We are fortunate in Texas to have many reputable, ethical talent agencies, which represent talent well and are paid by commissions from the talent's work. This is significant because in the state of Texas talent agencies will no longer need to be licensed, bonded, and regulated by Fall 2011 . Fortunately, there are many leaders (casting directors, agents, coaches, and veteran talent) who know, articulate, and stand firm on what is ethical and best practice for talent agencies. Many of them post these standards on Facebook. Dolores Jackson, Houston casting director, and Linda McAllister, North TX talent agent, post valuable information about these issues and other business concerns on Facebook, as I do on Cru Film '12.
When looking for a talent agency, here are some suggestions. Are there headshots of talent on the Web site? Are the intial profile headshots engaging? Is the focus of the site on the talent or on the agency? Are headshots effective on the site? Are the headshots up-to-date? Are there too many of the same gender, type, ages on the site? Do the headshots all look alike or do they showcase each talent uniquely? Does the agency require upfront fees or services? Do they have good reputations as to their accessibility to and support of talent? Are they SAG and/or AFTRA franchised?
If all of the talent that the agency represents is hidden for the security of the talent on the agency Web site, then new talent needs to be able to check out headshots of all of the talent with the agency before they sign with the agency. It is important for talent to work with an agency that does not represent a lot like themselves. The more talent an agency represents the more of a challenge it is for them to represent each of their members as unique talent. It is important check out if an agency has a reputation of accessibility, responsiveness, and attention to each of its talent.
Buyers need to beware. Check out agencies. Read contracts carefully. Don't pay upfront money!
See http://www.dianehoward.com/talent_agents.htm.
For further information, contact me, Dr. Diane Howard, at dhoward@vvm.com or visit my Web site at http://www.dianehoward.com.
See specific performance communication/film job postings on Cru Film '12 Facebook site.
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