Aaaannnnnd Scene. Why I left working at the talent agency.

After teaching so many actors for so many years “How to Get and Keep an Agent” my first reaction when I was invited by the head of the agency to train in the commercial department of 90210 Talent, and then take it over, was a resounding NO. My almost 2 decades of being one of the owners of Actors Connection prepared me for what I knew was going to be starting another new business. My gut instinct was in play and since my coaching/consulting company, Act Outside the Box, was doing great things with all of the insider info I now had, I felt it might not be the right move.  But after several days of thinking about it and conversations with the head of the agency, he convinced me to “try it on for size”. So I decided “why not”?

I took the opportunity to expand into what I thought was the natural progression of my own career – to become an agent.  Seemed like a good fit, but it actually wasn’t.  Here’s why…

I quickly came to realize that I liked, and was great at, HALF of the job. 

The part of the gig I loved was what I’d already been doing as a coach and marketing consultant, however the other half was being at the effect of outside influences that truly sapped my physical time and emotional energy.  These days, being an agent means being constantly tethered to a cell phone, computer screen and clients, casting directors, and crowds of other people (actors seeking representation, production folks with details for bookings, contract info, the union and the list goes on…) in a 24/7 business that never stops demanding attention.

First and foremost, I teach people that if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing and pursing your passion, move on…and fast!  Life is meant to be a joyful endeavor and we spend a majority of it at work, so you have to love your job.  Being an agent is hard work and though I’m one of the hardest workers I know, I soon knew I’d dug myself a hole that I had to get out of because I didn’t enjoy this kind of hard work.

Now don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of people and plenty of agents who thrive on this constant activity and do LOVE the fast pace of technology, but there are just as many others who are getting out of their line of work because they started out when the industry was quite different.  

As a coach and consultant, I have always had a huge respect for agents and have taught you that, in most cases, they work much harder in service of your career than you think. And in many cases more than you do. Yep, I just said that.  Working at the agency, I unhappily found that last statement to be true.  

When I realized that I worked all day, every day, in service of actor’s careers and that most of my clients did not treat their own career like they were actually in a business, I knew I could serve a LOT more actors by giving them yet another perspective on getting and keeping a rep. 

My thoughts about what the job would entail and what it actually was were very different and I’m going to share in my next several posts everything I learned so that you’ll have all of the vital and important information you need when seeking a rep or working with the one you have now. Stay tuned.

To Your Success, Lisa

 

44 replies
  1. Derick
    Derick says:

    Lisa! Lisa! Lisa! You are full of surprises, but that is what life is about trying different thing’s.

    Reply
    • Lisa Gold
      Lisa Gold says:

      Thanks Mary, the Emmys were a highlight. I have tons of photos with the cast of General Hospital as I sat in that section and was a guest at the after party. Sooooo much fun!

      Reply
  2. Leigha Mai-Ling
    Leigha Mai-Ling says:

    Oh wow, no I had no idea. Part of this Sat was to reconnect and reintroduce myself now that I’m in LA full time with a new look and well ready to take a new approach with my carer. One step at a time of coutse…and Sat is also my bday so figured it would be great start there with you, & others networking, talking about the dream, this industry, the career get some tips, spread some love, you know the reason I moved here in the first place and so I’ve invited others …. then continue the night with games and bowling, and fun!!! 🙂

    I do thank you for you’re transparency and keeping us posted on your endeavors, success, fails, learned lessons and comebacks. .. it helps give us hope to keep moving fwd as well.

    I look forward to and hope to discuss with you in person what’s next with you and your career as I also figure out mine. I hope to be able to do that Sat. But if LIFE happens and we don’t get the chance, then I look fwd to reading it in your newsletters.

    Wishing you continued success, growth, and blessings in all that you do,

    Thank you.

    Leigha

    Reply
    • Lisa Gold
      Lisa Gold says:

      Well we DID connect didn’t we? And on your birthday no less, with you winning that bottle of tequila on Seis de Mayo. Couldn’t happen to a nicer and more authentic gal. Trust me, I can do you a lot more good via THIS vehicle than at the agency. And I’m not going anywhere…I’m here to stay and do more events like the one last week! See you at the next one.

      Reply
  3. Bill Rapp
    Bill Rapp says:

    Following your head & heart is generally good advice, but not always doable. I’m happy that you could and have continued to keep me appraised.

    Reply
  4. Brian F O'Neil
    Brian F O'Neil says:

    Dear Lisa: I’m glad to hear that you had a learning experience but are ready to move on. For the EXACT same reasons I left representation. Exactly. It was not as hectic then, but it was hectic enough. All good wishes ! Brian

    Reply
    • Lisa Gold
      Lisa Gold says:

      Brian, I’m honored you read my emails and posts. Yes, I always had that inkling that it wasn’t a fit, but ignored it. Great experience though. So many that were agents like you before the use of the internet as a submission tool, are leaving in droves. It’s too fast, very time consuming (not time saving) and never ending. At a “certain” age, we’d like things to go a little smoother and slower, yes? Glad to hear that’s not JUST me! And great we both love actors enough to stay in this crazy business, serving where we can! xoxo

      Reply
  5. Jane Stanley Stroll
    Jane Stanley Stroll says:

    been without “real” representation for ever…I like what you had to say in this post and look forward to reading more. I don’t think i ever took a class with you but am interested in what you have learned and what you are sharing…thanks, Jane
    ps..looking for what is next using all the skills i have used and learned by using in this life time….actress……..coach…and social work supervisor….worked with the mentally ill…addictions….the homeless and a variety of issues we probably all share at one time or another and standup comic worked all across the country…based in New York city and write my own material…

    Reply
    • Lisa Gold
      Lisa Gold says:

      Jane the timing couldn’t be better. The trend these days is real people with real skills and real life experience. Now it’s time to market all that you do, yet put it in a cohesive order and marketing materials. When presented correctly, the reps will flock to you!

      Reply
  6. Daniel Danielson
    Daniel Danielson says:

    Thank you very much, you are an awesome resource and an incredible spirit. Ironically I am experiencing a similar situation with an agency that I am freelancing with here in the city…well, sort of similar, but anyway just to read your insight experience, perspectives and response has been extremely helpful, hope to see you soon!
    Daniel

    Reply
    • Lisa Gold
      Lisa Gold says:

      So happy Daniel if anything I’ve written or said is a source of relief of resistance or pain. Once you can see clearly, you can make better choices. I did and I know you will too.

      Reply
  7. Carol Massenburg
    Carol Massenburg says:

    Wow..thank you.Ms. Honest and Awesome…So looking forward to your seminars and coaching. thanks to you good things are happening for me. Will share in email..???

    Reply
    • Lisa Gold
      Lisa Gold says:

      Soooo happy for you Carol and it was great to see your beautiful and smiling face at the Seis de Mayo event last week. I’m happy Alan is getting you out there at the agency. You deserve to shine and make great money while you do it!

      Reply
    • Lisa Gold
      Lisa Gold says:

      Awwww shucks Daryl. Glad you miss me! Right now my heart lies in the sun…and there’s just not enough of it in NY. But I’ll be visiting soon and be sure to let the entire community know when that is.

      Reply
  8. John Galmiche
    John Galmiche says:

    Lisa..

    Sort’ve sad you left the agency but HAPPY you’re doing what YOU need to do..for YOU! I hope you had a great experience/ride while doing it! All the best,

    John

    Reply
    • Lisa Gold
      Lisa Gold says:

      Thanks John and it was wonderful to see you at our Seis de Mayo event after a few years of being MIA…me, not you! The experience I gained while at the agency was perfect. This way I can pass on all of the inside info I only heard about, but now have walked in those shoes. Stay tuned…

      Reply
    • Lisa Gold
      Lisa Gold says:

      Giiiiiirrrrrl, that’s the JUICE in this life. Trying NEW things is all I ever want to do…and when it feels good, I do more of it. Expansion is our natural state of being. Sometimes we expand into something that propels us even farther forward and sometimes it doesn’t. Quickly identifying which path you’re on is key.

      Reply
  9. Vanessa Dewing
    Vanessa Dewing says:

    Hey Lisa- you are so greatly missed, bit I feeeeeel your relief and joy of going back to what you love! So so happy for you!! Cheers to ALL our success and to the family and friends we meet in between! Sending you love and hugs!!!!

    Reply
    • Lisa Gold
      Lisa Gold says:

      Hey Vanessa, we were connected here first, then at the agency, and now full circle. You’re in great hands with great people. That was the hardest part of leaving, but yes, I’m so very happy to be back where I belong!

      Reply
  10. Debra Kurtz
    Debra Kurtz says:

    Perfect timing for this post. I look forward to the continuation of this topic. Thanks for all you do Debra Kurtz

    Reply
    • Lisa Gold
      Lisa Gold says:

      Thanks Debra, this topic is one that will be the highest on my list…and my “brand” if you will. It seems a mystery, but it’s not. That’s what I will be sharing so stay tuned…

      Reply
  11. Bill Ramiro
    Bill Ramiro says:

    Welcome back,
    You are an artist so your place is in inspiration, talent, communication, motivation, new ideas, human identities and fun.
    Nice to have you back !

    Reply
  12. Kirk Taylor
    Kirk Taylor says:

    Thank you, Lisa!
    You are most definitely missed… But bravo to you, for following your heart and passion. Looking forward to future endeavors together.

    Reply
  13. Andy Young
    Andy Young says:

    Hi Lisa;
    Thank you so much for your honesty, insight and sharing your experiences with us (actors). I look forward to reading and learning from your post.
    Thanks,
    Andy

    Reply
  14. George Ison
    George Ison says:

    Thank you Lisa for sharing your truth and personal experience on the subject matter. Please keep motivating and inspiring us as actors and those pursuing ours goals in this life!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply to Jane Stanley Stroll Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *