Choosing a Talent Agent to represent you is one of the most important and difficult tasks you will encounter as a Performer. Talent Agents negotiate your above-minimum rates and working conditions for all the productions for which you will be hired. Your relationship with your Agent is crucial. Choose wisely and always do your own personal research into any agency you are considering for representation.
If a Talent Agency charges an exorbitant “sign-up” or “administration fee”, they are already making money without having to actually find work for performers. Talent Agents should make their money by charging only the industry standard commission rate, 15% plus GST, on work they procure for you in the film and television industry. Also, an Agent should help you with your resume and give you pointers on headshots; you should not be required to use a particular photographer/make up artist, etc. If they force services on you, the Agent is likely making more money off of an unsuspecting performer. If an agency guarantees you work, or tells you that they are working with a particular production, these are likely false claims.
WE CANNOT GIVE OUR OPINION ABOUT WHETHER A PARTICULAR AGENCY IS LEGITIMATE OR NOT. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
Points to Consider When Choosing an Agent
- Does the Agency currently represent ACTRA Full Members, Apprentice Members and ACTRA Additional Background Performers?
- Is the Agent familiar with all the Collective Agreements negotiated and administered by ACTRA?
- Are they registered with a breakdown service (i.e. Casting Workbook, Breakdown Services)?
- Does the Agency use pressure tactics, discounts, and promises or guarantees of work and money?
- Does the Agency charge you for services performed on your behalf? If yes, what are the services and how much do they charge? Are the fees reasonable for the services they claim to provide to you?
- Does the agency require you to take classes and workshops from them? Agencies may offer classes and workshops, but you should not be required to take them as a condition of your representation.
- Does the Agency require you to use an in-house or specified photographer? (They may recommend photographers, but they should not require you to use a specific photographer.)
- Does the Agency ask you to sign a contract without giving you time to think about your decision or without suggesting you check it with a lawyer?
- Are you comfortable with the cancellation terms in the Agency contract?
- Who receives residual payments on your behalf after you terminate your relationship with your current Agent? Remember to speak with other Performers about their own personal representation and experiences. This may also assist you in making your choice for the right Agent for you.
Below, you will find a list of Talent Agencies that operate in Calgary and Edmonton- THEY ARE NOT FRANCHISED AGENTS. ACTRA does not endorse, promote or recommend Talent Agencies. This listing is simply a courtesy. Before settling on one agency, DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Meet with different agencies until you find the one that will represent you to the extent you desire.
Talent Agencies are businesses. Contact the Better Business Bureau of Southern Alberta to see if a complaint has been lodged against the Agency you are investigating.
ACTRA is not responsible for the business practices of any of these agencies and does not have any recourse against an agency should you feel you have been scammed. ACTRA reserves the right to add or remove agencies from this listing at its sole discretion.
CALGARY TALENT AGENCIES
Callback Artist & Management Inc. (Comedic Talent)
422 – 11 Street N.E.
Calgary, Alberta T2E 4N6
Contact: Nancy Beaven
Office: (403) 532-7601
Fax: (403) 532-7607
Toll Free: 1-866-470-8601
Website: www.callbackent.com
Dagaz Talent (Principal)
3014-28 Street SW
Calgary, AB T3E 2J4
Contact: Roxanne Ellison
Phone: (403) 230-3220
Website: www.dagaztalent.com
Details Talent (Principle and Model)
2106 33 Ave SW
PO BOX 86027
Calgary, Ab, T2T 6B7
Contact: Kelsea Forzani
Phone: (403) 801-9555
Website: www.detailstalent.com
Patti Falconer Talent (Model, Principal and Background)
2523-17 Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T3E 0A2
Contact: Patti Falconer
Phone: (403) 249-8222
Website: www.pattifalconer.com
Platinum Talent Management Inc
Film Television Commercials Print Promotions and Celebrity Endorsements
1106-163 Quarry Park Blvd SE
Calgary Alberta T2C 5E1
Contact: Carla Brown
Phone 403-294-0094
web site: www.platinumtalentmgt.com
email: booking@platinumtalentmgt.com
Sophia Models
1322-15 Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T3C 0X7
Contact: Bill Giofu
Phone: (403) 228-4948
TBA Talent Inc. (Principle / Background)
Contact: Tracy Walaschuk
Phone: (403) 457-4377
Fax: (403) 764-3544
Talent Incorporated (Principal and Background)
Contact: Paul Ritchie
Phone: (403) 948-0864
Website: www.talentinc.ca
Ten48 Management Inc (Principle and Model)
Calgary
Contact: Jay Fox
Phone: (403) 560 1048
Website: www.ten48.com
Email info@ten48.com
Top Gun Talent (Principle, Background & Model)
Contact: Drew Persram & Ryan Clark
Phone: (403) 560-3884 & (403) 860-2771
Website: www.topguntalent.ca
EDMONTON TALENT AGENCIES
Circle Talent (Principal and Background)
Contact: Bea Janisch
Phone: (780) 458-2676
Darryl Mork Talent Management (Principal and Background)
P.O. Box 52120
Edmonton, AB T6G 2T5
Contact: Darryl Mork
Phone: (780) 455-4215
Ebbels Talent Alberta (Principal)
Contact: Elizabeth Ebbels
Phone: (780) 988-9342
Great West Canadian Talent (Principal and Background)
Contact: Bill Davidson
Phone: (780) 944-1591
Serendipity Talent Management (Principal and Background)
Box 78007
RPO Collingwood
Edmonton, Alberta T5T 6A1
Contact: Sherry Packolyk
Phone: (780) 902-8623
