Talent Agency FAQs

We accept DVDs and digital links. Please make sure that you’ve watched your demo before sending it to us. Nothing is more frustrating (or unprofessional) than popping in a DVD that has no audio or just static or isn't compatible. Please make sure you label the physical DVD. We get a lot of submissions, and it gets confusing. We will NOT accept DVDs that have “stuck-on labels” on the disc. Spend a few extra pennies and print directly to the disc, or use a Sharpie to write your name and phone number on the surface.

We’ve been doing this for a long time and have hired hundreds of talent. We look for the “WOW” factor or the POTENTIAL for “WOW!”

There are thousands of people who want to be on TV. We both want to be successful.  Remember this is a subjective business. A thick skin is needed. If we say “no”, someone else may say “superstar.”  Persistence.

That totally depends on what job you’re applying for.

Generally speaking, on-air talent should have a brief montage of your absolute best work, followed by a couple of minutes of continuous anchor segments and then a couple of examples of your best reporting. Your demo should be no longer than 15 minutes.Producers should include entire shows, edited for commercials, and include a written self-critique and background about the show, resources, etc. Tapes stay in the ND’s machine for about 3-5 seconds. Those first few moments have to be the best!

We’re not in the editing business. You work in a facility that has the most expensive and hopefully the latest video/audio equipment available.

We will work closely with you to choose and agree upon the best content for your demo tape. You send us a master DVD and we take care of the rest.

We will NEVER send a composite tape of multiple clients.

We market you as an individual, matching your skills with the company’s needs. Sometimes clients will be interested in the same jobs but ultimately it’s the choice of the station on who best fits what they’re looking for.

Absolutely not!

We’re on the phone constantly with managers across the country, with stations/networks in LA, Chicago, NY, DC, Atlanta, Orlando, etc. It’s not “where” you are located; it’s the quality of your talent, the specific need of the company, and the reputation of your agency.

We can tell you from experience that while a reputable agent can get a ND or recruiter to LOOK at your tape, only YOUR talent will make them want to hire you. No company is going to hire someone just because “Mr. Bigshot Agent X” called and said so.  And keep in mind, agents at those big agencies are competing against each other for the job you want.

If you have an offer on the table, or are a veteran that just doesn’t feel comfortable sitting in front of the GM at contract renewal time, we can help. We have several clients that are “negotiation only.” We’ll quote you a one-time fee for this service.

No and if an agent does, hang up the phone. What we can guarantee is that you will be marketed with the most aggressive and extensive experience possible. Because we have clients in all sized markets, we have a broad knowledge of what to expect during salary negotiations. We also strive, whenever possible, to obtain more than one offer so as to leverage the best financial deal available.

If we could answer that, we would be the host of Medium. There are many factors that play into a job search; talent market preferences, economy, budgets, specific needs of the company, focus group responses, research and subjectivity. We’ve had job searches as short as two weeks and others more than a year.  If you’re our client, we’re with you for the long run, not just a quick “hit.”

Yes. We believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to have their work viewed and their skills evaluated. We’re a very selective agency so we cannot possibly offer representation to everyone.  Those that are chosen can feel confident that we see great potential and promise in your work.

Yes, all clients are required to sign exclusive contracts. Imagine having multiple agencies submit the same talent for openings. It would be very confusing and present an unfocused appearance. Our goal is to sign clients and help them grow. That takes time. Our contracts are approved and regulated by the Industrial Commission of the State of Arizona.

All contracts signed while under a representation agreement with us are subject to commissions. If we only received commissions on the jobs we brought to a client, then we would in essence be competing with that client to find jobs. A conflict would also arise if both the agent and the client submitted a tape. We do not charge upfront or retainer fees for dubbing, packaging, mailing and calling on stations. That’s a significant expense with no guarantee of a return. We do understand that sometimes the client generates interest, so we offer a commission structure to reflect this situation

We have many clients who are hosts, producers, or reality cast members. While casting directors often look for experience, they are also looking for personality, energy, uniqueness, and that “it” factor that will make their project successful. Our advice is to be yourself and demonstrate what sets you apart from the others looking for the same opportunity. It’s important to be realistic in your expectations. Not everyone can host Entertainment Tonight. We can help guide you through this process.

While it’s true that entry-level salaries are pitiful, do you know what the going rate is? What if the news director says you MUST sign three years or even five years with no outs? What protection do you have in your contract? What happens if you’re laid off or fired? What are the other people making in similar positions in the market? What protection do I have if a much larger station offers me triple my salary in two years? Who’s going to give me feedback on my story construction? Wardrobe? Writing? Delivery? What if they hired me as a reporter and now want me to anchor but don’t want to pay more money because I’m already “under contract?” If you feel comfortable sitting in the ND or GMs office arguing these points, then you probably don’t need us. Rest assured, we do offer commission structures for entry-level positions.

No, but we have negotiated hundreds of contracts. Unless you’re hiring a very specialized attorney in entertainment/broadcast law, you will get a phone call from your dad’s friend who’s an attorney telling you how “crazy you are” to sign either the contract with the station you showed them or your representation agreement. They simply don’t understand the industry. You wouldn’t go to a podiatrist for new glasses or a plumber to wire your house. Rest assured, we do have media savvy General Counsel should the need arise for legal opinions.

Our job is to advise, counsel, recommend, and listen. At the end of the day, you are the one that has to live in the market, work at the station, and pay your bills based on the salary offered. It’s your decision. We work for you. If you decide to decline an offer, we keep looking.