One of the big benefits to having a talent agent is that they negotiate your rate of pay, with an incentive to maximize it since they're paid a percentage. It'

One of the big benefits to having a talent agent is that they negotiate your rate of pay, with an incentive to maximize it since they're paid a percentage. It's a little different from consulting shops that might want to maximize the rate the customer pays, but often pockets any 'extra', with your rate staying the same. Talent agents also know the market infinitely better than the talent does, since it's their day to day job to deal with the going rates. Add in the benefit of them getting to play the 'bad guy' in negotiations if need be, so you can keep good personal relations with the client. Hell, a good agent is practically expected to be pushy. For top talent doing short term freelance work, it would definitely have some benefits.