Agents, Agencies and the Union

Finding a good casting agent, what may make one agency better than another and most importantly maintaining a good relationship with your agent and their clients - your employers - is an important topic prompting plenty of debate and comment on this site.

By all means, ask questions and seek advice about agents but consider the following important information first.

Media Entertainment Arts Alliance provides a list of registered agencies in each state of Australia:
Agent Listings
Note there are registered agents and MEAA emphasise that they make no recommendations.
http://www.alliance.org.au/simplefaq/task,display/Itemid,27/catid,14/page,1/#FAQ30

It is illegal in a number of states for agents to charge up front fees. Specifically, it is illegal in Queensland to charge an upfront fee for representation. Also, it is illegal for an agent to charge more 10% commission on your gross wages. The 10% fee is the total amount payable. You should not pay your agent for postage, phone calls or similar costs.
Media Entertainment Arts Alliance recommend that artists should not pay upfront fees to agents anywhere in Australia
http://www.alliance.org.au/simplefaq/task,display/Itemid,27/catid,14/page,1/#FAQ30
Arts Law Centre of Australia offers information on what agents do, contracts and legal information, the agent's obligations, and so forth. In particular they discuss laws in NSW that set limitations on percentages and fees.
http://www.artslaw.com.au/LegalInformation/AgencyAgreements/default.asp

Finding a Casting Agent

Updated 15th June 2011 - Initially posted on The Prompt Copy.
Updated 08th Sep 2011 - Alliance Web Site - refresh of Agent lists.

Anyone thinking of finding professional work in the performance industry has basically two primary choices; find an agent or be your own agent. Both have their pros and their cons, and can leave you high and dry if you don't employ some judicious care.

If you go it alone, then good luck to you. You will need to establish all of your own contacts, develop your industry reputation from nothing and hard-sell yourself on a daily basis. That's not to say it is impossible. It has been done and there are many out there who say that it is the better option. For most of us, starting from scratch is simply ludicrous so we flop open the Yellow-pages and let our fingers do some of the walking.

Finding an Agent who will represent you means not having to make as much effort in finding the desired pathways and contacts into your chosen profession. Please note that I said "as much effort" as opposed to "don't worry guys, they do everything for you." You will still need to learn the art of self-marketing and not-quitting. You will also have to be very judicious in who is going to represent you. You can't just walk into the first Agent you find, sign-up, then sit back and wait for the jobs to come rolling in. That is just not the way it works.

"Isn't it?" I hear some of you ask. Of course not.

Knowing Yourself

Firstly, what area are you looking to get into? Film, TV, Theatre, Musicals, Opera, Comedy?

What types of roles? Minor and supernumerary roles, or are you going whole hog for only the leading man and lady?

What geographical spread are you looking to cover? Your local backyard or maybe you want to go globally? Probably best to start aiming a bit lower.

What experience do you already have and are you prepared to seek out more? (The answer to this should always be lots and yes.)

That is before you even walk in the door to a prospective agent. Once you have a better understanding of what it is you want from an agent, the better armed you will be when you start calling them. Yes calling them. Now you need to find out more about them and see if they are compatible to your requirements.

Knowing the Agent

There are lots of them. Really. They cover all different aspects of the industry and come with different extras or pit-falls. Be wary. There are opportunists and profiteers out there who like to take advantage of our industry and the large numbers of hopeful young men and women all so keen to "make it big" as it were.

Your first port of call should be the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance as technically, they are your Union Representative. They fight for your rights and pay rates, and they fight hard. I would suggest that anyone who is seriously considering a professional career in this industry to register with the union as they can be a vital crutch. Here you will find a list of agents who are registered with the Union. Mind you, as the disclaimer on the site says, this is not an endorsement of the agent as the union cannot verify and validate every agency that is out there. It does substantially improve your chances of missing those more dodgy deals, however you will still need to do a little research.

Here's what the Alliance has to say about finding an agent.

Now you have your list of potential representatives, you need to start putting the feelers out. Make a few calls and inquire about what services they actually provide, what the process is in joining up and so forth. Some questions that may be a useful start might be;

How many people do you already have on the books? This will give you an indication of where you may fall in the pile. A Large number of existing clients may indicate high popularity of the agency which is good but may also imply that you could easily become lost in the numbers.

How long have they been running the business? When was the last change of management? Long term performance is usually a good sign of market strength. That is not to say that a newer agency is not worth a shot. You can never be too certain.

What shows/productions have they actually cast for? Are the productions ones that you know about yourself and if so, this may be a good way to validate what they tell you.

Do they have a recommended photographer? Find out who it is and you may be able to do a little research there also.

Maybe they offer training services. Are they accredited? What is the cost and so on.

These are just sample questions. Do try and think of further questions to ask, after all, you are asking these people to represent you in a tight and cut-throat business. In a real sense, you are hiring them.

Once you feel you got enough out of the agent themselves, it's time to do a little research of your own. Try and "Google" the agent of the net. See what comes up. Sometimes you might be surprised. Quite often I find an agent's name attached to an actor bio for a high-profile production. That is usually a pretty good sign. On other occasions I have found the agent being slammed and accused of this, that and the other. Do take what you find with a pinch of salt. Some of the negative comments may be simply one or two angry members of the public venting their frustrations. Then again...

Finding nothing or very little does nothing either way. Maybe they're too new to have anything flow through to the net. Then again, if they have been around for a while, why is there little about?

Another good source of information are related discussion groups or forums. A very good example would be the Independent Theatre Association Web Site Theatre Australia. There have been several discussions on that site already that have focused on topics such Finding a Good Agent and some of the pitfalls to watch out for.

Again, you do need to exercise caution when reading these forums. They are open to everyone and anyone, which can lead to all sorts of misleading information. My rule of thumb is that if it sounds constructive them it usually is.

Lastly, talk to others in the business. Who is their agent? Would they recommend them?

The Agent's Fee

This is a hot issue and I wanted to deal with it independent of other things. In the UK, it is illegal for a casting agent to charge an application fee to prospective clients. Technically that is also true for Australia. Anyone who charges for simply signing onto the books should be very seriously questioned. Sometimes they may try to hide the fee in things like compulsory photo shoots, Workshops and so forth. This is not say that you should steer completely clear of these places, but just be aware that there are other agents out there who would work just as hard without the initial fee. Here is what the Alliance (MEAA) say about Payment.

Commission
Under the Entertainment Industry Act 1989, an agent can only charge the following percentages of a performers salary as
commission:
1. for an engagement involving film, television or electronic media - 10%;
2. for live theatre, live musical or variety performances - 10% for any period up to five weeks and then 5% for any period after;
3. in all other cases - 10%.

If you are asked to pay for such things as Photo Shoots, Workshop Attendance, etc, then ask if they are optional. For example, if you already have a portfolio of Photos, would that suffice and negate the fee? Is workshop attendance optional to joining the Agency? If these things are requirements, then I would seriously question the motivation of the Agent in question. Are they seriously interesting in finding the next big thing, or are they more concerned about getting what they can out of you in the short-term? In this industry, you can't really afford to take such risks with an agent.

Remember this very important fact: You are 'hiring' them to look for work for you. Just like an employment agency. The main difference between an employment agency and a casting agency is that you will be constantly looking for performance work as opposed to that one dream job. A casting agent takes a percentage from any monies that you may earn and that's how you pay for their services and not through up-front payments. The more jobs you get and the bigger the job, the more they get paid also. It is then in their best interest to help you find work.

Here's more information I found that you may want to read...

Another article posted by a Melbourne user.

Making the Final Choice

After all that exhaustive work, you should now feel you know enough to make your final choice. If it feels right to you, then do it. Go in, sign up, shake hands. They are now providing a service to you to find you work in your chosen field. Read any contract material very carefully for any previously missed details like commission amounts, their promise to you, etc, etc.

I would also strongly recommend that at this point (if you haven't already done so) you think about joining the Union. If for any reason the agent turns out to be a dud, the union can be there to give you some support. Without that membership, you will be on your own.

They have even provided a Sample Contract for you to follow which clearly outlines the expectations of you, the actor, and the agent.

http://www.theatre.asn.au/files/standard_artist_representation_contract_draft.pdf

So now I can rest?

That's the dream is it not? I have the talent. I have the Agent. Now I can wait for the offers. A Dream, nothing more.

It's now that the hard work begins. Remember I said you have hired the Agent? Think about it. You are the manager of your career, not them. Stay involved with the industry, read the mags, get the gossip, make contacts in those fields you are interested in and when you hear of new ventures, talk with your agent about getting into the mix. Get them to find out what they can and if they can submit your application.

Invite your agent reps to see your work. Even though you have asked them to find you work, what can they possibly tell future producers and directors about you? "Well their CV looks good." They need to see you in action. They love complimentary tickets. Be all too aware that you are not the only one they are working for. You will have to compete with all the other hopefuls on their books for a portion of their time.

If they run workshops or training services, go to them. Get them to notice you and think that you may be the next big thing for them. You need to keep reminding them that you exist and that you are keen, eager and willing to try anything.

Only once you have established yourself and producers are seeking you out will ever be able to even think of resting. Sadly by that point, you'll be working so much that you won't have the time.

Happy hunting.

Additional and IMPORTANT notes.

Agents do not tend to advertise and by that I mean in the papers or Internet Job Services.

HOW TO GET AN AGENT!!!

Interview with an agent - preparation - suggestions welcomed

Hi Folks, I am wondering what ones need to prepare for and expect in an interview with a potential agent. Also wondering what would be the top ten questions to ask in the interview. Any suggestions more than welcome. Thanks, Tina

Finding a Casting Agent according to the Australian UNION (MEAA)

It is a Hot Topic - How do I find an Agent, a Good one, a Legit one, one who wont rip me off...

It has been discussed at length across the internet in great detail by people with little, some and lot's of experience.

Attached is the Australian Actor's Unions thoughts on finding an agent. This is the official statement on the matter.

PDF Extracted from the Alliance Web site Feb 2010.

While the document states it is for NSW, the relevance is National.

Actors to Agent Contract

Find attached to this article a sample Actor to Agent Contract as supplied by the Media, Entertainment and Actors Alliance (MEAA) - Actors Equity section.

Agencies - previous discussions on certain companies

There are a number of threads on agencies that have become notorious and controversial. Please refer to them before starting a new one, as there is lots of information and opinions there. Also please read Labrug's great FAQ on what a good agent is, how to get one, and what to expect. (I would add that there are any number of threads on other agents, and you should do a search to find them; this lists only the big controversies that have been made over the years, and does not include ALL of the threads on the quality or background of different agents)

I would also add for our more naive or young members: please check any websites before signing up for them. There are a number of sites that appear to give you access to jobs, auditions, casting agents, and so forth, but there are plenty that both: take your money and do nothing; and present you with adult and/or suspicious content. Do your research first, before joining a website such the one discussed here:

http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/scam_alert

Threads on ATM:

http://www.theatre.asn.au/blog/fox/isnt_this_weird

http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/is_the_australian_talent_management_agency_good

http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/dont_use_australian_talent_management

Threads on Blackbox Management:

http://www.theatre.asn.au/blog/aymeee/blackbox_mangement

http://www.theatre.asn.au/node/5973

http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/the_blackbox_debate

http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/blackbox_management_again

http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/blackbox_management

Threads on MBC (run by the same guy who ran NOTM, see below):

http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/mbc_australia_does_anyone_know_anything_about_this_agency_good_bad

Threads on NOTM:

http://www.theatre.asn.au/forum_topic/does_anyone_know_notm

http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/notm_they_are_a_fantastic_agency

http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/notm_never_offer_them_money

http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/notm_has_been_taken_over_by_a_larger_international_organisation_all_clients_of_notm_will_be_contacted_within

http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/notm_has_shut_up_shop_dep_of_fair_trading_has_anounced_darcys_intention_to_close_notm

http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/how_to_set_up_a_recruitment_business_make_money_and_do_nothing

http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/link_to_fair_trading_in_qld_how_to_lodge_a_complaint_against_notm

These are just some of the threads... if you find more, please add them. But I implore you, let's not start any new discussions, if only because they are bound to be removed for 'libel' (see the blackbox thread if you don't believe me!).

Agents and Training - Comment from the Industry

I can't claim credit for this but I have been given permission to pass it on...

If you are looking to do a course and a school guarantees you an Agent during the run of the course, then you have to ask yourself why in this climate when work is so sparce would an Agent want to take on anyone who is in training without having seen their work first? That Agent's reputation is at stake. There are many Agents out there, but a good Agent will not take on an actor until they have seen the actor's work and feel totally secure in the fact that they can get work out there for you. So if a school can guarantee you an Agent, then you have to ask yourself a number of things:-

What kind of reputation does this Agent have?
Why is this Agent taking on anyone and everyone just because they have enrolled in a course?
Is this Agent being paid a commission by the school for doing so?

These are also questions you should ask when a school suggests only one particular photographer to take your headshots. Are there kickbacks in place?

There are many Charlatans out there, so called 'professionals', professing to have what it takes to get you a job - offering actors quick fixes for showreels and quick roads to success...but please be warned! There are NO quick fixes. Anyone who offers you advice for a price...or a chance to be seen by Casting Consultants and Directors when you're not ready...or advice and suggestions on how to make it in America, or offer you a showreel without taking into consideration what you have to lose...then they are exploiting you. Casting Consultants and Directors who are being paid for their expertise can enlighten you on how THEY work and what THEY want, but THEY cannot solve your acting problems or advise you on how to fix things, or improve your performance. So basically, they can't teach you to act.

Just remember, exposure doesn't always give you better opportunities...but better training does.

Cheers
Screenwise

Agents VS Consultants - The Difference

Disclaimer : This Blog has been written with a particular WA flavour, however other readers may find some of the information useful.

For those of you how may not know, there are two types of Casting Services;

1. Casting Agents

Casting Agents represent the 'Actor'. It is through an agent that an actor will most likely learn of new projects and audition prospects. As long as the Agent has the right contacts, and any legit one should, they will be notified through either Casting Consultants or Production Companies.

2. Casting Consultants

Effectively, these are Casting Agents for the Production Companies. They are regularly used to act as a go between for the PC, contacting the local Casting Agencies, Screening possible talent and then consulting with the Director to cull the list down.

Each state will have a couple of Casting Consultants at least. WA has two.
http://www.anniemmcasting.com.au/
http://www.jccasting.com.au/

These Consultants do not represent actors except through a third-party Agency, or Manager.

JC Casting in particular has a very useful resource for Perth Talent which I think everyone should check out.
http://www.jccasting.com.au/industry_info.htm
* Please note that JC Casting does not endore agents listed through this link

Other Casting Consultants around Australia -
NSW/Vic - http://www.mullinars.com.au/consult.html
Eastern States and New Zealand http://www.maurafay.com.au/casting/casting_frameset.html

Applying for an agent... definition of "experience"?

Hello Everyone, This is not your usual "how do you get an agent post" I have a more specific inquiry. I'm 18 and about to graduate high school in December. I've done alot of research into the type of agent that I'd like (I want to work in film preferably), following the guide you offer at this website. So I called them up and asked how to be considered to be represented by them. However all of them said I need more experience to be take on board. So my question is, what kind of experience are they looking for? I want to do a bachelor of music, so I can't go to acting school. I've been extras, been in the Logies... but do they want someone who has already had a leading role on TV? If so, how is the average teenager supposed to secure that kind of role without an agent to begin with. Any help would be appreciated, ~Ayane

Does anyone know if you have more than one casting agency?

Just curious if you can be in more than one casting agencies books?

equity for Australian actors and agents update letter

1 August 2008 Dear Friends, Thank you for your supporting emails and the generous sharing of your experiences and advise. I wanted to update you as to what has progressed since my first email. First, I’ll summarize some of the fundamental changes the casting process needs to undergo so as to give a fair go to more Australian actors and agents. 1. Casting briefs for feature films, TV productions, stage productions and TV commercials must be made available to ALL talent agencies in the city (or cities) where the casting will be held. The casting process must be made transparent. 2. All professional actors (MEAA members, subscribers to Showcast and At2, etc.) must have the opportunity to audition for all principal roles in film, TV and stage projects. (MEAA’s Simon Whipp says in response to my letter, “it is only fair that all actors who are paying for the casting tools – Showcast and AT2, have the right to be considered for all roles being cast. By this I would mean that we do not agree with a practice which would exclude certain agents or performers from briefing… At the moment, effectively, those performers whose agents are not receiving all briefs are subsidizing those who do. This is simply not fair.” Therefore, each talent agency in the city where the casting is being held should have the right to submit for all the roles in a project, including the principal ones. More importantly, a percentage (to be decided) of the submitted actors from each agency must be auditioned for the principal roles. Of course, each production needs “stars” to make the project attractive in the marketplace, but there are always other principal roles that require not so much “names” but excellent actors. Each talent agency should have at least a minimum percentage of actors seen for a production. 3. Screen Australia, Australia Council for the Arts and other federal and state funding bodies should put into their funding applications the requirements stated above in items 1 and 3. In my discussions with several casting directors, they have sited the lack of time and resources to see more actors. If the funding bodies are able to provide additional funding support for a broader casting initiative and make it a mandatory requirement in the granting of funding, then the casting directors will have the directive, initiative and resources to see more actors. Screen Australia’s Executive Director (Strategy and Operations) Fiona Cameron has responded to my letter in saying, “You raise some very interesting and challenging matters. All Screen Australia’s programs and services are under review for 2009 and beyond and we will certainly take your views into consideration.” I have also received support form Jullian Skinner MP (NSW Shadow Minister for the Arts). She says, “The suggestion you raise for a more transparent and open system of casting, and for an increase in NSW Government Funding have been noted. Please rest assured that the NSW Liberal/National Coalition will consider your suggestions and ideas in our future policy development process.” 4. Our industry should push for “colour blind casting.” Our main Australia TV series, TV shows and feature films still portray an overwhelmingly monoculture society. MEAA’s Simon Whipp, in his response to my letter, says “We would agree that there is insufficient representation of non-anglo Australia in television drama productions. We are actually hosting a summit on Australian content later in the year and this is one of the issues which will be discussed.” He also brought to my attention the 22/7/08 article in Britain’s Courier Mail entitled, “Neighbours is “too white.” It cites a report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission chairman Trevor Philips which says that many of Britian’s major broadcasters remained ‘hideously white’ when choosing programs. Neighbours, which is screened on the Five network, and the BBC comedy The Vicar of Dibley were singled out for being “all white.” This should be a wake-up call for the producers of Australian dramas that if they are hoping to sell their product on the current world market, a more realistic cultural representation of Australian society is urgently and desperately needed to be accepted. 5. The implementation and monitoring of the above initiatives should be responsibility of a specific independent government body or of an entertainment industry ombudsman who has the power to effectively deal with any injustices and complaints within the entertainment industry. Thus far, I have continued to receive emails of encouragement from talent agents around Australia. From official quarters, I have thus far received supportive responses from the following: 1. MEAA (Simon Whipp, Equity Director) 2. Screen Australia (Fiona Cameron, Executive Director, Strategy and Operations, on behalf of Chairman Glen Boreham) 3. Julian Skinner MP (NSW Shadow Minister for the Arts, on behalf of NSW Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Barry O’Farrell MP) I look forward to arranging meetings with MEAA, Screen Australia and Arts Council of Australia and other governmental agencies to discuss their policies towards the entertainment industry. I’ll keep you informed of developments and hope you can come to the meetings that will be arranged. Sincerely, Jon-Claire Lee Sydney Talent Company Email: sydneytalentco@tpg.com.au

equity for Australian actors and agents

15 July 2008 To EVERYONE It May Concern: I am the director of a small talent agency, the Sydney Talent Company, which has been in operation since 1983. We have started and developed the careers of numerous successful Australian actors. This year we lost two of our young promising actors to the so-called major talent agencies. "So what?," you say, actors move from one agency to another as a matter of course. As a talent agent, director and actor, I have personally nurtured, trained, and guided these two actors for almost ten years. Then, one day, I get a visit or an email from them saying they have been asked to join a major agency. They are most thankful to me for all the years of help I have given them, but they feel they needed to go "to the next step." To all the talent agencies' directors out there who know what I mean, I want to say that I am mad as hell, that this is "HIGHWAY ROBBERY,” and there must be something we can do about this situation. The casting system is supposed to provide opportunities for all talented artists, but it is not working because it is running in favour of the minority of actors represented by the "majors." When our actors move away from us to the "majors," I've discovered that many times they move sideways in their careers instead of upwards. I have seen my actors grow, I know what their strengths and weaknesses are, and I know what parts they are best suited for. They are growing actors, they are friends, and, in the case of the two actors who recently left my agency, there were "family." To all the professional actors who are frustrated that you don't even get a chance to audition for a role you and your agent feels you are perfect for because THE BRIEF WAS NOT MADE AVAILABLE TO AGENTS IN GENERAL, I ask the question, "Is the current system fair? Over 95 percent of our actors are not working in the acting industry. Less then 5 percent are working. Most of this 5 percent are most probably the actors the major agencies are keeping employed at the expense of the 95 percent not being employed. This vast majority is not even being considered for any acting role or for very few acting opportunities at best. "Is it a healthy system under which our industry can grow and prosper?" Even though I am the first to admit that there is no equity in life, especially in the entertainment industry, I think there are ways to make the playing field fairer for all talent agencies and professional actors. I am not going moan and groan any more, and say, `That's the way it is." I propose that the entertainment industry move "to the next step" in providing “a fair go" for all professional actors. Suggestions include the following: 1. Casting briefs for feature films, TV projects, stage productions and TV commercials should be made available to all talent agencies within the city where the casting is to be held. Way too often we don't receive the full briefs to major films or TV series castings; we only receive the "left over roles" to suggest for. 2. All professional actors (MEAA members) should have the right to audition for all major roles in a feature film, TV series, stage work or TV commercial. For each project, each talent agency should be entitled to SUBMIT AT LEAST ONE ACTOR FOR A LEADING ROLE IN THE PROJECT, AND THIS ACTOR MUST BE AUDITIONED EQUALLY ALONG WITH ALL OTHER ACTORS CONSIDERED FOR THE PROJECT. This proposal should apply especially to feature films, TV series and stage work. Most casting directors of TV commercials already see many actors from most talent agencies. 3. All major governmental arts funding agencies/departments should insist that as a prerequisite for funding of any project, CASTING OPPORTUNITIES MUST BE PROVIDED TO ALL TALENT AGENCIES AND TO ALL MEAA MEMBER ACTORS in the city or state where casting Is to be held. 4. Our industry should move towards "colour blind casting." We are about 20 years behind the USA in the portrayal of how culturally diverse modern society has become. Our major Australian TV series, TV shows and feature films still portray an overwhelmingly monoculture society. For example, is it possible to cast an Asian, an African, a South American or any other non anglo actor as just a regular character on Home and Away or as a continuing doctor on All Saints? Too farfetched? The few roles the non anglo actors to do get are still "ethnic specific," meaning roles are still written according to ethnic stereotypes most of the time. 5. The implementation and the monitoring of the proposed fair casting practices within the entertainment industry should be the responsibility of a specific Independent government body, or should be the responsibility of governmental funding bodies working in conjunction with the MEAA. An entertainment industry “ombudsman” may be necessary so that any Individual or group working In the Industry can present their complaints or grievances to a fair and impartial party who has the power to act on the concerns. It is time for the Federal Government, the State Government, the Governmental Arts Funding Bodies, the actors' equity MEAA, the casting directors, the talent agencies and actors themselves get together to fight for a more equitable working environment for all involved in the entertainment Industry. THE FACT THAT THE CASTING OF MAJOR FILM, TV AND STAGE PROJECTS IS NOT OPEN AND TRANSPARENT, AND DOES NOT ALLOW THE OPPORTUNITY OF PARTICIPATION OF ALL PROFESSIONAL ACTORS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. With positive changes to the way casting is done in Australia, I believe the result will be the Infusion of more creative acting talent into the industry, the raising of the artistic standard in every media, and the creation of much more world-cass Australian product for the local and international markets. One of my favourite lines in film history is actor Peter Finch's line from the Paddy Chayefski 1976 feature film Network, in which his aging news presenter character Howard Beale is fed up with all the B.S. he has to spoon feed with a smile to the national audience every night. One rainy evening, he finally opens a window of his apartment and shouts to the world, 'I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore." His cry of desperation became a national rallying call for action. I look forward to your responses and suggestions on positive action to bring more equality to the casting process in the Australian entertainment industry. Sincerely, Jon-Claire Lee Sydney Talent Cornpany Email: sydneytalentco@tpg.com.au cc: The Mon. Kevin Rudd MP The Hon. Peter Garrett AM MP (Minister for the Arts) The Mon, Brendan Nelson MP The Hon. Sharman Stone MP (Shadow Minister for the Arts) Mr. Morris Iemma MP Mr. Frank Sartor MP (Minister for the Arts) Mr. Berry OM Farrell MP Ms. Juillan Skinner MP (Shadow Minister for the Arts) Mr. James Strong AO (Chairman, Australia Council for the Arts) Me. Kathy Keele (Chief Executive Officer, Australia Council for the Arts) Mr. Ben Stout (Executive Officer, Arts Funding, Australia Council for the Arts) Mr. Glen Boreham (Chairman, Screen Australia) Mr. Christopher Warren (Federal Secretary, MEAA) Mr. Simon Whipp (Director of Equity Section, MEAA) Australian and New Zealand Casting Directors Australian and New Zealand Talent Agents

Fees, why NOT to pay them.

Clearing out a few folders of junk and found this older document. While time has passed, the message is still pertinent.

Survey reveals ‘shocking’ fee results

Three-quarters of people paying up-front fees to agents in the entertainment industry receive no work from them in the following 12 months and in more than 90% of cases find that they fail to live up to expectations, according to The Stage’s nationwide survey, completed this week.

Our research, prompted by the Department for Trade and Industry’s warning that some agencies are using hard-sell tactics to persuade people to pay high fees for the provision of ‘services’ which never materialise, also reveals cases of performers being charged up to £2,000 for the privilege of having their details included in alleged casting directories or for compulsory photographic services.

When up-front fees are charged, on average, aspiring actors, extras and models are asked to pay £104 when they join up with an agency but only see two days’ work a year in return for their investment.

Up-front fees - those charged in advance of an agency finding performers work - were banned in April 2004.

The only exceptions are where the charge is a “reasonable” estimate of the cost of producing a publication such as a casting book or where such a book is the only work-finding service provided.

Our survey, which was completed by more than 700 Stage readers, reveals almost half are still being charged a fee when they join an agency and that 63% of those are told this is purely for registration purposes - a clear breach of the law.

Where a charge has been made for inclusion in a directory, the vast majority of people have also been told that this charge is compulsory, which goes against industry codes of practice.

Some 36% of people were also asked to pay even more money for photographic services provided by the agency, with the majority - 64% - saying they were illegally told that they must use such services in order to join up.

Broadcasting union Bectu described the results as “shocking”. National official Spencer MacDonald said: “We thought we knew the situation was tough out there but we never dreamt it was as bad as this, with three-quarters of people getting no work at all.

“We weren’t aware of the scale of the problem of people being charged money.”

He added that the DTI’s proposed solution of introducing a “cooling-off” period, during which people could demand their money back if they believe they have been scammed by a bogus agent, was unlikely to fully address the problem.

“We need to look at the charges themselves and see whether they need capping or abolishing completely,” he said.

“There is no magical answer but we are pleased the government has signalled they want a discussion about this and the results of this survey will add weight to the arguments the unions will be putting forward.”

Matt Payton, Equity’s research and parliamentary officer, said it was particularly worrying that 61% of respondents were unaware of the law on up-front fees and that three out of four did not know who to go to for help if they felt they had been ripped off.

The vast majority had not heard of The Agents’ Association, National Association of Supporting Artistes Agents, National Entertainment Agents’ Council or Personal Managers’ Association.

“There also probably needs to be a more concentrated effort to ensure agents are more aware of their responsibilities under the law,” he said.

For the time being, the advice from NASAA and others is to avoid agencies that demand money before securing you employment.

“Most legitimate agencies are happy to take their fee out of your first day’s work,” says Sarah Dickinson, NASAA chair. “My advice is not to pay fees up front.”

What the DTI says

“We are concerned to learn that people are apparently being charged illegal fees for registering and we are grateful for The Stage’s help in responding to our call for information on this very important issue.

“We are also concerned about hard-selling tactics to persuade would-be performers to pay high fees for services which don’t materialise and this is an area we have promised to tackle in our Success at Work paper.

“If any person feels they have been charged an illegal fee or that an agency has behaved improperly they should contact the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate on 0845 955 5105.”

Reader’s experiences

“They boasted that they had provided roles for the BBC, Sky, ITV and all sorts of programmes. They stated that there were no ‘up-front fees’ but more of a membership fee, so in order to be represented it would cost you in the region of £199 for a year. It stated that once you parted with your money you would never look back as you would be inundated with offers. It also gave photos and success stories of normal everyday people who were on their way to ‘stardom’ through them, although I’ve never heard of them before or since.” - Vikki Slater

“I responded to an advert to go to a hotel to register to be a model/TV extra. I was told I was one of the lucky ones and was accepted, so I paid them £159 to take photos and introduce me to three other agencies, which I also had to pay separately to join, costing a total of nearly £500. I never had any work from them. I have taken the matter to the DTI and Trading Standards, as I felt I had been ripped off, but to no avail as work isn’t guaranteed and no law has been breached.” - SA

“I was taken on by an agency… within a couple of days they sent me to get a showreel done, as they said they had three castings for me. I went to get one done - this was organised by the agency. I paid £200 for the session and £45 for a copy for myself. I did not receive a copy, nor hear from the agency again. I called and left a lot of messages for the agency and also the man who did the showreel but nothing. I told no-one about this as I was embarrassed and thought no one would help as I had agreed to it all.” - Anon

“It annoys me that agencies call [up-front fees] a different name and they get away with it. More and more companies ask you to pay, even the traditional ones are doing it now. I don’t seem to get much work as I now refuse to pay them. It’s Catch 22.” - CN

“I was ‘spotted’ on Oxford Street by a model scout claiming he could get me lots of work. He took a photo and then told me to go to the website to check it out. I received a phone call the following day and he said he had work for me already and would I be interested. He said I needed to pay £100 up-front and then the work would come flooding.” - Christina Cooke

“I paid over £100 in representation fees, yet the agency has had no contact with me since then. I am doubtful that I will ever hear from them again.” - Anon

“In spite of the recent law, some casting agencies seem to justify up-front fees for photos and other costs, without the guarantee of any work. I responded to a local advertisement for actors and extras, went along to a hotel where there were numerous young girls prepared to fork out the required expenses to get on the agency’s books, unaware this was not the right practice.” - Anon

“It would seem that only by licensing entertainment agents, as happened in the past, can both the performer and the law be protected. The culture of celebrity is giving rise to greater exploitation of those seeking a brush with fame.” - Anon

“It was two months before my photo and details were put onto the website, and only because I chased them about it. Couldn’t get hold of them on the phone and in response to my polite e-mail questioning why this was the case, having paid them already, I received many unbelievably rude e-mails back. When I finally did speak to someone on the phone and demanded my money back they refused but at the mention that I would be taking this matter to the TV programme Watchdog, my photo miraculously appeared on the website the very next day. I am so pleased that these sort of crimes are now being recognised and action is being taken by you. It’s about time these crooks were shown for what they are. Thank you.” - CCH

“Performers are being exploited all the time as they are vulnerable and desperate for more work. There needs to be more education about authentic agencies and bad agencies in all training colleges, as many recent graduates are often the target for scams. The internet has sparked many new problems of control, including new scams on the web, for example ‘pay just £150 and we’ll make you a website that loads of people with view’, or ‘pay just £200 and we’ll shoot a showreel and edit it for you and it will get you loads of work’. These tools are useful but only if the actual material used is of a very high quality.” - MAS

Paying fees to join an agency - adults & children

Have just been reading a lot of old threads about good and bad agents and paying upfront fees etc and as an agent myself I thought I'd post in and clarify a few things. Yes there are good and bad agents and I'm sure there are already posts about what to look for in an agent. The problem that many of you are going to find is that a "good" agent is not going to take a chance on someone who has little or no experience or who has not completed three years training at an accredited institution. Some actors do manage to create a career out of sheer determination and undertaking lots of short courses - but it is not easy. What many performers don't seem to understand is that an agent wants to make money out of the performers on their books. They don't want people sitting there not working - nor do they want to waste time promoting performers who are not going to get work or who are going to require a huge investment of time and energy before they are employable. Of course, this is why the dodgy agencies charge fees - that is how they make their money. Let me say this once and for all: If you are an ADULT actor and an agency wants to charge you upfront fees - including expensive photo shoots or 'promotional tools' - don't do it. You are better off, if you can’t find a “good” agent to take you on, going freelance. If your agent asks you to join sites such as AT2 or Showcast - they are legitimate casting sites used by most casting agents and you subscribe directly to them - that is not the same thing. If however you are a child performer, the situation is very different. ALL child agencies charge fees and here is why: 1. They organize photo-shoots for the kids - adult actors are expected to do this themselves. 2. They organize other promotional materials including head-sheet books, website databases etc 3. They undertake all promotion of their artists to casting agents - adult actors are expected to send out their own head-shots and CVs and do a lot of leg-work themselves. 4. Child performers are paid between 50% and 75% of what adult performers are paid - and often much less because they are not seen as "professional" performers. 5. Most child performers are untried and it may take a few years before they gain enough experience and confidence to work reasonably consistently - or to discover that they are really not cut out for the industry at all. Some adult agencies do take on child performers but usually only those who have already proved themselves. Children's agents could not survive without charging up-front fees because there is no way to tell which children will mature into performers and which will fall by the wayside. Here is how you tell the dodgy children's agents from the good ones: First, does your child want to be an actor or a model? If they want to be an actor take them to a drama agency. Drama agencies don't do catalogue or catwalk work - they do do television commercials, TV drama and film. Modelling agencies often won't get briefs for film and TV roles, just commercials and photographic work. Second, if the agency has more than say 200 kids on its books - it is making money out of the up-front fees rather than the commission it receives on work it finds for the kids. Don't go there. There is no incentive for them to find your child work as they have already made their money out of you. If they charge more than a few hundred dollars a year - including your photo-shoot, website listings, head-sheet book etc - don't go there. I hope that this will help clarify this question for everyone.

Questions about agents for school shows

Perhaps agents 'guru' Labrug can answer this, but I'm sure some or many of you also know the answer: I'm looking at signing up with a local agent that specifically deals with organising tours of shows to schools. Although I won't be touring shows, but offering puppetry building workshops. I know of a number of agents who do this, so finding one isn't my concern. What I'm wondering is, does anyone know how to apply to one of these agents? I'm guessing it works similarly to getting a normal agent - sending in a CV and relevant info - but do you need to already have experience touring to schools (I have experience doing puppetry workshops, but no experience within schools as yet), a reel showing an actual workshop... do you have to invite the agent along to one so that they can see what you do? What's the best approach? Any advice would be very welcome, as I've never dealt with this agent stuff before :)

Talent Agencies Don't "advertise"

I quite regularly get postings from a number of Job Web sites just so that that I can keep an eye on the job market for both personal and non-personal reasons. Quite often, I will see a posting from one of two (or three) "casting Agencies" calling for actors... Incidentally, these "Agencies" have been thoroughly examined and found wanting within the electronic halls of this very site, so I usually pay them little mind apart from saying a prayer that no-one falls for it but knowing someone might...

Today, I find a new "agent" posting calls for actors, claiming huge bucks if you join them. I will not mention their name and nor will I say where I saw it for that is not the point of this Blog. What I will say is that with a little judicious caution and research, you can quickly find a lot about an organisation proposing to legitimate.

Firstly. TALENT AGENTS DO NOT RECRUIT!!! Cannot stress this enough. Proper casting agents very rarely (if ever) advertise with slogans like "Extras required for film and TV earn up to $1500PW" or "FILM & TV Productions Require Actors, Extras, Models". They are Recruiting to get people onto their books? Not likely. They are more likely hoping you will be willing to part with some of your money on a dream. $200 from 20 people is $4000, and that's just for starters.

With so many hopefuls, wannabes and keenly passionate individuals, Legitimate agents do not need to recruit. More often than not, they are turning people away as their "books are full." These rather tempting slogans are simply that, misleading temptations, no better than SPAM! Treat any such posting in an electronic medium with extreme prejudice.

Second. TALENT AGENTS DO NOT STREET CAST!!! By this I mean those "agents" that approach you in the street and spout a whole pile of patronising compliments and then ask you to join their agency. There are two kinds of people that do this - Perverts and Con-artists. By preying on the unsuspecting and hopeful ambitions of some random person, they lure them into something they do not expect. Let's face it, deep down, most of us want to be on TV...

If you are approached in such a manner, unless you are presented with VERY VERY VERY convincing credentials, walk away. Agents may approach you after having seen a production or a video clip that you were in, but if they do, it will be with far more professionalism than simply walking up to you out of the blue.

ADDED 9 June 2010: TALENT AGENCIES DO NOT COLD CALL!!! By this I mean they send you an email or call you, quite out of the blue, saying all warm-fuzzy things like "you're just what we are looking for" etc. If you fall for it, then you are what they are looking for. Legit Agents (or if you like Managers) will approach you through more official channels and no singular casting agent can rightly claim to have the advantage over any other agent. Under Australian Federal Union requirements, all Casting Agents have equal rights to all casting details and calls nation-wide.

Third. DO RESEARCH!!! Heard about a certain Talent Agent? Maybe saw an interesting posting somewhere? Could be legit? Sounds convincing? Then DO NOT AGREE TO ANYTHING until you have looked them up. (Note: if by asking for time to "think" they get agitated or even more pushy, that's a good sign to not bother at all.)

All companies need to be registered through the Australian (or relevant) business directory. In Australia we have http://www.search.asic.gov.au/ where you can do searches by ABN, ACN or Company Name. While this does not give you things like Company profiles, it can tell you some very important information about the company itself.

For example, the new company that I mentioned earlier is recruiting in Perth, however there is no company registered in Perth by that name. There are two close matches in different Eastern State locations. The information on both is extremely scant, and one looks like it is a new submission currently being reviewed. That doesn't leave a good impression.

Keep in mind that anyone can register a Business for a small fee so registration is no indication of honesty. There are minimal security checks performed - minimal in the fact that they are very much dependant on the often minimal details provided. However, the more legit a business is, the more willing they will be to provide details of their company.

In addition to this, search through the Internet for any comments or web sites that refer to the company. In my current case, there is nothing apart from the Job Pages that brought them to my attention. Again, a very bad sign.

Four. DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE!!! True Agents don't need Hype to attract clients. They do well enough through word of mouth - Actors currently on their books telling friends - and other more silent methods. When you hear claims such as;

"You will be registered with agencies free of charge that cast for shows like:
Underbelly
City Homicide
Neighbors <-note the mis-spelling
You will also be put forward for castings with all the major films being shot in Australia."
- Taken from a recent posting 05/10/2009

Just remember that ALL AGENTS HAVE (or should have) EQUAL ACCESS TO ALL CASTING CALLS! So it doesn't matter who you are with, no agency should have an unfair advantage over another.

Five. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!!! There are Casting Agents and there are Casting Consultants. Agents represent the Actors and Consultants represent Producers. The Producer/Director requests a cast, the Consultant confers with the Agents and the Agents contact the Actors.

I say this specifically as occasionally Casting Consultants will go to the general public. If they are not getting what they want from the agents, then they will make a more general request. However, these are not done through Job Sites and the like. Here I make the example of Jenni Cohen, one of two Casting Consultants in Perth, whom has posted legitimate casting requests on this very web-site. The difference with these postings are that they are very specific, descriptive and without all the Hype and Fanfare. They are specific opportunities not a general call for hopeful applicants.

Summary. Having an understanding of the nature of the business is a key aspect to not getting conned by it. Watch for the tricks and scam that are frequently pulled on so many unsuspecting individuals throughout the world. Acting is a profession that attracts the imagination of thousands of dreamers, and hundreds of schemers.

For more about Agents and how to find one, check here...

Acting Jobs Online - Do not be fooled

I regularly get Job Posts from a variety of On-line Career Services for various types of work which I then forward on to others and this site. This covers CASTING Calls or Agent Recruitment Drives.

I have yet to see a Casting Call or Recruitment Drive posted on-line that actually sounded legit!

You get plenty of Journos, Copywriters, Editors, Club Trivia Hosts, etc, etc that can all be confirmed very easily with the details provided in the ad itself. Then there is the occasional WANTED: Extras, Actors, Models, Commercial Faces & Promotional Staff type posts claiming all sorts of very impressive sounding details. (There is about 2 or three that make the regular rounds.)

Up until some time back, these very familiar posts all included details like Who was asking, and even provided contact details. Then after a spate of poor publicity, these still very familiar posts started appearing "anonymously," i.e. Without reference to anything that can be researched - Company Name, Contact Name, so forth.

Firstly, ACTING CASTING AGENCIES DO NOT ADVERTISE as a general rule. They don't need to. Most have a limited number of people they can have on their "books" and there are plenty of willing people out there to fill them. Why spend money advertsing when you have a constant stream of people coming in the door without it?

Second, when an on-line add of ANY kind is provided without company details or a contact name, or anything that can be researched, I have to ask what are they hiding? I find it particularly interesting that these adds that are soooo very similar to earlier versions which included these details now suddenly do not. I'll let you consider the reasons why this might be.

Third, these Calls are made with odd recurrence which makes it appear that they are either finding it hard to keep people on their books for more than a month or two (a bad sign in itself), or are simply not interested in actually finding you work, but getting numbers up. The question then begs, why get their numbers up? Well, if they are charging you upfront fees or mandatory expenses to "get on their books" then the more people they get paying, the more money they are making. Who needs to find you guys work when there's someone else willing to pay money for a dream?

A proper agent does not need to recruit, nor do they charge up-front fees like a club membership. Casting Agencies are like a temping, contract or job search agency. They find work for you and take a cut of your earnings as a finders fee. You do not pay anything up-front to these guys, and neither should you for a casting agent. This does not include legitimate additional services provided by the agent, but these should be optional. Things like a Photographer.

I have mentioned all this before and will from time to time repost to remind people of this. Tell your friends or anyone you meet who is also looking for employment as a performer.

Remember, research or the ability to research is your best weapon in avoiding scams and cons. The rule of Email Spam is : When in doubt, throw it out. Very good advice in this case also.

Look here for my FAQ about Agencies Advertising

Talent_Agencies_Don't_"Advertise"

Disclaimer: I do not include Casting Consultants in this evaluation whom may choose to post to public forums such as this one. Indeed I am personally gratified to see posts from one particular Perth Based Consultant whom recently used a large number of local Theatre Australia patrons in the filming of "Cloudstreet."

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