Secret Agent Man,

Please help, I'm unsure what to do. I met with a commercial agent from Kolstein Talent Agency (KTA) that only signs his talent exclusively. I hear that commercially it may be best to freelance with many agencies. What do you think is best?

Thanks in advance,

Dani

Not sure if this was an open question to anyone but in case it's worth anything...

I just moved to LA from NYC a few months ago. In NY I freelanced with agents and that seemed to be just fine. But since coming to LA I find that out here it is not common practice to freelance at all. Only contracts, or at least verbal agreements.

Again, I am new to LA so I am not sure about this. Just my experience.

Oh, thanks for the response! I didn't mean this only for S.A.M.

I've heard that LA there's no freelancing.

Hey Dan I think it's best to freelance( wasn't aware that they don't freelance in LA but these are my personal views)and I'll tell you why. If you freelance with multiple agents you have a greater shot at going out for numerous auditions and possibly booking a job. As oppose to one agent sending you out ever so often. Then also you can become signed and get stuck with a "lemon" agent who will just shelve you, or maybe don't know what to do with you. Or worst feel that you maybe competition for one of his other "money making" clients. So in order for there to not be any conflict he/she will sign you, and just put you on the back burner. It's 50/50 shot with this business (people are funny)you just have to research the agency find out more about them, the agents, if they have other actors similar to your type, etc...etc ..... Happy hunting !!

Danyelle - forget about what you hear and don't hear. The real question is how do you feel about this agency? Are they excited about working with you? Do you feel a connection? And how long is the contract? (I'm not a commercial agent so I don't know.)

I wouldn't automatically be turned off by idea of exclusive representation - as long as it's the RIGHT representation.

Look at it this way. Would you rather free lance with three agencies that do nothing for you or would you rather sign exclusively with one agency that gets you tons of auditions?

This is sound advice.

I've noticed in my own career that whenever you're exclusive with one agent they seem to work a little harder for you, a good thing.

Freelancing with dozens of agents has it's benefits, but it can sometimes get a little problematic, not to mention the loss of intimacy and personal bonds that inevitably result from having too many agents.

For newer actors, I'd freelance awhile, just to see which agent produces better for you. It should become readily apparent that one agency will tend to book you more auditions. Most agents want you to "prove yourself" to them as a prerequisite for signing you anyway, making a single relationship even more realistic.

Like SAM, I'd go with quality over quantity, every time.

“Whatever works.”

www.robertkim.com
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0453647

SAM I wouldn't argue with you because you are "Secret agent man", but I do know actors here where I'm from who are signed. Some are just shelved, and some gets a call once in a blue. But I guess like everthing else in the world, you have the Good and the BAD. Just chose wisely.

Actually, the agent in question is my agent and he is amazing! He likes to sign exclusively cuz he works his butt off for you! If I haven't had an audition in a couple weeks he'll actually call me and tell me he's pushing for me. I've been getting atleast one to two auditions a week. Another great thing about him is he's very open to you talking to him and discussing problems or questions. He actually feels more like a manager sometimes because he's so invested in his clients. Just wanted to give a heads up cuz I'm really happy I signed with a smaller agency that's super excited to see me succeed. Hope this helps!

I think if you are really new to the industry, freelancing with several agencies isn't an bad idea. But I totally agree with Secret Agent Man and Robert Kim Photography with quality over quantity.

Freelancing = Agent pay less individual attention to the freelancer talents.

Exclusive = You get the attention, and they do'nt have to worry about 'double' booking scenarios when they send you out on auditions.

As for Kolstein Talent Agency, they are a very reputable boutique size agency. You can read about them here.

It really depends on how you feel about them, and if you are ready to sign exclusive.

Thank you all for the responses! I ended up signing with him and am now on the hunt for legit represnentation.