VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Welsh VO]

Hello all!

Apologies for not being very present on this group. Turns out, moving your family to another continent keeps you fairly busy.
Aaaaanyway...I have a question about US agents. I have recently been lucky enough to have been offered representation by a few agents and am now wondering how many is too many? Actually, I don't really want many but not being very informed on US agents I'm not sure who to choose when I have two in similar areas. Is anyone willing to have a chat or advise?

Thanks! Noni
_________________
Noni Lewis
www.welshvoiceover.co.uk

[paulstefano]

I can share my similar experience. I am by no means an expert, especially on the VOBB, so take this advice as someone also new to the process.

I recently landed with 5 different agents, all within the last month. Admittedly, I didn't do much research at first and signed with whomever was willing to accept me. My thought was, anyone willing to accept me was good enough at this point in my career. I still feel that way.

After looking around at a lot of agency rosters, I now know that most of my agents are boutique agencies. Some claim to be national, or even international, in the case of one based in London, but I don't think they have that much reach. Some have really high profile talent on their rosters but I have also noticed that those talents do not list my agents among their representation on their own sites.

So, hope that helps. I am by no means upset at this point with my representation, I'm still tickled pink that I'm on a roster at all. That said, I'm not looking anymore until my profile and talent match what is needed to land with one of the "Big Boys".

Paul
_________________
http://www.paulstefano.com

[bobsouer]

Noni,

I would be delighted to chat with you any time. We can Skype or phone or whatever suits you best.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

[Welsh VO]

Thanks both.
Bob, that would be great! Can I call you in about half an hour or so?
_________________
Noni Lewis
www.welshvoiceover.co.uk

[paulstefano]

By the way, Noni, based on voicebank, looks like we share at least 1 Agent.
_________________
http://www.paulstefano.com

[Welsh VO]

So we do Paul!
It's a nice dilema to have. Just need to make smart choices.
Thanks for the chat Bob!
_________________
Noni Lewis
www.welshvoiceover.co.uk

[bobsouer]

Noni,

It's always a joy talking with you!
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

[Bish]

Hey Noni (sorry... I couldn't help myself)

What you have to remember is that over here you are classed as a niche talent and the normal rules do not apply. You cannot afford to be exclusive in any of the major markets with any single agent. Currently I have two NY Union agents with whom I freelance. Neither requested exclusivity, and each is aware of the other. They are both happy to have me as a freelance. Of my other agents, most don't care, two ask for a small geographic exclusivity, and one happily dropped their requirement once I raised an eyebrow.*

So... short answer... as a niche talent, get yourself on as many quality rosters as possible. If anyone asks for exclusivity, look closely at the geographic requirements. Real agents will understand your niche position and be happy to have access to your unique sound on your terms.

If you want to chat about the British perspective, just drop me a line.

*my eyebrow raising can be devastating
_________________
Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.