We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lisa Morel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, thanks for joining us today. When you’ve been a professional in an industry for long enough, you’ll experience an industry-wide U-Turn, an instance where the consensus completely flips upside down or where the “best practices” completely change. If you’ve experienced such a U-Turn over the course of your professional career, we’d love to hear about it.

I can definitely say that both the recent Covid-19 Pandemic and the Me-Too Movement created two of the biggest U-Turns felt throughout the entire Entertainment Industry. Throughout my professional years I’ve never witnessed anything as impactful as these two events. The Me-Too Movement began back in 2006 but didn’t receive the needed support to create real change in the industry until 2016-2017. The movement helped to expose the unequal and sexually abusive practices by those in influential positions such as directors, executives, and producers. Because of this exposure it helped change the way roles were achieved, scripts written, and the perception of beauty. As for the Covid-19 Pandemic, it forced the industry not only to do a U-Turn, but a… backflip…hop and a skip to say the least. The general consensus of what was considered “safe” was most assuredly changed and challenged. Although much was lost during this dark time, the most inspirational thing to me that blossomed from the chaos was the creativity and self-discovery. The major film production companies were at a complete standstill, which gave the independent filmmakers their time to shine. The spotlights of A-List actors/actresses were dimmed long enough for society to see them as mortals while your 80-year-old Nana’s dance moves became known worldwide thanks to TikTok. The definition of what was considered entertainment was forever changed.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Lisa Morel, lead talent agent over Commerical, Film, Voice and Print at Selah Actors Talent & Crew Agency. I work in partnership with Theatrical agent and former mentor, Sherry King. Sherry and I both possess multiple degrees in Education, Business, Psychology, and the Arts. Our company was started more so out of necessity than ambition. The seed was planted during the time I briefly worked for one of the top talent agencies in the area. I became morally conflicted after I discovered various unfavorable practices within the company in regard to the roster talents. Many of the talents expressed their disapproval of being treated like replaceable numbers, inattentive agents, and frequent double bookings. Sometime after deciding to resign from the company, I ran into a roster talent whom I previously handled their profile. They expressed their gratitude for my kindness and constant attention to detail, as well as disappointment of my leaving. After chatting further, the question arose inquiring if I considered taking on any clients? Coincidently by this time my son showed a renewed interest in acting and I began securing bookings for him as his “momager”, which other parents constantly asked if I could do the same for their kids. I knew how much I missed the joy of helping others as well as the rush of adrenaline after contract negotiations. After seeking God’s guidance, receiving my husband’s support, and securing Sherry’s help to spearhead this new venture with me things began to move. Once the time limitation for non-compete clause associated with my previous employment was satisfied, Selah Actors Talent Agency was formed and registered. Sherry and I definitely wanted to break away from the traditional agency structure that makes roster talents feel unappreciated and easy to replace. Instead, we wanted to create a sense of unity and partnership for each talent to feel completely supported along their career path. Before the end of our first official week in business, we had already signed over 20 clients strictly through word of mouth. Since then, our company has not only expanded coast to coast in represented talent numbers but also considered a full service for Talent and Crew. This means we not only provide actors (birth to 88) for productions but crew member placement, location scouting, casting assistance, and crafty as well. We focus on providing equal service to all productions regardless of size or budget, without the loss of quality. Which is what I believe sets us apart and places Selah Actors Talent & Crew Agency in a category of its own. Just as we started out determined to change traditional agency structure, we also hope to change the dysfunctional relationship between interacting production personnel. Networking to build trust and lending a hand to help bring a production to a successful wrap is our goal.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The recent pivot in business and in my personal life was associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. Business wise everything came to a screeching halt once the entire film an entertainment industry shut down. Many of our full-time actors had no other means for income and were desperately looking to me to find them paid work in order to pay bills and feed themselves. Their frustrations and fears tripled at the news of being ineligible for unemployment benefits. Thankfully some relief was found with the efforts of the Union and the government bailout. Because we could no longer hold in person interviews for the safety of our staff, we shifted over to the ZOOM and Skype platforms. Once the submissions and interviews stopped coming in, we had to make the decision to release staff in order for them to find alternative income. The overhead costs finally forced us to close our doors completely and shift fully to remote. Our homes became our offices and classrooms literally overnight. The fate of the company became unclear as more time passed from the original projected dates given by the World Health Organization. Even more so, during the tumultuous time when my husband contracted the virus and was placed on a ventilator after experiencing respiratory arrest. He later went into a prolonged coma and doctors weren’t hopeful for a positive outcome due to the length of time. Thankfully he was able to beat the odds and pull through but had a long road to full recovery. Upon his release from the hospital, I became his full-time caregiver and physical therapist, as he hadn’t fully regained his ability to walk or breathe without assistance. My younger children were also being home schooled during this time as well, so saying “my plate was packed,” is saying the least. Honestly if it wasn’t for the outpouring of love and financial support by family, friends, and my agency family I don’t know how I could have ever gotten through those dark months. I can definitely now see the blessing in disguise, with the industry at a standstill; because it gave me the opportunity to care for my family without the feeling of having to choose between family and the agency. Things unexpectantly started to pick up as I began to be contacted by different productions seeking talent and crew. The mainstream agencies were still vacant because of the pandemic, therefore leading productions to us from Google searches. Even though our company structure and staff size had changed the foundation and network stayed the same, which allowed us to come through for so many of those that reached out in need. Once word began to spread of how our team worked hard to provide service…the flood gates were opened! This became our biggest time to shine and use this unexpected pivot to our advantage. Fast forward to today and things are still going full speed ahead with the idea of slowing down, nowhere in sight.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe the most influential thing that helped build my reputation within the market/industry, would my presence. As I stated before, making sure my clients feel supported and cared for is my number one priority as a business owner. It always seems to shock people when they see me come on a film set or to an event in support of my clients. I get asked often, “Why do you go out of your way when you don’t have to?” The answer is simple, “because its needed.” I apply this same philosophy not only to my clients but to the productions we work with as well by offering additional help where needed. Now granted sometimes I cannot physically make it to every film set or red-carpet premiere. In those situations, I always make sure to speak to my clients beforehand and provide support through wardrobe suggestions, addressing any issues, and prayer. I always want them to feel my presence and genuine care even if I’m not there. My reputation usually precedes me 98% of the time, for which I am thankful it’s always in a positive way. Being able to change the predetermined negative perspective of a talent agent when dealing with different people within the industry is something I truly pride myself in. I always tell people “I can only be me”.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SelahActors.com
• Instagram: Selah Actors
• Facebook: Selah Actors Talent Agency
• Other: Selah Actors Talent & Crew Agency 6805 Tara Blvd, Suite #A1 Atlanta, GA 30236 (770) 765-1673

Image Credits
Getty Images Jaynextdoor Experience Tigerlily Photography