VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

,...my one and only agent has been my "hometown" agent.

Now it looks like another agency in a different market (northeast)
is ready to sign me.

No conflicts between the two agencies geographically..

They are asking for professional references. Would my current agent (who I have a good relationship with) be an appropriate reference(with her permission of course)

I'm mainly wondering if asking her would be okay or a faux pas.

I'm thinking probably it would but,...whaddaya think?

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 4:18 pm Post subject:

Probably looking for someone who has bought you as opposed to someone who has sold you. For this reason another agent is not appropriate.

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 4:26 pm Post subject:

There will be some duplication in auditions (those from Voicebank), so asking for one agent to support you in sharing their wealth might be asking too much.
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bobsouer · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 8:08 pm Post subject:

Rob,

Philip has hit the nail on the head (no surprise there) and I too would suggest getting references from some of your clients to send to your prospective new agent.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Thanks all. Good points, all well-taken.

anthonyVO · 14th Avenue Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Posts: 1470 Location: NYC

mr. banks is dead on.

i'm going to take it a bit further - if an agent is asking for "professional" references, then they might be looking for an assistant or someone to work in their office Wink

I'm kidding, but I mean it! A good agent should be able to evaluate you on your demo, your work, and a chat (in person or over the phone). Just food for thought.

If it means anything - probably not - based on what I've heard from you, you'll have no problem landing ANYONE - with or without references!

-Anthony

Ed Gambill · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 5:55 am Post subject:

Send Him/Her your Demo. If they can't figure it out then maybe you need their references.

Come to think of it, that seems to me tobe the way it should go.

After all they are saying they can help you and they are going to handle your money.

Who are their satisfied customers?
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 1:56 pm Post subject:

Ed is spot-on. You are hiring THEM. Not the other way around.
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Frank F · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 2:07 pm Post subject:

Good points Anthony and Ed.

The only reason I could see for asking for the reference data would be to use the information in marketing. However, the VA is the "employer" of the agent and should operate within the employers directions. Who's the boss?

Ask the "agent" to explain hem/herself about the request before getting riled. This is your right as a prospective employer and their duty as a prospective employee (contract or not).

Why does the agency need this information? Who will see this information and why? What does the agent consider as his/her rights? What are the rules governing the agents actions as an employee? What are the terms of this relationship?

Toodles

F2
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Yoda117 · Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 8:52 pm Post subject:

What Jeff, Frank, and Ed say is true.

However, it's also a good indicator for an agent to see a rough sampling of stuff that you've actually booked, and what type(s) of VO you seem to do well at .

It's one thing to ask if you're familiar with the talent already, but when you're not from the area it makes things a little different.

I always do my research before chatting before a potential employer, and I know that they do the same to me. Your relationship with your agent should be a business relationship, and just like when you start a new business relationship, the potential client want to see what you're capable of.

Just thinking about the opposite side of the coin and all that.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Thanks, everybody.

And thank you, Anthony..

Bruce · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 7:56 am Post subject:

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

I appreciate everyone's input.

Maybe I should be, but I'm not really put off by their requesting industry references.

But hey, it's good to get some different perspectives!

Ed Gambill · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 9:37 am Post subject:

I agree with Bruce, you can learn a lot for a VO's web site. If I can, any serious agent can as well.

There is no reason not to exchange information between folks who are embarking on a business venture. I believe we are saying it is not a one way street.

I have often been handed contracts for business deals that were written for one side of the table (their side). I take them read carefully and rewrite them so they sit (as best I can) in the middle of the table, benefiting all parties equally.

Never had a complaint yet and if they did I would walk away.

They have a natural right, just as you do to be equally satisfied with the venture at hand and what each expects.

I forgot to say GOOD LUCK, GOOD ON YOU!

Ed
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