With my recent career launch, I have received much attention. Is it a norm for an agent to phone you and ask you for money upfront ($600.00) to promote your work? It didn't feel right, so I sorta, in a nice way, told him to get out of dodge. SEVEN NIGHTS is either good enough or not. Was I wrong to do so?
Uncategorized : With my recent career launch,… by Wendy Casey
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No! Agents should NEVER ask you for money upfront! They work for you and get paid 10% based on the work you book. I have this practice where if I feel like something could be a scam, I google the company with the actual word scam to see if anything comes up.
Thanks. He wanted 600 up front and I even offered a payment plan. He also wanted 15% and said for me not to worry about what others say. Do I want my movie on the screen or not. I admit that an agent would be a nice person to have, but not like this guy. He spoke really fast, like a used car salesman, and throw around names of famous people like bubbles at a wedding.
Glad you followed your gut. 10% of earnings is ALL the agent receives and never anything upfront.
curious, was this a literary agent, publicity agent, what? i know you are a writer, so thinking it is one of those two. i can only speak from a talent agent perspective~ if they are SAG franchised, they only take 10% and there are some foreign earning to which they aren't entitled. there's no upfront fee. GLAD YOUR SPIDER SENSES TINGLED:)
No. Whenever money is asked for be initiate representation, run (after telling them to shove their scam up... no, better just pantomime that one on your end of the phone or computer screen, lol). There are so many scammers out there taking advantage of us... sad.
Agents only make money when they make you money. 10% like Sal said.
Agents never charge you. They only get a percentage of the work they either bring in or negotiate. If they do neither, they get nothing. These days agents can get up to 25%. It depends on the services they offer. Agents don't offer legal assistance but agencies do. Do they offer legal assistance? Then you're helping to pay for a lawyer. Agents don't manage your career, but agencies do. Do they offer to manage your career? You pay more for a manager. Agents aren't your Public Relations firm but agencies will offer it. Again, you are percentage paying for what you get. Bottom line though: anyone offered through the agency is loyal to the agency first. Since 1987 its been recognized that lawyers are at least as vital, and maybe moreso, than an agent. [www.nytimes.com/1987/01/11/business/now-lawyers-are-hollywood-superstars.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm][1] [1]: http://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/11/business/now-lawyers-are-hollywood-sup...
Get his address next time, and we can all take turns beating the *%$# out of him! I was taken in by some scam agency when I was 16. Think that's why I've always worked without one my whole career.
I know who he is and have his address, along with all that jazz. I don't won't to take anyone down, I only want to take my work up. I didn't fall for it He's an old man. And I am sorry that happened to you.
Holy shit, this is so typically a scam. NO AGENT or MANAGER is going to ask you for money. The real Managers and Agents work on COMMISSION. Usually, %15 of the money you make.
Ah I had that happened to me when I first got into the business around 1976. The agent wanted 2K up front and I laughed at them.
Great call Wendy. I feel the same way, although it can prove tough to be your own agent... I need me screenplay read. Two producers current reading...HOPEFUL,
NEVER, EVER give an agent or manager money up front. They are scamming you. How hard do you think they'll work for you when you've already given them money? There has to be some organization that has info on agents. Try SAG (Screen actors guild).
Trust your gut, you should NEVER pay for an agent to represent you. Trust your instincts they are there for a reason! Going through that right now myself, with something completely different, I did a little research and found out our suspicions were right on.
Never pay for an agent...You're the prize.
I would like to think so, Richard. I just need to figure out who wins me and find that person.
write down your expectations and inquire. crucial that they have need for you on their roster, that they have relationships in the market you are going after, that their communication is prompt and professional...these are just a few of my requirements. keep us posted, Wendy! and RB, i love the quote "you're the prize."
Good advice Sandra, Wendy and I are both going to the top:)
You know and there' s no room for any doubt!