailed log of both your agent submissions AND any direct applications you make for work. This provides a more comprehensive picture of your work search efforts.

when i had my interview with edd last month they told me that any "reasonable" effort to find work in my field counts. i told them about networking events i went to for filmmaking and they counted that too. i think as long as ur making efforts to find work in ur field it counts

If you're having trouble getting through to EDD to ask this question directly, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. I was in a similar situation (musician with gig work) and couldn't get through on the regular EDD line for weeks. I used Claimyr.com and they got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes who answered all my specific industry questions about work search requirements. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD rep I spoke with confirmed that industry-specific job search methods (like agent submissions for actors) do count, but they want to see you documenting it properly.

I think everyone's missing something important here - it depends on what TYPE of claim you have. If you're on regular UI, different rules apply than if you're on PUA or some other program. What kind of claim do you have?

To add to my earlier comment, for the specific week EDD is asking about (11/10-11/16/2025), I recommend you include: 1. Your agent submissions with specific details (date, project, casting director) 2. Any direct applications/submissions you made yourself 3. Any industry networking events, workshops, or classes you attended 4. Any follow-ups on previous auditions or submissions Documentation is key here. If possible, keep emails or communications from your agent about the submissions they made on your behalf. Having this evidence will strengthen your case if EDD requests verification. Remember that EDD understands different industries have different job search methods. The entertainment industry is unique in how work is obtained, and EDD does recognize this.

i had a similar situation last year as a model and i called edd and the lady was super nice and said yes agent submissions count but make sure u list them separately for each submission not just "my agent submitted me" but like "submitted by agent for toyota commercial on 11/12" etc

One more thing to add - when I documented my agent submissions, I made sure to include: - The specific project name - The role I was submitted for - The production company - The date of submission - Any follow-up actions I took (like sending a thank you email after auditions) This level of detail made it clear to EDD that these were legitimate work search activities. The key is showing that you're actively engaged in the process, not just passively letting your agent do everything. Also, don't forget to mention any informal networking you did with industry contacts. Those count too!

I'm also navigating this as a freelance voice actor! From what I've learned through my own EDD experience, agent submissions absolutely do count, but I'd recommend mixing them with some direct outreach too. What really helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet tracking: - Agent submissions (with project names and dates) - Direct pitches I sent to production companies - Industry networking (even virtual events count!) - Skills development (like voice coaching sessions) The EDD rep I spoke with emphasized that they want to see you're making "reasonable efforts" specific to your industry. Since acting work primarily comes through agents and casting directors, those submissions are totally legitimate work search activities. Pro tip: Save any emails from your agent about submissions - even just a quick "submitted you for XYZ project" text counts as documentation. Good luck with your certification!