TAKING THE NEXT STEP: understanding the value of a talent agent
With the film industry in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region booming, presenting oneself professionally is a mandatory part of landing auditions and booking roles. Having strong, regional representation could take your career to the next level…and a key part of that success is knowing how to make that relationship as mutually beneficial as possible.
Please join us for a very special panel discussion:
TAKING THE NEXT STEP: 
Understanding the Value of a Talent Agent
Click here to see Erica talk about the event!
Some of the most prominent East Coast agents (from New York to Atlanta) will discuss their role in the film and TV industry, how they interact with regional casting directors and how they find talent. They will answer your questions and discuss industry standards and trends, and may even share some secrets! Moderated by casting director/producer Erica Arvold, CSA. The discussion will focus on both adult and child actors, including:
-What can an actor do to help their agent land more auditions for them?
-When should an actor look for a coach or instructor?
-How do NY or Southeast agents work with regional casting directors?
-What do agents look for in child actors?
-What can an actor who wants to take their career to the next level do to attract an agent?
-How do talent agents and managers work together?
-Can a Mid-Atlantic actor really book a role on an Atlanta or a NY based project?
Panelists include:
Samantha Stoller, Abrams Artists
Susan G. Reid, Atlanta Models & Talent
Rusty Wiggs, Artist Resource Agency
Alexander White, Alexander White Agency
Kecia Michelle, JTA Talent
Terri Dollar, Kids Unlimited
Susan Tolar Walters, STW Talent
Collectively, these agents represent talent that have booked principal roles in hundreds of feature films, including Forrest Gump, The Blind Side, Dallas Buyers Club, Iron Man 3, The Color Purple, We’re The Millers, Prisoners, The Hunger Games, Selma, A Walk In The Woods, Ant Man, Fantastic Four, Lincoln; their collected TV credits include The Walking Dead, Homeland, Nashville, One Tree Hill, Eastbound and Down, Under The Dome, The Vampire Diaries, Drop Dead Diva, and America Horror Story.
This panel discussion is open to all levels of experience, to actors, managers, coaches, and industry professionals alike! If you have an interest in the actor’s side of the business, are represented currently, or just starting out, we encourage you to come join the discussion.
The panel discussion will be followed by a meet & greet at a nearby location.
Tickets are $45 in advance (through January 30) or $55 at the door**
Child actors, ages 10 and above, are welcome!
Please note: any actor under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
**There are a limited number of discounted tickets ($40) for current VPA members; if you are a VPA member, please email info at virginiaproductionalliance.org for the discount code, and click on the event page to get your ticket, using the code.
For out-of-town guests looking to stay the night, please feel free to call the Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown at 1-877-782-9444 by Friday, January 16, 2015 for a special discounted rate of $119 per night (not including taxes) for the evenings of Friday, January 30 and/or Saturday, January 31. When calling, please identify yourself as a member of arvold.education. Following the reservation cut-off date, guest rooms are subject to availability and the hotel’s prevailing room rates. First come, first served!
Our mission at arvold is to raise the bar of actors & film artists in the Mid-Atlantic and surrounding regions. A very special thank you to Andy Edmunds and our event sponsors, The Virginia Film Office, The Byrd Theatre, and Breakdown/Actors Access. You make this possible.