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ABOUT AGENTS Never, Ever, Pay A Voice Over Agent To Find You Work - And Other Rules June 19, 2014  By Rob MarleyVoice Actor To most VO artists, being represented by an agent is a benchmark - a type of status symbol that lends a sense of credibility / legitimacy to your career. But as a professional, you need to be aware that there are countless people out there who really have no business calling themselves agents, and that they are more than happy to take your money and run. Recently, someone on one of the VO forums I subscribe to mentioned that he'd just signed with an agent. I was about to congratulate him - but then I noticed his description of the contract terms:
First off, the first rule for anyone looking for an agent is: NEVER pay an agent to find you work. Never, never, never, never, never. Really, not ever! An agent is paid in commission. When you book a paying job, the agent takes a percentage of your total earnings in exchange for them finding you the work. In the United States, the SAG/AFTRA union states that the maximum amount an agent can charge for a fee is 10%. The VO person quoted above is located in Canada and their rules allow 15% - so this isn't too crazy, but to take 20% commission ON TOP OF the $180 yearly fee is a bit much. And by "a bit," I really mean freaking insane. MULTIPLE AGENTS - NO EXCLUSIVITY Second, I have never heard of an agent demanding an exclusivity contract. I know several voice artists who have multiple agents. Bill Dewees - a top VO artist and a guy I admire greatly has 14 agents. FOURTEEN! Third: Not allowed to sign with another agency for one year after terminating the contract. WHAT? If the up-front fee wasn't a big enough red flag, this one is a fireworks show that spells out "SCAM" in the sky. If I terminate a contract with an agent, then the terms of that contract are null and void. They don't get to hold you financially liable after the contract is terminated. Let's see how well that one holds up in court. AGENTS ARE PART OF PLAN Most new voice artists think that once they get an agent, the rest is smooth sailing. As if an agent is some kind of magical Leprechaun - and once you've finally managed to secure one, they'll give up their pot of gold and you can sit back and watch the dollars fly out of your computer. Boy, wouldn't it be great if it was that easy? The reality is that having an agent should be considered one aspect of a carefully mapped out strategy for success. It's part of a marketing plan that should include having a professionally-produced demo FIRST, before you even consider getting an agent. Having an agent is a means to an end; Nothing more. Whenever there is an industry filled with people pursuing a dream, there will be others doing everything they can to take advantage of that. It's your responsibility do the research to make sure that you are getting Ari Gold, and not Jack S**t. ------------------ ABOUT ROB A Los Angeles native, Rob Marley is an accomplished voice talent, producer and writer, now living in the hill country of Austin TX. Web: www.MarleyAudio.com |
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I have six agents in various parts of the US. Always keep your agents as far geographically apart as you can. And the rule is: Whomever invites you to audition FIRST is the agent you go with for that job to audition or to actually do the job. OF course I agree to NEVER PAY an agent money EXCEPT as a commission on a booking OR to be on their webpage or to have a page in their headbook. Those things cost money and it is only fair to pay your share. It should be a reasonable fee, however, usually under $150 at most.
Good to read you here! All best.
Bettye Zoller. PS my webinar for John Florian on "VOICE SPEECH IMPROVEMENT and ACCENT MINIMIZATION is night of July 22.