VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

SeptemberDay · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 11:18 am Post subject: Letting An Agent Go

So I'm with Agency A and Agency B has come a-calling. Agency B wants to represent me exclusively in this particular city and wants me to drop Agency A. To be honest, Agency A hasn't been that great. What is the most professional way to cut ties and still be on good terms? Letter? Phone call? Dancing bear?
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

First, be reasonably confident that Agency "B" will be an improvement.

SeptemberDay · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 11:24 am Post subject:

Good advice Smile

I have contacted people who are with Agency B just to get their opinion and it seems like it would be a better fit for me.
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davidmonteath · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 11:38 am Post subject:

I would go with the dancing bear...or perhaps a Puma wearing a big bow tie with 'Open Me' stamped on it and a glittery card which tells them that due to the economic downturn you will have to let them go, you are just as disappointed as they will be, there just isn't much work about, you really feel for them and perhaps some new headshots might help etc.
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Patricia Shanks · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 11:44 am Post subject: Well ...

You could tell agency A that you know this great VO talent in California (moi) who can fill that spot you are vacating. No? Ah, well. Just a thought. Inoccent

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CarynClark · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 12:49 pm Post subject:

Ember, as has been said, I think checking with people already rep'd by the agency you're looking at going with is a good idea. Most of them are a crapshoot anyway.
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SeptemberDay · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 12:57 pm Post subject:

Well, it's more that I want to know how to let Agency A down. Is this a call situation or a letter one? I hate conflict and unpleasant, uncomfortable situations and, I know they are a business and won't get hurt feelings, but I feel a bit...guilty.
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Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:04 pm Post subject:

"I've decided to go in another direction" ??

If you've ever worked in radio, that's the standard line given to staff being let go ...
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CarynClark · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:06 pm Post subject:

Oh, yeah, right... sorry, blonde moment.

I'd call. It sucks to talk about stuff like this, but it's always better to talk than to email in this type of situation, I find.

That's just me.
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

If you're not getting bookings through them, you're not making money and
they're not making money.
It's not like they'll be losing billings with your depearture. I'm not implying that you're not extremely talented, you are, but that their marketing of your talent may be suspect.

I don't think there will be any "confrontation".

Quoting from JERRY MCGUIRE..."its not Show FRIENDS,
its Show BUSINESS.

On to someone who will work for YOU and their commisions.
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MuseVox · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:56 pm Post subject:

If by your statement that "Agency A has not been great" you mean

1. they have gotten you little to no work,
2. you have made little to no money through them
3. you have made them little to no money
or
4. they are slow to pay me when I have made them money

Then you both do not have much to lose by parting ways.

However, as has been said here by many, I would be very cautious about putting my vocal eggs in one basket, even with others vouching for Agency B. Could you request to be nonexclusive for a trial period with Agency B before signing with them exclusively?

All the best,
~Sarah
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Hasser · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 2:14 pm Post subject:

Tough call Ember...
Are we talking about Voices.com and Voice 123 Question

You may slap me now Embarrassed

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paddyo · CM Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 975 Location: New York City

Frank F · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 4:14 pm Post subject:

I am the kind of person who goes back to the old-school style when dealing with situations such as described. meaning: "Do it in person".

If you cannot do the "firing" in person due to location, as Agency A and B are in another state, city, country then a phone call is appropriate.

With each conversation involved, discuss the agencies benefits (What can they do for you?), the problems, the good times, and the bad. Allow "Agency A" the opportunity to re-impress you with their capabilities before making your choice.

The is the year of "Personal Marketing" and firing an agent is among those issues which require the personal touch. This is a case of manners and morals, but remember this is a business and your choice in this matter is a business decision.

Another option is to discuss the situation with both of the agencies involved. Search for a compromise scenario, where neither agency is hurt, but neither agency has you exclusively. (Exclusivity = another antiquated process to block the free trade process).

With a compromise in place you can evaluate the ethics of each agency, their respective effectiveness in marketing your talents, and how you fit in the process. Later when the agencies involved have shown their true colors, you can make an informed decision. This process may work to your advantage as it will prompt each agency find more opportunities for your talents.

Think outside the box in 2009 -- the computer box that is...

Toodles

F2
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Lee Gordon · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 4:39 pm Post subject:

Do you have a writen contract with Agency A? If so, there's probably a clause in there regarding termination of the relationship. And that probably requires a certain period of written notice. Sort of like breaking a lease.

Even if you don't have such an agreement, I would inform the agency by way of a letter just because having things in writing eliminates any ambiguity if someone decides to take legal action at some time in the future.

That said, there is no reason not to supplement your letter with some other, more personal gesture, whether it's a phone call or a face to face meeting. You can say something to the effect, "I've sent the agency a letter but I wanted to let you know personally ... "
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