NBC launches “The Four Directions Talent Search” to discover new Native American performers and writers

In a major effort to increase the presence of Native Americans on television, NBC and the Oneida Indian Nation have launched a nationwide talent search to find actors, comedians, models, and writers with the potential to be cast in and write for programs in development and on the air.

In a major effort to increase the presence of Native Americans on television, NBC Entertainment and the Oneida Nation launched a web site to find Indian actors, comedians and writers with the potential to be cast in and write for programs in development and on the air. “The Four Directions Talent Search” is open to tribally affiliated Native Americans who are not currently under contract with a talent agent or studio.

This site will provide a much needed search tool to be used by casting directors, talent agents, producers, and directors. The site also includes news and current events that relate to the Native-American community and a place for job postings both in-front of and behind the camera. Oneida Nation with NBC Entertainment has created to promote & sustain on-camera diversity through community involvement and development, showcasing non-traditional casting choices, and creating programs to raise awareness within the entire entertainment community.

Will not only identify talent but also create an entrée for people who may not have had access to the industry in the past, and showcase their talents on a continuing basis. “Breaking into films, television, or live theater is difficult for anyone” said Ray Halbritter, Nation Representative and CEO of the Oneida Nation. “It is especially difficult for Native Americans who may have talent but never have had access to the opportunities. Through Four Directions Talent, NBC Entertainment and Oneida Nation will help open doors and cultivate this talent.” “This talent search is an exciting opportunity for NBC, and the rest of the Hollywood creative community, to discover new Native American performers and writers. NBC is proud to co-sponsor this site and remains committed to proactively develop new voices of all ethnicities,” said Marc Hirschfeld, Executive Vice-President, Casting, NBC Entertainment.

To get started, simply click here, fill out the questionnaire and you will receive an email once approval.

How Much Do Talent Agents Make?

Agents get 10% commission from your income after you work. Now figure if Bruce Willis' agent books him on a job, and Bruce makes $25,000,000 per film, then the agent gets TEN PERCENT after taxes. That would be roughly $1,700,000 for booking Bruce Willis on that job.

But of the hundreds and hundreds of Agents and Sub-Agents in the business, only a tiny fraction of agents make over a million bucks a year. Most agents make less than $30,000 a year, and many don't even make a living off of it, they have other means of finances that allow them to be agents.

There is a HUGE turnover of agents who are starting out within the first two years of becoming an agent because it is extremely hard to become a successful professional Theatrical and/or Commercial Talent Agent. The "average" annual income of a Talent Agent (including these sub-agents, associate-agents, etc.) is roughly $25,000 per year.

What is Commissionable by Your Agent?

Independent Agents

If your agents are Independent (i.e., not affiliated with either ATA and/or NATR), and therefore still franchised by SAG, then these agents (as well as the SAG members they represent) continue to be protected by and bound to the terms and conditions of Rule 16(g). Hundreds of SAG franchised agents across the country have maintained their on-going relationship with SAG, and continue to loyally serve SAG’s members pursuant to the requirements of Rule 16(g). Any standard SAG agency contract you sign with an Independent Agency may be filed with, and processed by, the Guild.

How Film and Television Shows Are Cast

The Film and Television Studios give the "green light" for movies and TV shows to be produced.

Then the production companies hire casting directors, who in turn send out "breakdowns" of the characters being cast.

These "breakdowns" actually are sent out by a service called "Breakdown Services" and are only available to licensed Talent Agencies.

Then the agents at these agencies submit photos, resumes, and sometimes "demo-reels" to the casting directors.

Then the casting directors call in the actors that fit the roles they are casting, usually many many actors are called in.

Then they narrow it down to the best actors who came in and "call back" these actors to read again for the director, sometimes the writer, producer, etc.. Then they narrow it down further, and sometimes there are 3 - 4 "call backs" before an actor is finally hired.

Do I Need An Agent To Be Cast?

Although it is possible to be cast on a show or film with out having an agent, it is very difficult. This usually only happens with smaller roles, and of course with extras. The studios usually only deal with reputable licensed talent agencies when casting acting roles.

In addition, agents are the only ones who receive the "breakdowns" of what roles are being cast at a given time. And in most instances, a studio or production company will not negotiate a contract directly with talent.

I have personally landed several acting roles by randomly sending in my photo and resume to casting directors when I did not have an agent, but it is not common to land roles in this manner.

However, I do recommend sending in to casting directors randomly because you never know if they will be looking for your exact type when they receive your photo and resume.

Important Safety Information

Do NOT incude a home address when sending out your photo and resume. I always recommend using a PO BOX.

Also, NEVER meet someone outside of a professional environment such as a studio, agents, or casting office. Do NOT meet someone at a restaurant, private residence, etc. You should ALWAYS let someone else know EXACTLY where you are going, WHO you are meeting, and WHEN you are going there.

And a parent or guardian must ALWAYS accompany minors. A parent or guardian should NEVER be out of eyesight of the minor, whether it be at auditions or on set.

Talent Agents