The Clutts Agency was founded in 1997 by former Neiman Marcus Art Director John Clutts, and is now one of the most reputable talent agencies in Dallas, Texas today. It represents actors—both children and adults—as well as models, hair and make-up technicians, and even manages locations for photo shoots. Damaris Grogan is the adult talent agent and Anne Welch works with kids. Here, they share their perspective on clients, the climate of the industry in Texas, and how they see it shifting.
On when they started and what clients they represent.
According to Grogan, “I began working at The Clutts Agency in May 2014. I previously worked for another agency, which is where I realized that being an agent was definitely my passion. I now represent adults 18 and over.”
“I began working in 2003,” says Welch, “and started the children's division. We now represent about 275 children ranging from infants through teens.”
On opportunities for Texas-based actors.
“I feel that the best opportunities for my clients have always been created by the relationships that I've developed,” says Grogan. “But things have definitely gotten busier throughout the years. With so much of this business being electronically-based now, it's a lot easier to submit talent to larger markets like L.A. or N.Y.” She adds, “The commercial and print market in Texas has grown tremendously over the years, but I would also love to see more episodic and film work come to Texas.”
According to Welch, “I started my career as a children's agent in 1989 at the Kim Dawson Agency and worked there for nearly 12 years. There seems to have been many more union commercial opportunities back in the 1990s. There were also more opportunities for feature films, movies of the week, and industrial films. Many local clients have since closed or moved away in recent years.”
On the state of the industry in Texas.
Grogan believes that there are opportunities in Dallas, “as well as the surrounding markets like Austin, Louisiana, and Atlanta, which also offer enormous amounts of opportunity.”
On how The Clutts Agency differs from others in Texas.
Clutts is a boutique agency, and as such, “we are very selective on who we sign and are careful not to have too many of one particular type," says Grogan. "If you are signed to the agency it's because we want you; each person that I represent plays an essential role on our roster. I feel that quality is a lot better than quantity, for sure.” Clutts is also the only talent agency that also represents artists and manages locations for both video and photo shoots.
On whether Texas is a good place for actors to work.
“Yes, it's a great market that is only getting better,” says Grogan.
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