| Talent questions: |
| Q: |
I am from out of state and have dreams of being an actor. How would I persue that? Can your organization help? |
| A: |
The best thing for you to do is get involved in or major in Theatre at a local college or theatre company. You can train, perform and learn the basics before exploring a move to Los Angeles and looking for representation. Once you are ready, you can look up our members on the website and contact them via e-mail. See below. |
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| Q: |
I am an actor seeking representation.Please send me any information on your company? |
| A: |
The best way for you to research managers is to log onto www.talentmanagers.org. Go to Membership, List of Members and click on each name. It will pull up a web-card which gives you all the specifics about that company. Once you have decided which managers you would like to represent you, simply e-mail them a cover letter and attach you headshot, resume and/or website information. It is fast and economical way to submit. |
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| Q: |
Can you recommend managers that specialize in Canadian Talent, Bands, Comedians, music groups, etc? |
| A: |
Our website does not have a “by category” search engine, but if you go to www.talentmanagers.org. Go to Membership, List of Members and click on each name. It will pull up a web-card which gives you all the specifics about that company. Some may specify that they specialize in Canadian or Musical talent. You will want to contact those managers by e-mail. |
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| Q: |
I am seeking a contact number and address for "person" or "company"? |
| A: |
Log onto www.talentmanagers.org. Go to Membership, List of Members and search by the manager's first name. You can then click on the name and it will pull up a web-card which gives you all the specifics about that company. If the company is not listed with the TMA we have no further information on them and you should try the Hollywood Creative Directories “Agents and Managers Guide” which is available in most book stores and Samuel French. |
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| Q: |
When is the best time to submit to talent managers? What and how should I submit? |
| A: |
Every manager is different, but you may want to avoid Sept-Nov which is Fall Season and Jan-Apr which is pilot season. Most managers have little time to review new clients during those periods; however, our website makes it fast and affordable to submit yourself year round. Log onto www.talentmanagers.org. Go to Membership, List of Members and click on each name. It will pull up a web-card which gives you all the specifics about that company. Once you have decided which managers you would like to represent you, simply e-mail them a cover letter and attach your headshot, resume and/or website information. |
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| Q: |
I need a list of your managers, address & phone please. |
| A: |
Log onto www.talentmanagers.org. Go to Membership, List of Members and print yourself a copy. |
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| Q: |
A talent manager recently sent me a contract and I was wondering if there was someone at your organization who could advise me? |
| A: |
We are a non profit organization which prohibits us from releasing documents or giving advice contractually. However, on our website, you can review our Code of Ethics, which is what all talent managers should practice. In addition, always seek an entertainment attorney to review “all contracts” that you consider entering into. |
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| Q: |
What does it mean if someone is or is not a TMA member? |
| A: |
It simply means that they have not applied to be a member of our association and are not required to practice business based on our code of ethics. |
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| Q: |
I have a talent manager who wants to sign me but insists that I take a mandatory all day seminar @ $100 before she will take me on. Is that unethical? |
| A: |
Our belief is that it is not ethical to charge a client for representation. Talent managers should negotiate a reasonable and customary commission once a client books a project. That is our source of income. Any seminars or additional fees should be at the client's discretion. |
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| Q: |
I am looking for a talent manager that specializes in youth. My daughter is 7 years old. She is an actor, model, singer, dancer, and comedian. Can you give me some advice? |
| A: |
Log onto www.talentmanagers.org. Go to Membership, List of Members and click on each name. It will pull up a web-card which gives you all the specifics about that company. Most will specify if they handle children. Once you have decided which managers you would like contact, simply e-mail them a cover letter and attach you headshot, resume and/or website information. In addition, you should go to www.screenactorsguild.com and familiarize yourself with all the labor laws and requirements/restrictions for children working in Film and Television. |
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| Q: |
I would like to know how to access your website on a regular basis. Do you have to be a member? If so how much is the cost? |
| A: |
Our website is accessible to everyone for general information. There is no fee. However, if you are a talent manager and a member, you can access the member's only area. If you are interested in joining the TMA, please see the next set of management related questions. |
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| Q: |
WHAT CAN I DO IF I HAVE A COMPLAINT ABOUT A TMA MEMBER? |
| A: |
If you have a complaint or grievance regarding a TMA Member, please email in detail what your complaint is and who the complaint is against. Please be sure to include your name, mailing address, email address along with your daytime and evening phone numbers where you can be reached. Please note: we can not respond to any complaint that is annonymous or that is not specific. The Ethics committee will respond to you either via email or by phone after reviewing your complaint. Send your complaint to concerned@talentmanagers.org |
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| Management questions: |
| Q: |
I am in a management partnership and am interested in becoming a member. Is there a group rate? |
| A: |
At this time, we only have individual memberships available. One or more of your managers may apply separately. As we offer most events, including dinners, free to our members, the cost per member is substantial relative to our rather low yearly dues. While if all members attended all such events we could not do it, the system has sustained itself. Perhaps in the future we will put together a workable structure for corporate package. |
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| Q: |
What, if any, accreditation do you require to become a talent Manager? How would I go about seeking such training? I live in Boston? |
| A: |
There are no formal talent management training courses available unless colleges and theatrical/film schools are adding them to their business curriculums. There are many books that have been written on the topic but the best way to familiarize yourself with this profession is to intern or work for a talent agent or manager in your area. Knowledge or experience in the areas of TV/Film (action) delete this word, production and casting are always helpful along with a marketing and sales background. |
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| Q: |
I am from BC and run a talent agency there. I would also like to open a management company in LA. Could you please send me their requirements to do that? |
| A: |
The only legal requirements you must follow is the State, City and County's laws and regulations for running a business in their jurisdicition. You can also consult a California Licensed Entertainment Attorney as well. |
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| Q: |
Can I become a talent manager if I am still a SAG member but manage several clients and have an agent of my own? |
| A: |
At this time, we do not allow any performance union affiliations due to the sensitivity of receiving breakdowns as well as it potentially being a conflict of interest for your clients. |
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| Q: |
Please send me information about your organization and an application. |
| A: |
Everything you need is on-line at www.talentmanagers.org. Please review each section carefully and then go to the Membership Section and then Join Us. You can simply follow the directions on the application form and file on-line. Print yourself a copy and then hit the Submit My Application button at the bottom. It takes a minimum of 4-6 weeks for processing and references to be checked. |
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| Q: |
I submitted my application online and then clicked to print myself a copy and got a blank page. Will you send me a confirmation and copy of my submission for my records? |
| A: |
Every once in a while we hit a glitch in the system. If this ever happens, you can simply go to the Contact Us area and request a copy of your application explaining the circumstances and the date you initially filled out the form. We will forward you your application via e-mail within 5 working days. |
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| Q: |
What are the "real" benefits of being a TMA member? |
| A: |
All the benefits are covered on-line on our homepage under the dues section. The true benefits of being a member is having a support group, attaining knowledge about our business, networking opportunities, important discounts on numerous goods and services as well as having a stamp of approval on your company. The discouts alone save you the money you pay for the dues. You will get out of being a member what you give. |
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| Misceallaneous Questions: |
| Q: |
Can you put me in touch with the comedian "Martin Mull's" manager? |
| A: |
We do not yet have a client database search engine. The best way to locate a talents agent or manager is through the Screen Actors Guild or the Academy Players Directory. Once you have the name of the manager or the company, you can look them up on our website. |
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| Q: |
I am from out of town and requesting minutes from your last forum/seminar. Is that possible? |
| A: |
Panelists bios, programs and photos are available on the website in the public area in Calendar of Events. Minutes are available to members only through our password protected members only section. |
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| Q: |
I actually have a few questions about the differences between a manager and an agent? I am trying to verify some things in regards to licensing in the US. I would like to know if a manager has to have an agency license or if the manager just has to have an employment license, or no license, or what ever the case may be. Is there a set law or industry standard or does it vary from state to state? |
| A: |
A talent manager is not required to be a “state licensed employment agent”. An agent, however, is required by the state to be licensed. A manager, by nature, does not seek employment for a client, but rather council, market and network on their behalf making it easier for the agent to secure employment. A client, manager and agent should function as a team. |
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| TMA Member Questions: |
| Q: |
Hello my name is Brandon Ross, I am a TMA Member. I am wondering on how to check my TMA mail. If possible can someone reply ASAP with information on how I can do this? |
| A: |
Please call Margaret O'Neal to set your email account that does not forward to your personal email address. We automatically forward your TMA email account to your personal account unless you call to set it up as a separate account to be accessed on the TMA website. |
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| Q: |
I am a TMA member and can't figure out how to update my business information. Can you assist me? |
| A: |
You must enter the Members Only area with the username and password given to you by your sponsor. Once you are in the members only area, look to the right of the screen and you will see Update Your Listing, Update Your Clients, Update Your Bio. Click on each and it will add or make changes to an existing web-card. You can check your update within minutes. |
