So I'm getting ready to leave Steinberg's Agency (yay!), I would suggest not signing with them. Barbara, the main agent, told me when I signed with her that she had only 35 clients. I checked with SAG and sure enough...she has 156. No wonder I only got a couple of auditions with her!
So I have a question...does anyone know much about Bicoastal Talent? I have a meeting with Greta in the theatrical division next week and would love to have any input on her or the agency. After 2 failed agencies in a row I am jaded and looking for something legit! Any info you have would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Posts: 3 | Location: Los Angeles | Registered: January 24, 2007
1) Sign up for imdb-pro.com and see who they rep, how many credits their clients have, and are there alot of your "type" with them already
2) If you know any good Casting Directors, ask them about Bicoastal's reputation -- Do they have good clients? Do you have a good relationship with their agents? Do their clients book?
3) Sometimes an agent alone is not enough. Personally I want an agent AND a manager because agencies usually rep a lot of clients. So you need another member on your team (manager) to help boost you along.
Good Luck!
Posts: 59 | Location: Los Angeles | Registered: January 21, 2007
But sometimes it's better to have a manager AND an agent who get along with each other. That's when I've had the best auditions and booked the best jobs!
A smart manager can place you with the right agent for you.
Posts: 59 | Location: Los Angeles | Registered: January 21, 2007
Originally posted by actmom: A friend of my daughter's was with Bicoastal - was rarely sent out. She dropped them - her manager sends her out with regularity.
Her manager sends her out? Is the manager also a licensed agent? Does she know that that is technically illegal if she is not licensed? Or is she with a manager that submits for extra work. I know there are managers that do this, but it can lead to problems and is not advised. Her manager should be getting her in front of other agents and not taking a chance on messiong up her/his own career.
Technically, it is against the law (at least in the state of CA) for managers to solicit work for their clients. In other words, managers are not supposed to pitch their clients to CDs. That is the agents job. Only licensed agents are the ones who can "legally" procure the work and negotiate the deals. It's the agents who call the managers.
If a manager knows of an audition coming up, they need to call the agent, representing their client, for the possibility of that agent recommending or submitting that client to the CD. It's the CD who calls the agent, who then calls the manager, who then calls the actor. Legally, an agent must always be involved for submissions and negotiations. Actors can work with just an agent, but not just a manager unless the manager is also a licensed agent.
Just something to think about.
- MIB - If you can dream, you can do. Making it happen is up to you.
Posts: 773 | Location: SoCal | Registered: July 13, 2005
Actually a lot of managers are now submitting clients for jobs. Yes, it's not "legal" but apparently more of this is happening, and these managers subscribe to Breakdown Services and LACasting. My daughter's former manager submitted her for roles, union and non union - you'll often see the heading "Agents and Managers do not double submit" on Actorsaccess. I've heard this trend has been tied to the "Sag franchised" contract failure.
Best wishes
Posts: 6 | Location: Los Angeles | Registered: August 12, 2007
Originally posted by littlemonkey: MIB: It's true what you said.. BUT it happens all the time: managers getting work for their clients.
Yes, thanks, I'm aware that this is happening. I'm just putting the info out there for others to learn from so they can take it for what it's worth and also to help them make informed decisions.
- MIB - If you can dream, you can do. Making it happen is up to you.
Posts: 773 | Location: SoCal | Registered: July 13, 2005
