After 23 years experience as the owner/ talent agent for the company Performers Management, it was time to branch out.
The podcast came as an inspiration during the Covid lockdown.
How do we connect when we are all isolated and disconnected from the Industry?
It started with volunteering for webinars and zoom calls connecting with actors and finding out what questions were needing answers during this time.
I realized there was a need to connect, chat and give advice about the business as well as share my experiences.
Inside the Agency was born.
It's a place, a podcast, for actors to tune in to get real information about the industry.
Inside the Agency is where you can hear from experts about the blunt truth about the business, what to expect and some hilarious stories.
We will have guests that share their insight, tips and their experiences.
Get ready to get a sneak peak of "Inside the Agency".
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After 23 years experience as the owner/ talent agent for the company Performers Management, it was time to branch out.
The podcast came as an inspiration during the Covid lockdown.
How do we connect when we are all isolated and disconnected from the Industry?
It started with volunteering for webinars and zoom calls connecting with actors and finding out what questions were needing answers during this time.
I realized there was a need to connect, chat and give advice about the business as well as share my experiences.
Inside the Agency was born.
It's a place, a podcast, for actors to tune in to get real information about the industry.
Inside the Agency is where you can hear from experts about the blunt truth about the business, what to expect and some hilarious stories.
We will have guests that share their insight, tips and their experiences.
Get ready to get a sneak peak of "Inside the Agency".
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's the Spring Slowdown! Yes, it's quiet. Hang in there!
Try not to go stir crazy. Focus on being productive instead of getting in your head.
A reminder to make sure you let your agent rest after hours and on weekends.
Your agent can't do their best if they haven't had any rest. You want your agent to be on their game and not over exhausted, right? We all need some downtime and since COVID agents have lost any kind of personal time and space.
It's a wrap on personal tax season. Make sure you get all of your tax questions to your agent before the end of April. Learn about your payments, know your deals and get to know the business side of things. Yes, you are the artist but you should still understand your deal points, contracts and paystubs.
A little note on new covid protocols, fully vaccinated can be 3 vaccinations, not just two. Make sure to read your breakdowns, casting tends to make a note on what's required.
DON'T GIVE UP! It's a quieter time, which is always a challenge.
We got you.
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Tip of the Day: Don't give up!
It's spring time which is always a slower time for the industry. Don't get in your head, dont second guess your talent and DONT GIVE UP.
You got this.
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Happy new year! Wait its March, nope its April 1st.
This year has blown by but we managed to talk shop for a new episode for you all.
We talk headshots, seizing opportunities and the spring break lull.
It's the agency's 25th anniversary today! Happy anniversary Performers!
Lots of love
ITA
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Tip of the Day: It's the Holidays!
All agencies will be closed from December 17th till January 3rd, 2022.
Agencies will reopen on the 4th.
Please hold all communication till after the 4th, unless your team reaches out to you.
There can be the occasional audition or availability check over the break.
Any goals, wants and needs can wait until after the industry reopens.
Let's give your talent reps the gift of peace this season.
Have a wonderful holiday!
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Its the Holidays!
Give your talent reps the best gift, the gift of peace.
The industry and agencies will be closed from Dec 17th till January 3rd.
It's time for our long winters nap. Let me tell you, we need it!
Please hold any communication, texts, emails, phone calls etc till after the break. You agent will appreciate it.
Its been a crazy year and you should pat yourself on the back for getting through it.
Now sit back and relax and enjoy the holiday!
Now, if you are an actor that hustles rain or shine, holiday or no holiday, we have given you a couple of ideas to keep you occupied over the hiatus.
Keep in mind we recorded this episode a couple of weeks ago. Please hold off making a change or letting go of your agent/manager during this time.
We all need a great break to relax, recharge and rest.
We will back at it Jan 4th!
Have a wonderful holiday.
Michelle & Nicole
xo
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How are you all??
It's been a while.
We Aren't Dead!
What a shit show it's been. With the avoided IATSE strike, the delta variant and the harsh new protocols for filming, it's been a crazy time!
We thought 2020 was difficult to navigate, well 2021 has been a new kind of crazy!
We dive into the covid vaccination situation. The networks in the US are requiring an actor/crew member to be vaccinated.
Please know the rules in Canada are different. As of Oct 30th a new requirement was announced with an extension till Nov. 30th regarding vaccinations and travel within Canada.
Know your rights, and talk to your agent.
Be patient with your agent, be supportive, make sure to have your materials up to date and make your deadlines!
Try to give your agent a break on weekends, we need our rest!
Help us, help you during office hours unless it's an emergency.
We got you.
Let us know your questions. We promise to not go dark again.
ITA
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We decided to bring back the Tip of the Day. For some reason some actors are confused about what a deadline is, let us educate those of you.
Hopefully you get it now. Help us, help you get the job. We need you to make those deadlines.....
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ITA chats with the fabulous actor/acting coach Al Miro.
We chat about Al's journey from acting and training in NYC to acting and coaching in Canada.
We talk about visa applications, red tape with cross border bookings, and more.
Al talks about his FOMO for wanting to shoot on his birthday which inspired "How to make it in Hollywood, when you are foreign AF" to be born.
You can catch his episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/almirostudios
We chat about the old mold being broken down and how networks are really embracing and representing all nationalities.
We answer popular questions that Al hears on repeat while coaching.
@almirostudios
Tune in!
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We talk, we rant, we mic drop! Literally.
Why is everyone traveling? The rules are just lifting and travel is about to start in Canada.
Yes, the US is really opening up, and travel is happening. We have FOMO!
Let your agent know your away dates and try not to send last minute.
Hang in there, we know it's been a bit slower lately across North America. Hang tight. We should be in full swing by the middle of June.
Make your deadlines! Put your best work forward. We want you to have all possible opportunities and the best chance of booking. If you miss a deadline, casting may not watch your tape. They do a set deadline for a reason. Don't procrastinate or make excuses.
We are doing our job, do yours dammit! Don't miss any great opportunities.
Do you check your paystubs when you receive them from your agent?
Make sure you understand how you are paid, and what you were paid. Accountants are making a lot of errors these days.
Covid tests are no longer commissionable on SAG contracts. It is commissionable on Actra and UBCP agreements if it's part of your wardrobe or work day.
As of May 1st most Canadian covid tests are not commissionable, just for the test. The covid test rate has been reduced as well to $250.00. Keep that in mind. Its no longer a full principal day rate.
Are you on the same page as your agent? Make sure. We aren't mind readers! CONNECT.
Let's hope the Canadian quarantine ends soon in general or for the entertainment industry. We want to keep encouraging the US to come work in Canada.
READ YOUR NOTES
MAKE YOUR DEADLINES
Love your agent! We are working at warp speed with no down time.
Let's go for WIN WIN!
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You asked, we answered.
We talk about the spring slowdown. Yes, it is slower time of year. We are waiting for the episodics to get renewed and "picked up". If you are feeling the slower speed, hang on.
You have till June, take a deep breathe and take advantage of this slower time.
You asked:
-What is our day to day is like? Yes, we rant. It's our thing.
-When are actors being submitted?
-If your agent is managing a ton of people, can they forget about me?
-I booked a role a couple of months, I haven't seen many auditions since. Has my agent lost faith in me?
-I have seen the same casting director many times, obviously they like my work. Are they tired of seeing my face?
Some nuggets from this episode:
Stay in your lane. Focus on you. Don't attach happiness to just a booking. Enjoy the journey, not just the wins.
Watch your tapes before you send in to your agent. Make sure you send the right clips in for casting to view.
Stand out and make a bold choice and a neutral choice when self-taping. Make sure you slate is an intro to you and your personality.
Keep up that love 'n feelin with your team.
Stay positive, stay safe.
We are here for you.
Michelle & Nicole
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We are back to chat and rant.
We talk about being honest with your agent, how important it is to have a drivers licence and the 24th anniversary of Performers Management.
Happy 24th anniversary Performers!
Tune in!
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Another Q & A with the fabulous Allison Riley
We kick off this episode catching up with Allison and discussing her leading role with Jon Hamm on "Corner Office".
We chat about confirming with your agent, taxes, covid payments, researching a new agent, social media, and self submitting.
Should you Zoom or self-tape when given the option from casting? What are the pros and cons?
We talk about what we love about being an agent, and what we are missing during this bizarre Covid time.
The common opinion, we are missing connection.
Find out how best to connect to your agent and keep that connection strong. Don't panic if you don't talk or email daily or weekly.
Find out what works personally for you and your team.
Till next time....
Michelle & Nicole
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We're back! Did you miss us?
Welcome to the 2021 shit show!
Know that we are essential, filming is essential, so you are essential.
This is an unprecedented time, but the industry is strong.
Be prepared to self-tape, be grateful for the opportunities, love your team and get ready to work.
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Happy Holidays!
What a year!
Coming to you from ITA we bring you "Twas the night before Christmas...with a twist!
We want to thank you for listening to us banter for the last few months.
It's time for the our cherished 'long winters nap'!
Looking forward to filling your ears with witty entertainment/agency banter in 2021....
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Tip of the Day: Actors, Do You Know What You Are Taking About?
Our last tip of the day before the holidays! Actors, if you hear about a project do your due diligence before reaching out to your agent.
Don't send an email with a vague description to your agent and expect them to hunt down some "project that may or may not exist".
We are always happy to push for a legitimate and well suited role. Before you approach your agent about a project or role, know what you are talking about.
For some reason this won't just unschedule so I've set it to publish in 2027. Cause I didn't want to delete it and lose the artwork/subscription.
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BONUS episode! Everyone loves a bonus!
We bring you ITA's Q&A with Allison Riley.
We cover questions about the current climate of the industry, when to apply for a sales tax number, when to incorporate, is it still a good time to apply to an agency and more.
We wrap this episode and season 2 of the podcast with a note to "be kind to your agent", especially if they are kick ass!
Allison Riley hosts and handles the questions you have been asking. Thank god for her humour to make this episode full of laughs.
It's a wrap for Season II.
Tune in!
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Tip of the Day: Confirm Your Auditions ASAP
Please confirm with your agent ASAP.
Work on an alert for your emails from your agent.
We don't rest until our clients confirm every self tape, audition and zoom call.
CONFIRM ASAP (Did we say ASAP enough???)
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Today we chat with Artist2Artist Creator and actor Kurt Evans.
We talk about how the industry has changed and the need to adapt. This is how Artist2Artist was born. Artist2Artist is a platform to introduce developmental actors to casting and agents. We are now on the list...
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Tip of the Day: What Are Your Special Skills
Casting is using the search engines on the casting profiles to see what you can do. List your skills!
There are certain roles that require special skills. Make sure to take advantage of your abilities and get noticed for it.
Only list what you really can do, and well.
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We are bringing some Inside Info to you!
How and when to apply to an agency whether you are a new or experienced actor.
Make sure to take care of your profiles and IMDB when shifting to a new agency.
Advice about actors that need to "plan" or have "goal" meetings.
Do you need more than one rep in Canada or in general? LA manager discussion....
Getting dropped by an agent and taking it as positive change.
Why did you not get a role? Don't take it personally and don't doubt your good work.
Take all of the great opportunities that come your way before the holiday break approaching.
If you are planning on going away for the holidays, bring your self-taping gear!
A quick tip about block shooting.
Tune in to Inside Info!
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