I joined a talent agency in Ohio, which I’ll call Global Talent, in 2014. I was focused on modeling, as I had years of experience as a Brand Ambassador and had participated in fashion shows. However, I was fresh out of college and needed a stable job to pay off my student loans. My availability to audition and book work was limited, and I was eventually let go from the agency.
I took a year or two off and reapplied to Global Talent, but was rejected. I then applied to another agency, which I’ll call the Harry Seldon Agency, and was accepted. I made my best effort to remain as available as I could while working full-time and not lose my representation. The first job I booked through my agency was as a background talent for an internal video for Philips Sonicare. It didn't pay much, but it was a start.
Over the next three to four years, I booked a total of four commercial print jobs through The Harry Seldon Agency. Two of these jobs paid over $1000 each, so I was happy with that. However, I really wanted to land film and TV roles. I received many TV/Film auditions, even during the strike, but wasn't able to book anything through my agency. However, I did book four TV/Film jobs by self-submitting myself to projects I felt fit via Actors Access.
One of my biggest goals is to work as a guest star in a Chicago-based series. There is a particular casting director who casts for these shows who follows Global Talent on social media, but not The Harry Seldon Agency. I also learned that The Harry Seldon Agency is not SAG-AFTRA franchised.
I decided that I wanted to "better position myself" for when the strike was over. That meant leaving The Harry Seldon Agency and applying to go back to Global Talent. I was accepted and emailed Harry Seldon Agency that I would be leaving effective immediately. Two of my agents called me the very next day to express their shock and try to convince me to stay. They also let me know that, per my contract, I was in violation having already signed with a new agency, and that I legally had to give them 30 days. I informed Global Talent of my mistake, and they understood.
My agent at The Harry Seldon Agency said that I should have spoken to her first before making the transition. Though I believe she was doing everything she could to get me auditions, I wanted to move to a place where I believed my opportunities would be better, even if ever so slightly.
I thanked my agent at The Harry Seldon Agency for everything she did for me during my time with the agency. I didn't want to burn any bridges upon my exit, and hoped that if needed I could return if it didn't work out.
I prayed and let go. I ultimately pray I made the best decision, but like everything else in life, it's all a learning experience. If I bump my head or fall, I can heal and grow from it.
I'm hoping for the best as I move on to bigger and better things.