We were lucky to catch up with Melinda Eisnaugle recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melinda, appreciate you joining us today. Have you signed with an agent or manager? Why or why not?

Having an agent seems an impossible feat when you don’t have one. The battle to find the right connection is worthwhile, though. Agents are powerful negotiators. Most agents are not going to give off the warm fuzzies you might get from a manager, and that’s a good sign. Actors want someone who is willing to go to the mat and stand their ground in the negotiation room. This requires a personality that shows courage, gumption, and might ruffle some feathers. You don’t have to want to take your agent to get drinks, but you don’t want to go into battle without an agent on your team.

Other good teammates include a manager (for those daily conversations and softer interactions) and an entertainment lawyer (to team up with the agent and manager in studio negotiations).

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.

I grew up in the business, as my parents were entertainers. They of course, started all the kids in the creatives at a young age. Shortly after college, I realized that I enjoyed helping my creative friends moreso than being the creative focus. I’ve been an on camera agent for almost 25 years representing talent for film, television, commercial, stage, print, promotion, and voice over. When someone asks me what I do for a living, my response is always, “put out fires”. Every day is different and unexpected. I like to joke that my life is a continuous improv event.

Although I’m an agent, I’m also a creative at heart, so I can connect with the hearts and desires of the creative talent with whom I partner. I also enjoy the organizational side of the business, and frequently jump into management tasks just because I enjoy that side of the world, too. The actors I work with will say that I’m a straight-shooter. They know they can come to me with challenges and that my response will be solution focused.

When asked what I’m most proud of, there are many ways to consider the question. Personally, I’m proud of the stamina it takes to last in this industry and in this position for over 2 decades. (Agents have a high turnover rate. It’s hard to do something every day and get so little validation and appreciation in return.) I would also say I’m proud of the long term relationships that have been formed with our core talent. We have talent with whom we have worked for the full 2 decades. The trust and commitment that goes into those relationships is what gets me out of bed every morning.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Having been the creative, one thing that drives me is realizing our partners’ achievements. I also find it valuable to sometimes help the talent reframe their goals to become manageable, measurable, and within their own power. Chasing the “dream” of entertainment is illusive and frustrating. By taking their power back, talent who set goals that are measurable and within their own power see real growth in their creative journey and enjoy the fulfillment of steady progress.

I enjoy exploring each new partner’s hopes and dreams and then watching how the market opens itself to them. Guiding someone in the graceful dance to find a harmony between what the market offers and what the individual wants is so encouraging. The talent who are flexible and open see the fastest and most dynamic growth and that reward is valuable both emotionally and financially.

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

Since I mentioned above how important flexibility is, I thought it fair that I should have to model flexibility, too. When The Avenue first opened an office in the southeast, our clientele were primarily hiring models for print work. Within a few years, we had a dramatic shift over to on camera work. As an agency, we had to pivot with our talent who were willing in order to stay relevant.

We quickly became SAGAFTRA franchised, and streamlined our processes to meet the new client needs. Shortly thereafter, our industry saw another big shift as most of our communication with clients went online through databases and couriers and hardcopies became a thing of the past. Moving our systems to electronic sources was necessary to keep up. And throughout the 25 years in the southeast, we have seen the heavy hitting cities change dramatically. It has required the agency to shift with it, including relocating my personal life. “If we expect it of the talent, it’s only fair that I am willing to” is my perspective.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TheAvenueAgency.com
• Instagram: @TheAvenueAgency
• Facebook: @The Avenue Agency Model & Talent
• Twitter: @TheAvenueAgency

Image Credits
Michael Gomez