By guest blogger Stanley Popovich
Many people deal with the anxieties of finding a good talent agent. As a result, here is a list of ways that a person can use to help manage the anxiety of finding a talent agent.
The first step is to determine your goals in finding a talent agent. Determine what you want to accomplish. It will save you a lot of time and money in the long run if you know what you are looking for. Sit down and think about the overall goal of what you are looking for and convey this to your agent.
Educate yourself on the steps of finding a good talent agent. Most importantly, you will be able to make smarter choices that will save you time and money.
Find a reputable talent agent that can help you accomplish your goals. Ask some of the people in the industry on who they recommend and get in touch with them. Referrals from people you know are a great way in finding a talent agent.
Get your finances organized. Make sure you have an idea on what you can afford. Have a sound business plan and a realistic budget. Determine what you can afford and develop a budget where you will be able to keep up with all of your expenses.
Get a friend in the industry who is more experienced to help you. You could ask them for their assistance and ask them questions. Having someone who can assist you along the way can really help reduce the anxiety of the process.
There will be times when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the current situation. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. Once you calm down, you will better able to make the right decisions.
Finding a talent agent does not have to be a bigger deal than it has to if you take the proper steps. There is help out there if you get stuck or confused. The most important thing is to do your homework. Determine your goals, educate yourself on the steps to reach your goals, ask questions, and take it one step at a time. If you follow this advice you will be better able to reduce the stresses of finding a talent agent.
BIOGRAPHY:
Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties.
For additional information go to: www.managingfear.com
Managing The Stresses of Finding a Talent Agent
The Jana VanDyke Agency seeking new talent in Atlanta, GA metro area
Mega Management, LLC D/B/A The Jana VanDyke Agency is expanding it's roster and is accepting photos and resumes from professional actors of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. No background actors. To be considered for representation, please follow the directions below carefully.
● Email 5 different headshots of yourself to: submissionsJVA@gmail.com
● Also email a copy to: ccollinscasting@gmail.com
● Put in the Email Subject Line "Submission – Appointment Requested"
You may also send your headshots and resume by mail via postal service to:
Jana S. VanDyke
Submission – Appointment Requested
c/o The Jana VanDyke Agency
3655 James Road Suite 114
Acworth, GA 30102
Absolutely no phone calls or personal drop offs.
If selected, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.
The Jana VanDyke Agency is SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Franchised and Licensed and Bonded in the State of GA.
The Jana VanDyke Agency represents talent in the following areas.
● Adult Male Actors
● Adult Female Actors
● Teens 12-17 Actors
● Children 2-11 Actors
● Voice Over Talent
● Models
● Artists
● Diverse Talent of all Ages and Ethnicities.
Mega Management was created in 2004 with the primary goal of representing various talents in the entertainment industry as a personal management firm. Due to industry changes in GA, the company felt their talents would be better served reconstructing the firm into a Talent Agency. In order for the company to become a SAG/AFTRA franchised agency, they must also operate as a d/b/a (Doing Business As) and so The Jana VanDyke Agency was formed.
Jana VanDyke has placed talent in movies, documentaries, TV series and commercials. Her talent has been seen in ER, Haunted Mansion, Ace Ventura Pet Detective, Daddy's Little Girls, Why Did I Get Married, Desperate Housewives, Eli Stone, Law and Order, Drop Dead Divas, Army Wives, Burn Notice and many many more.
VanDyke has also developed many models that have gone on to link with agencies such as Ford Modeling, Elite Model Management, Irene Marie in Miami, FL, and Silver Management Group in New York. Many of her models have been published in nationally distributed magazines, too many to mention.
How To Avoid Talent Agency Scams
Legitimate talent agencies typically work on a percentage basis when it comes to fees, and being aware of this simple fact can often save young talent from being victimized by less than honest people posing as agents. Honest agents very rarely demand large sums of money upfront, and while some may request small amounts in exchange for photo shoots, portfolio compilation or other tasks, they’ll be able to provide you with an itemized list of their costs if asked (and for the record, you should ask). In contrast, many scams demand money right away and say that it’s for training, advisement, or other similarly vague purposes which may or may not ever materialize but which are nearly always guaranteed to advance your career and ensure your meteoric success. Buyer beware: never is it more true than in show business that there are absolutely no guarantees in life.
While a legitimate, established talent agency will never pressure you or try to manipulate you into signing up with their representation service immediately, scam artists most certainly will. We’re always most vulnerable when we haven’t had time to sit and consider something before acting, and scam artists know that. Their goal is always to make a big first impression, promise you all kinds of success, and then get you to sign up and give them money before you have a chance to critically examine the situation. If you feel pressured or if your new agent seems to be rushing you into making a decision, chances are, you’ll be better off with another agent.
One fast and easy way to tell if your agent is an above board one is to ask if he or she is bonded by your state’s surety bond program. Most states require talent agencies to be bonded (though the California surety bond program, as you can imagine, boasts the majority of talent agency bonds) and the bonds protect consumers against fraud, misrepresentation, and unethical behavior on the part of the agent. If a bonded agent acts in an unlawful manner, the wronged party can file a complaint with the state’s licensing board and expect restitution or compensation for the damages. Moreover, the talent agency’s willingness to become bonded shows a commitment to work according to state, local, and federal laws and an eagerness to show their clients that they will represent them ethically and fairly.
Making sure that your talent agency of choice has a current surety bond will protect you and give you the added reassurance of knowing that your representation has your best interests at heart. Having confidence with your talent agent also means that you have the energy to focus on your career which is the most critical component of success, particularly in the entertainment industry.
Guest post by Kevin Kaiser of SuretyBonds.com, the nationwide leader in surety bonds, committed to informing consumers about fraud and how to avoid becoming a victim.