Expert: Kitty Kavey - 2/21/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello kitty my name is hannibal thompson im a new model/actor/comidian in the bay area I was offered a contract from models inc talent agency and I have a upcoming audition for panda talent agency. I did some reserch on both agencys and couldn't find any on panda agency but me and my manager did find a lot of good things about models in. They have 2 office and a website. On the other hand panda doesn't even have a website. Any advice on what to do

ANSWER: I would suggest looking for representation from one agency who can handle you in multiple areas.  You can check the Screen Actors Guild list of franchised agencies: http://www.sag.org/content/find-agent

There's ten listings, I believe, from San Francisco.  Panda Agency is in that list, so you can assume that they follow guild rules as well as your local/state laws.  It also looks like they represent models as well as actors, which can be good.

After you meet with Panda, it might be easier for you to decide which agency you feel more comfortable with, and which seems to understand and be able to help you best with your career goals.  An agency that works well for one person, may not for another - it comes down to the individual and finding the right 'fit' for them with an agency.

It is also possible that you could be represented by one agency for modeling, and another agency for acting (or as a comedian).  While you can't have more than one agency in California representing you for the same thing, (like two agencies repping you as an actor) it wouldn't be a conflict to be represented by different agencies for different things.

I'm sure with your manager's help you will be able to find the right option and agency/agencies for you.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty

 

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: have you ever herd of models inc talent agency what do you think of this agency. also check me out on youtube.com/mrbucktoothjones and tell me what you think. thank you so much i'll be in touch

Answer
I'm sorry - I'm not from that area, so I am unfamiliar with the agencies in your location.  But I did watch your YouTube video.  If you don't already go to the open mic nights and stand-up competitions, you should - you're clearly at a professional level.

It shouldn't be too difficult for you to get to the next level in your career with a few good connections.  A friend of mine did both stand up and sketch comedy (with a group he put together).  He became the host of a well-known comedy club in Florida, and used the connections he made there to get to perform in Los Angeles on many occasions.

He's not the most talented or funniest guy you'll ever meet, but he's great with networking and has a good work ethic.  I'm sure you may also have a great business sense, and that's also something that you can develop if you feel you don't have that now.

It looks like you have a great future in front of you.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty