Who are the best developing agenices in LA. I am non-union and need an agency that "develops talent" or works with newbies. Please name as many as you can. It would also be helpful if you could say which ones have good reputations and which ones don't. Obviously I would prefer to hear more good ones.

Just stay away from Dedicated, Michael Zanuck, Sylvia Ferguson, and Advance LA. All are pretty scammy. I hear Barbara of Steinberg is whacky and tends to lose auditions for her client, so you might want to avoid her.

I can't really think of an agency that takes in newbies. Think about it, an agency ISN'T going to make money with people who have very little training and experience and are going up against people who have training and are somewhat seasoned.

Dale Garrick International is the only agency that I know of that seems to take noobs. He's a nice guy but he seems to be losing his sizzle. Yeah he discovered Faye Dunaway and John Fujioka, just to name a few, but a lot of my friends who are in the same boat as you and are with him say that they rarely get sent out.

Your best bet is to study with the best and then search for a top agent.

There has to be more than just one good agency. Everyone needs to start somewhere. I already study with the best. I've done everything right. The next step is a good agent who develops talent.

If you're already studying with the best, you should try to gun for the better known agencies.

I really don't know of any agency that "develops" talent. Agents are usually busy getting you auditions that you can't get on your own. A manager can help develop your talent.

Those so called "Boutique agencies" claim to develop talent, but really are just as busy as the big agencies trying to get you auditions. The best boutique agency that I know of is Baron Entertainment. Rod's a cool guy. He's kind of a frat boy and some people don't like that. Just be sure NOT to get involved with the management company that works with Baron. Otherwise, he's good at sending people out and at least makes a point to know you.

quote:

Originally posted by ELDORADO59:
If you're already studying with the best, you should try to gun for the better known agencies.

I really don't know of any agency that "develops" talent. Agents are usually busy getting you auditions that you can't get on your own.That's what a manager is for.

If you're looking for a good boutique agency then go with Baron Entertainment. Rod's a cool guy. He's kind of a frat boy and some people don't like that.

We agree on so much but certainly NOT on Baron Entertainment.

Miss Stone. I am surprised that anyone on this board reads a word you write. You are embarrassing yourself. I have seen you write horrible things about Baron for a while now. I think maybe you need to head back to the casinos, smoke some more cigs, and make tips instead of trying to be a blogger. Baron, is a fantastic Agency.

BUMP

So, did you ever find an agent who will actually develop your talent?

I've gotten a few calls back, but I'm hoping to hear from three other agencies I've researched. I'm using my contacts to see if they can help refer me. I didn't just make up those words. "Developing agencies" or "developing talent" was exactly what I was told.

Which ones have contacted you?

The Gerler Agency---which I've heard nothing good about

The Dale Garrick International Agency---which I have not heard extremly negative things about, but am still unsure of

This was right before the holiday so I'm hoping once things pick up I can get better calls

Who are those other agencies that you've researched?

The ones I want are-

Cunningham Escott and Dipene
The Osbrink Talent Agency
Coast to Coast

I would be happy with

Bobby Ball Talent Agency
Daniel Hoff
Amsel, Eisenstadt & Frazier
The Baron Agency
The Corsa Agency
Avalon Artists

Do you think it's a waste to hope for Abrams...or really any of the ones above?

I don't know anything about Avalon. I don't think it's considered a top 50. I saw Corsa put a posting on actors access one time and thought that it was weird. Bobby Ball was a good agency. I've heard it's gone downhill since Shanna Randall left.

Otherwise, the rest are great agencies both commercially and theatrically. Since you're looking at CESD, Osbrink, and Coast to Coast, you should add Abrams and KSR to that list.

Also, because you're starting out, these agencies will probably at most sign you commercially. You should take a good commercial class, cold reading class, and improv class if you really want to be considered by these agencies.

That's funny I was just researching them! I just added them to my list. Do you think it's a waste to send to them though? They seem like a long shot, even with connections.