Orion Barnes
Theatrical and commercial agent and owner,
Rogers Orion Talent Agency, Los Angeles
Just like any other relationship, there is a whole laundry list of factors in play here. I tend to fall on the more personal style of representation. I invest in the person, rather than the very businesslike mindset of investing in the actor. So yes, I confess it is hard not to take it personally when a client leaves. But this feeling is usually very short-lived. Why? Well, on a practical level, there isn't really time to worry about it -- literally. But also, being a former actor, I can see things from the point of view of the other side of the desk. At the end of the day, sometimes things just don't click, and who is it helping to stay put?
Just today I had a very, very dear client get an offer from an agency that truly specializes in her type -- so much so, in fact, that if I wasn't her agent, that other agency would be where I would place her. She handled it the right way, though. She came in, she explained her situation, and by doing so she respected me, my agency, and the work I had done for her. Sure, it stings, but at the end of the day both of us had to come to grips with the sometimes emotionally disconnected business side of show business. And it's okay -- as long as you remember the "respect" part.
Barry Kolker
Theatrical agent and owner,
Carson/Kolker Organization, New York
Yes and no. It depends on how the client handles the situation; it's on a case-by-case basis. For example, an ex-client recently did not give me book-out dates -- dates for which a client isn't available. This client also gave me a [supposedly flexible] work schedule but couldn't switch it with sufficient notice for an audition. If this wasn't frustrating enough, I called the client with an audition and was told, "I won't go on this audition through you; I'm leaving you."
The client explained that they wanted to tell me in person and had planned to do so at an appointment with me a couple of weeks ago but then ended up being out of town. Why this ex-client expected me to know that the meeting to sign contracts was really about telling me in person that they were leaving is beyond comprehension. This situation was handled carelessly and was a little hurtful and disrespectful of me and my work on their behalf. Also, I had a client who left me via email. Even on the email, they said, "I shouldn't be handling it this way." Then why did they?
Adam Lieblein
Theatrical and commercial agent and president,
Acme Talent & Literary, Los Angeles
Here are some examples of what happens to the emotions of an agent at a small-to-midsized agency like my own: When a developmental client who rarely gets auditions leaves the agency, we feel relieved. They left us before we had to release them. It's good timing. When an established actor who maintains a consistent level of income chooses to leave, we become frustrated, may even try to change their mind, but ultimately we are left with a feeling of personal loss. We blame ourselves for not helping that client get to the next level of their craft or for not creating a relationship of trust that was strong enough to withstand moments of inactivity. Most of the time it's not our fault, but the client's decision will make it seem as if it is.
The real emotions spill out when we sign a developmental client and truly grow their career into one that provides a healthy income. That kind of development takes a tremendous amount of work on the part of the agency. It's not just submissions; it's relationships, pitching, pushing, favors, prodding, begging, advising, searching, negotiating, networking, and spinning, combined with the expertise learned through years of agenting, that help make an actor successful. It's a significant investment of time, energy, and emotion for an agent. When that actor chooses to leave the agency, it's very, very personal. It's rejection at its worst. Of course they will tell their agent, "It's just business," but it's like getting married, learning how to be a good lover and spouse, and then divorcing that person to "trade up."
The best advice I can give you is be nice to your agent but don't try to be their best friend. If you must leave them in the future, or if they must release you, then the friendship will probably end, leaving both sides with emptiness and regret.
Jeremy Zall
Theatrical agent and partner,
Kolstein Talent Agency, New York
At KTA, we've established a trial period prior to signing any new client. During this period, we work on an exclusive basis. That way we can all experience what the working relationship might be, going forward. There have been more than a few times when we have agreed mutually not to move to the next phase together. I consider this trial period vital in predicting how successful the agent-talent relationship might be.
I am happy to say that to date, I have not had any signed client request to terminate their relationship with me. I assume that in the future this could happen. And to answer your question truthfully, if this happened and I had been giving full attention to the actor and getting that actor meetings and auditions, I certainly would take it personally. If I had not been successful in getting the client seen, I would expect that the contract should be terminated. A nonworking actor helps no one.
This business, as a whole, is built on relationships and, although some may disagree, loyalty. It's about communication, expectations, and being realistic. We encourage our actors to be honest with us at all times, even if they feel we need to adjust our approach or work differently on their behalf.