Agents, Agencies and the Union

Finding a good 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:

http://www.alliance.org.au/docman/task,cat_view/gid,29/Itemid,28/
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
http://www.alliance.org.au/docman/task,doc_view/gid,28/
Specifically, it is illegal in Queensland to charge an upfront fee for representation
http://www.alliance.org.au/docman/task,doc_view/gid,22/
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
In Queensland, 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.
http://www.alliance.org.au/docman/task,doc_view/gid,22/
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

What An Actor Needs In A Headshot

Finding an Agent

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Agents and Fees Need Advice

Author: she74
Date: 01/11/2007 - 11:13

my agent has just recently given me an email to say that the agency is moving on to an internet website called AT2 according to them if i want to get lots of work i would need to be registered on this site for a fee. one advise that i have been told is that a legit agency does not ask you for fees, now they are asking for a fee to be on this website that im not even sure about, i logged on to have a look and it just looks like any other casting agency website online, they all seem very promising and ask for an astronimical amount of fees.

can anyone shed some light.

by the way this is an excellent website, absolutely helpful

she74

AT2

Author: abbjen (not verified)
Date: 08/01/2008 - 13:27

Hi she74,

Just read your comment & my daughter is on the AT2 website through Bettinas Casting Agency. It cost us $395 for the photo shoot & membership which was back in June 07. She has not been called for anything yet. She is devastated as acting is all she wants to do. So I would say AT2 is just a website that a few agencies use to display their models. It is a protected site, not just anyone can log on to see kids photos, you must be issued with a password. So I'm not sure it's worth it. My daughter has me driven mad trying to find a reputable agency that will make her famous. Don't know if I helped you at all but be careful before you part with your money. Good luck!

Here's your problem: "find

Author: Na
Date: 08/01/2008 - 13:32

Here's your problem: "find a reputable agency that will make her famous".

She's young, and most 'famous' people have spent a good twenty or so years working in the industry. It takes time, effort, and a good deal more than just having a reputable agent.

Sticky Apple Legs
www.thepromptcopy.com/sal

Puppets in Melbourne
www.puppetsinmelbourne.com.au

My puppets
www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

at2

Author: cass cumerford (not verified)
Date: 10/07/2008 - 13:32

i'm with an agent who wants me on it also---last year i got 7000 $ job from it so the 150 fee paid off,

Lucas Management

Author: Kp
Date: 17/01/2008 - 08:38

Hi i was just wondering if anyone is with Lucas management? they look good, but just wanting some inside info. thanks

North Shore actors studio

Author: bella8 (not verified)
Date: 31/01/2008 - 13:57

This comment removed 25/11/2008 at the request of Northshore Actors' Studio & Talent Agency

Sorry, got name of Agency wrong

Author: bella8 (not verified)
Date: 31/01/2008 - 14:54

This comment removed 25/11/2008 at the request of Northshore Actors' Studio & Talent Agency

North Shore Actors Studio -

Author: James Irvid (not verified)
Date: 21/03/2008 - 12:32

This comment removed 25/11/2008 at the request of Northshore Actors' Studio & Talent Agency

Sorry I got the name wrong?

Author: suziesteen
Date: 23/11/2008 - 21:13

Please ask to have this taken off. You know nothing of this agency.
Suzie Steen
Director

hmmmmmmmm

Author: suziesteen
Date: 23/11/2008 - 21:16

Have this comment taken off please. The previous person got the name of the agency wrong. If you want information, hmmm perhaps you and your Jury should look at our website and stop trashing thing you know nothing about.
Suzie Steen
Director

If you have disputes about

Author: Na
Date: 24/11/2008 - 00:05

If you have disputes about what is written here, then please contact Grant, the site admin. No one here can remove the post other than the original person who posted it.

Furthermore Suzie, if you would like to add info about your company then we'd welcome it. This site is a community, and those who add comments come from a range of opinions and experiences. Perhaps you would like to add some specifics as to what you believe is wrong in the posts?

(I would also add, and this is just from previous experience with past threads about agencies, that having posts removed for 'slander' tends to make the company look like they're trying to hide something - I'm not saying you do, simply that that's how a percentage of our membership will view it. )

Round head foam puppet pattern at
Puppets in Melbourne

Thanks a lot

Author: suziesteen
Date: 23/11/2008 - 21:18

Bella, please keep our good reputation out of this. You made a very BIG mistake with a very reputable agency and should be ashamed.
Suzie Steen
Director

AT2

Author: Kylie Smith
Date: 07/02/2008 - 08:10

Hello everyone

I was reading your comments and wanted to clarify a couple of things that I don't believe people are aware of - first up I should say that I work for AT2 and have done so since 2001!

As you've said, abbjen, we are a password-protected website that is used both by the professional casting consultants and also to cast student or independent work.

One of the main comments people have is that they pay high fees and don't get contacted, or get work. In reply to this, we don't charge high fees at all - the most a child will pay on our site is $55.00 p.a and an actor's Standard Package is $105 p.a ($9.95 per month). This fee includes the ability to load up to 4 photos, a resume, special skills and contact details, and also allows the member to login to change these details anytime, or respond to the independent castings themselves. Any fees on top of these are completely at the agent's discretion.

Secondly, our role, as an online casting tool, is not to get work for anyone, rather we are the bridge between the casting community, the agents and the actors. We allow the casting consultants to search through the people with ALL agencies and send out audition notices quickly and easily. They can then receive the online portfolios back via the site, organised by role and agent, instead of having to wade through email attachments.

December 2007 and January 2008 has already seen a record number of auditions sent through the site.

A good site to take a look at for children's agents is the VCAA site (the Victorian Children's Agents Association) - www.vcaa.com.au. They will give you a list of agents that abide by a code of ethics when dealing with children in the entertainment industry.

Thanks for reading

Kylie Smith
Marketing Manager, AT2
www.at2.com.au
kylie@at2.com.au

The 'Dream'.

Author: Tulipa (not verified)
Date: 23/03/2008 - 11:31

Greetings all,

Ah, once again the subject of agents, fees, fame, fortune and frustration is on the discussion table.

Thanks Kylie, from AT2, for your contribution and for setting the record regarding AT2 straight. For the record, I am with AT2 and have no issue with the way the enterprise is conducted. I have an agent, I work, and seek work, independantly, I subscribe to various industry journals and attend weekly ongoing acting classes. AT2 represents another facet to my self promotion and management.

A recurring theme amongst contributors on this subject seems to be the issue of money going out and fame and fortune not coming in - as if the paying of said moneys was a guarantee of work.

NO ONE CAN PROMISE AN ACTOR WORK. Simple, loud, plain and clear.

Jobs in the industry are not 'for sale'. The amount of cash you throw at this thing will not be evenly matched by success. Any funds you invest into your own promotion, skills improvement, photo's or representation really is ON YOUR OWN HEAD. Yes, there are unfortunately sharks and charlatans who will seek to fleece inexperienced or gullible novices. The MEAA can offer you advice if you are not confident to sign up or pay for things being asked of you. Ring your union. That's what they are there for. If you do start working professionally, then MEAA membership will become part of your life anyway.

Acting is a hard business. Not for the faint hearted. It's probably the only industry in the world where a person can be discriminated against on the basis of what they look like. To all the hopefuls out there, and the parents of younger hopefuls, take an honest, brutal look at what's driving you, or your child, to be an actor. Acting is a job. A physically and emotionally testing job and lifestyle. Like any other job it requires a set of competencies, aptitudes and organisational skill. Yes, for some, the lucky 1% minority, it is also a job which can provide substantial fame and fortune.

No-one can promise you work. Be suspicious of anyone who gives you this guarantee in exchange for money. "Actors and Extras urgently needed for exciting film/TV work. All sizes, looks etc". No genuine agency is EVER desperate to take on more people, especially mass waves of people recruited from an ad in the local paper. If it sounds too good to be true.........

Oh, and to the parents of young wannabee stars and starlets, ask your child to get a pen and paper and make as big a list as possible, from memory, of all the Australian actors who were on TV 5 years ago. Then compile a list of current TV faces. It's a tough life eh...?

Tulipa.

I bet a lot of people don't

Author: galin (not verified)
Date: 12/07/2008 - 04:09

I bet a lot of people don't really know these facts and that's a shame because that's why things aren't working properly..

22/11/2008 - 08:26 mike1 at2

Hi,I got a flyer in the

Author: Galdors
Date: 09/02/2009 - 14:17

Hi,
I got a flyer in the mail today from Sydney Talent Company and was interested, so I checked out their website.
What I would like to know is if anybody here has had any experience with them and whether they are worth it etc.
I am a bit worried at the cost, as you have been saying that agents should be free or fairy cheep.
The costs are:
If successful and if you accept STC representation, then you are looking at:
• A STC two-year contractual agreement ($50 per year to be put on STC database)
• A set of professional photographs (+$200)
• Required 2 year registration on the two national Australian actor databases: (1) Showcast Australia and (2) Australian Technologies 2 (each costing around $60 for under 16s and around $100 for 16+ per year)

Is this normal? There have been quite a number or people come out of the agency that have got jobs etc. Any advice on Sydney Talent Company would be helpful.

Thankyou!

I wouldn't

Author: Labrug
Date: 09/02/2009 - 14:40

Personally, I would be very hesitant to join. The Photo thing is relatively "OK" as most agencies may insist on using their own photographer but I recommend agencies that allow you the option of providing your own photos and negating the costs involved there.

With Web sites, there is often an administrative cost involved but these seem too high for me. I would have to be assured of the credentials of the sites before even considering membership. Also, the additional REQUIREMENT of 2 years registration with two additional sites? Why?

It is a lot of money to fork out upfront and apparently you have no choice. As I said before, there would have be some very compelling evidence of TOP DOLLAR JOBS and high chances of work. I am sure there are other agencies that would be just as 'reliable' yet more flexible.

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no )

Jeff Watkins

Home Page
Yahoo Blog Page

SN Profile

Hi guys... ask frequent

Author: acting 4 eva!!! (not verified)
Date: 09/02/2009 - 14:33

Hi guys... ask frequent users... this similar post and bagging agents has appeared many a time regarding "reputable Agencies". You need to sort the crap from the great ON YOUR OWN. Its not hard to notice a money hungry, dodgy agent.

My advice with agencies is 1. Research 2. Know your stuff and 3. Trust your gut feelings. OH AND DON'T PAY A CENT UNTIL YOUR EMPLOYED

I have been acting for as long as I remember and now being 22!!!(and after heaps and heaps of training and MONEY, on classes not agents) have I just secured my first 6 month contract with an agent (That doesn't ask for fees until you have received work!). Now just because I'm with a boutique agency doesn't mean I'm employed in the arts industry full time, so stage mothers and fellow adults please don't think once you have a good agent you'll be famous and on tv all the time.

Back to why I was replying to this thread... My first agent has just asked people on her books whether or ot they would like to be on AT2 and has SPECIFICALLY asked that we do not sign up ourselves but will be signing the group and covering costs. NOW THIS IS WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN AGENT. I haven't even been asked to cover the AT2 fee and most agents at least ask for that. I'll keep in touch to let you know the frequency of work in 6 months and you'll probably notice that even with a reputable agent I'll still be serving coffee to pay my bills. My agent said she's not even going for extra work, featured extras/bit parts or above "extras, don't pay enough" were her words....

Sweeet

Author: Labrug
Date: 09/02/2009 - 14:43

Sounds like a sweet deal. Who's the agent? and where?

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no )

Jeff Watkins

Home Page
Yahoo Blog Page

SN Profile

Is there any point joining

Author: Galdors
Date: 10/02/2009 - 17:38

Is there any point joining an agency before I leave school? I mean, will most of the jobs be during the day when I'm at school? Or should I just wait until I leave school. I want to get as much of a head start as I can, and I'm fine with waiting until I leave school, I just don't want to have left school and then realise that I should have started earlier. I am serious about making acting for theatre and or film my career and I don't want to do it for fame or fortune, I want to do it because it is my passion.

Experience is Key

Author: Matt Walsh
Date: 11/05/2009 - 06:34

Hey Galdors,

I personally wouldn't advise getting an agent before you leave school, and I say this for a few reasons.

1. Agencies generally won't take anyone who is still in their final years at school. (Due to priorities and availability... An actor not showing up to an audition because they have 'school' reflects badly upon an agency)

2. Whilst you may be a talented actor (i wouldn't know), training (ie: Voice, movement, manifestations of process) plays an indelible role in the actors repertoire.

And 3. It'll be too stressful on you to have an agent whilst still in school.

That's just my two cents.

Cheers,

Matt.

QLD agents

Author: Organic (not verified)
Date: 18/05/2009 - 09:22

Hi these are all very helpful comments.
Does anyone know of good Brisbane agents for 16 year old?? I've been told of Natalie Hall Agencey??

Thanks
Son

From the Office of the MEAA

Author: Labrug
Date: 18/05/2009 - 09:55

http://www.alliance.org.au/resources/agent_lists_%26_related_information/

And as the union clearly states - Inclusion on these lists does not constitute an endorsement of any Agent or Agency by the Alliance.

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no )

Jeff Watkins

Home Page
Yahoo Blog Page

SN Profile

NSA studio and talent agency

Author: yep (not verified)
Date: 21/09/2009 - 20:20

North Shore actors studio and talent agency are a great reputable agency, any actors in sydney I would strongly advise you to sign up with them as they have EXTREMELY good connections with the USA, which is most important for us Aussie Actors!
I've had experience with this agency and have gotten a HEAP of work, Suzie is a great agent Smiling

20/01/2010 - 18:00 Rauzie (not verified) mbcaustralia

Oh good lord.....

Author: MusicalMum
Date: 20/01/2010 - 19:27

On the off chance this is not a plant....
Rauzie, do a thread search. There is an enormous thread that has been running in the last few weeks about that subject.

The short answer is...not positive.

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

22/01/2010 - 11:03 magz (not verified) MBC AUSTRALIA

Repeats

Author: Na
Date: 22/01/2010 - 11:14

No point in reinventing the wheel:

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

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Double post

Author: Na
Date: 22/01/2010 - 11:15

Except apparently when double posting Eye-wink