1st Talent Casting Agency
Moderator: busybusybusy
1st Talent Casting Agency
I saw a post from this agency on StarNow looking to accept new talent onto their books. I have tried to research about them but have found little. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of the agency at all?
Re: 1st Talent Casting Agency
I don't know of them.
That doesn't mean there's anything wrong - if they're new, there may not be much information. However, it's wise to tread very carefully with new agencies. Running a good agency is flipping difficult and needs experience of the industry and contacts in the industry and a good business head.
All the usual caveats apply:
1. Don't pay money up front. In my opinion, the ONLY thing you should pay to an agency is commission on work obtained. I do feel strongly about this, as pretty well everyone who has ever read my posts on NAPM will know!
. I know some children's agencies do charge other fees. It's often accepted as somehow "different" for children's agencies, though in law I don't actually think it is. The Spotlight fee is a separate issue - that goes to Spotlight. I certainly would strongly caution anyone against paying an upfront fee to a new agency - it's quite a common scam.
2. Don't join them if they will accept you without knowing whether you are any good (they should want to meet you/audition you or insist on seeing you in something)
3. Find out what experience and contacts they have.
4. Decide how you feel about the way they communicate and express themselves.
5. Check their terms and conditions and commission rate.
6. Make sure it's not tied in with a photographic studio.
7. Find out how many people they represent and how many they plan to represent. Very large numbers are not usually a good sign, you need them to know who you are...
8. Don't be afraid to ask questions - it's a really good way of sorting out the decent folk from the charlatans. If they are defensive or try to bluster or fob you off, you know to avoid them. Decent agencies know all about scam agencies. Decent agents wanting to start new agencies should welcome knowledgeable questions and should be prepared to give thorough answers.
That doesn't mean there's anything wrong - if they're new, there may not be much information. However, it's wise to tread very carefully with new agencies. Running a good agency is flipping difficult and needs experience of the industry and contacts in the industry and a good business head.
All the usual caveats apply:
1. Don't pay money up front. In my opinion, the ONLY thing you should pay to an agency is commission on work obtained. I do feel strongly about this, as pretty well everyone who has ever read my posts on NAPM will know!
. I know some children's agencies do charge other fees. It's often accepted as somehow "different" for children's agencies, though in law I don't actually think it is. The Spotlight fee is a separate issue - that goes to Spotlight. I certainly would strongly caution anyone against paying an upfront fee to a new agency - it's quite a common scam.2. Don't join them if they will accept you without knowing whether you are any good (they should want to meet you/audition you or insist on seeing you in something)
3. Find out what experience and contacts they have.
4. Decide how you feel about the way they communicate and express themselves.
5. Check their terms and conditions and commission rate.
6. Make sure it's not tied in with a photographic studio.
7. Find out how many people they represent and how many they plan to represent. Very large numbers are not usually a good sign, you need them to know who you are...
8. Don't be afraid to ask questions - it's a really good way of sorting out the decent folk from the charlatans. If they are defensive or try to bluster or fob you off, you know to avoid them. Decent agencies know all about scam agencies. Decent agents wanting to start new agencies should welcome knowledgeable questions and should be prepared to give thorough answers.
