Do you have a manager, agent or representative who helps you sign or close deals? Why or why not? If you do have one, how did you find them and how did you know they were the right one for you? These are some of the questions we asked some very talented folks from the community and we’ve shared their responses below.

Maddy Leane

I do have an agent, and she is wonderful! I have been acting since I was a child and have gone through my fair share of agents that didn’t quite fit right. My current agent was someone I had on my vision board for years. I always kept tabs on certain representatives and watched which ones cycled through actors quickly and which ones seemed to develop actors for years until they booked. I knew I wanted an agent who was in for the long game with me and someone willing to put in the time to make this work. I was strategic with my approach and waited until I had real selling points before I submitted myself. When I did apply I had just acted in my first TV role on the Aussie series “Neighbours” and I had also just made a short film that I wrote, produced and was the lead actor in. I sent her my film and was transparent about what I wanted and why I wanted her in particular. It took a few months but eventually, she gave me an interview and I have been with her since!  Read more>>

Michael Girgenti

I do have an agent who’s awesome, kind, and helpful but most of the work I’ve ever booked has come from me hustling or pursuing jobs / people. Thankfully at this point I’m not really chasing anything but God. The Lord is guiding my steps and I trust his directions. Not to mention, he’s the greatest agent of all time ;) Read more>>

Jessica Chin King

Yes, I finally got an agent after a lot of trials and tribulations, like many people in the industry, I also found it difficult to get the agent that was the best fit for me. I went through four agents before I got with my current representation. I have full confidence in Annie Oakes my agent at Glickman Alexander. She gives great advice, she submits me to a ton of acting work, and she presents me with opportunities that might not be available to me without her expertise. I met Annie through my friend Ryan Singh, He’s a producer, director, actor and i greatly respect his skill. As soon as he suggested Annie, I contacted her and asked her to represent me. After Annie accepted me on her roster, i realized very quickly that this was the fit for me. Read more>>

Deandre Harris Ii

I do currently have an agent in Kim “Cookie” McCray of the McCray Agency in Nashville. Before signing with her we never met but I had heard about her, which at the time I was with Misty Pyburn at the Acture Agency. I heard that Cookie was one of the best in Nashville and I wanted to get into her agency. The first time I met Cookie was in this meeting with multiple actors including Ali Alsaleh, from Ms. Marvel and a ton of other projects, and she essentially just spoke to us about the industry for actors at that time. Right now it can be hard because everything slower but should pick up soon. While waiting for auditions from Cookie, I do write screenplays as well. which I am looking for a manager to represent me in that realm of the industry. Read more>>

Amani Heywood

My team consist mainly of me myself and I. I might not have a designated staff or team, but what I do have is love and support from not just my family, but the community of people I’ve built around me. All my friends, family, and people support me look out for opportunities and ways in which they can help me further my dreams and achieve my goals. I’m truly grateful for everyone in my life because without them this Artistic journey, I’ve dove into would be much more intense and difficult so for that, I think everybody for their help and support. Read more>>

Trenton Valenzuela

In 2021, we secured a record deal with Godsize Records/Ingrooves to release our self-titled debut album. Our partnership with them has been great, as they assisted in organizing a tour last summer that took us across the United States alongside Ill Nino, Through Fire, and Dropout Kings. I believe that the collaboration between the label’s efforts and our own hard work has been mutually beneficial. As the band’s manager, I have successfully secured slots for us at some of the largest festivals in the United States, including the Blue Ridge Rock Festival and Upheaval Festival. Additionally, we had the incredible opportunity to perform as direct support for Godsmack this summer for Arizona Bike Week, which was a dream come true! Read more>>