For potential directors, getting an agent is actually not all that difficult -- if you're talented. If you're a legitimate director -- meaning, you've actually directed something that you can send out as material, many agents will be willing to add you to their roster to see whether or not your work sparks with the executives they deal with.
Agents that represent directors learn the type of genre and tone that their existing directors are capable of directing and will usually seek out those projects that suit those needs. So, the trick here is to become a part of that list.
You need to start this process by first compiling a Directors Reel. Your reel should have snippets of everything you've directed to date so that anyone watching it will see that you have the following qualifications:
- Talent: Talent with regard to directing means you need to showcase your abilities to find certain types of shots, get the most out of your actors and the ability to put your own visual spin (or "voice") on whatever the subject matter might be.
- Technical Skills: You need to show that you have the ability to get the shot coverage you need to effectively tell a story as well as the ability to direct the editing process to achieve complete and well rounded scenes.
- Proper Tone: If you're putting yourself out there as a comedy director, but you can't visually relate a scripted joke, then you might not be well suited for your job of choice. Your reel needs to showcase both the type of work you're capable of as well as the voice you use to show it.
NOTE: One important thing to remember when making your directors reel is to be sure that you don't overload it. Simply add those pieces of material that best showcase your directing talents -- and keep the entire reel under 5 minutes if possible. If you wish to include full episodes or movies, be sure to do so AFTER your initial five minute sample. Anything longer and chances are good there will be few if any executives and producers who will watch the entire thing and not get to the parts you want them to see.
Keep in mind that getting an agent is not the impossible task it can often seem to be. You need to have extreme patience during this process, but that doesn't mean that you sit around waiting for an agent to suddenly discover you and your talents. Get out there and show off what you do and let the agents come and find you.