Hello,
I just got an invitation to join Mark Summers Management agency, just wondered if anyone has had any experience with them?
I have to send off a registration form and after 30 day 'cooling off' period, I will be invited for an interview (not sure if this means an audition). They say on the completion of my contract at my interview I have to pay a one-off £50 fee for their website - despite it being a fairly small fee payment to an agency still makes me a little wary (they take a 20% commision fee).
Any feedback would be great thanks!
Mark Summers
Moderator: busybusybusy
Re: Mark Summers
Only have experience of auditioning with Mark (not under his representation) but he gets a lot of castings and as part of the agency you would probably get considered for all which would be very positive!
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Re: Mark Summers
Congrats Rosie! Did you get the invite through starnow? All I can say is that I follow Mark Summers on twitter and he gets lots and lots of castings so I think it would be a great move 

Que sera sera
- whateverlife
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Re: Mark Summers
Congrats!
50 pounds to go on their website seems a bit iffy though. That would be something that would put me off straight away, seeing as you have to pay for Spotlight and Headshots which are all pretty pricey, and the fact that they will be taking commision off you anyway. Putting someone on a website that has already been made doesn't cost them ANYTHING. If they were charging 10 pounds that would be ok, it would seem more like a donation. But 50 pounds is steep.
Have a look at the other actors they have on their books (if you can) and see if they have many people around your age with your look. Its best if they don't.
50 pounds to go on their website seems a bit iffy though. That would be something that would put me off straight away, seeing as you have to pay for Spotlight and Headshots which are all pretty pricey, and the fact that they will be taking commision off you anyway. Putting someone on a website that has already been made doesn't cost them ANYTHING. If they were charging 10 pounds that would be ok, it would seem more like a donation. But 50 pounds is steep.
Have a look at the other actors they have on their books (if you can) and see if they have many people around your age with your look. Its best if they don't.
- whateverlife
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Re: Mark Summers
And 20% commision is very high. Hmm. They look like they are trying to get more money out of you than investing in your talent.
I dont like agents who act more like a business than someone who is essentially working for you.
But if people get good auditions etc, then its really your call if you have the money for it. Maybe try and get an offer from another agent to see if you get a better deal? (i know its easier said than done). But if you get an offer from a smaller agency, or someone you don't really like, the you could go back to the 50 pound website agent and say look, i have other offers, what are you going to do for me that others wont. Play the game. If they have the nerve to ask that much of you then they should be prepared for a little bit of bargaining.

But if people get good auditions etc, then its really your call if you have the money for it. Maybe try and get an offer from another agent to see if you get a better deal? (i know its easier said than done). But if you get an offer from a smaller agency, or someone you don't really like, the you could go back to the 50 pound website agent and say look, i have other offers, what are you going to do for me that others wont. Play the game. If they have the nerve to ask that much of you then they should be prepared for a little bit of bargaining.
Re: Mark Summers
Thanks for your responses! I've decided im going to send off my registration form (I have the next 30 days to change my mind). Im aware of Mark's great connections as a casting director so that's positive. I'll just see what happens next...