VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Joniv · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:40 pm Post subject: Anyone know these guys?

I've got some questions about Heyman Talent in Cincinnati, OH, USA. They're asking for a $125 fee to have my demo included on their site. Anyone know about these guys? Please contact me via private message or email if you have specifics. Thanks!
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Joni Lambert
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Deirdre · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:10 pm Post subject:

Anyone asking for a "fee to be listed" is suspect.

I recommend running for the exit.
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TC · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:42 pm Post subject:

I don't know anything about that agency, but every reputable non-union talent agency in Chicago that I've come across is doing the same thing. They'll represent you if you don't put your demo on their site, but they strongly encourage you to post your demo, because that's the way most people are searching for talent these days (or so they claim -- and I have no reason not to believe that's true). And they typically charge about $100 to $150 annually for the posting.

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:45 pm Post subject:

Good lord, what a rip.
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Joniv · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:46 pm Post subject:

TC- that's exactly what they told me.
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Joni Lambert
www.jonilambert.com

Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

Heyman is a legitimate agency in Cincinnati. I was actually represented by them for a while some years ago and, if I am correct, vo-bb's Glenn Moore is with them currently. I don't know how much luck he has had with them, though. Rumor has it, they had a big personnel shake-up in their VO dept. and have been trying to get it back up to par.

As for the fee, that is standard practice around these parts. It pays for the web site costs, since every agent I know hires web designers to maintain their sites. They will probably offer to take it out of your first job's pay, instead of getting it up front.

Am I defending the practice, no. Just filling you in on how this area works.

TC · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:53 pm Post subject:

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 3:21 pm Post subject:

It's still a pound of goddamned flesh.

It's "revenue enhancement".

It sure as hell doesn't cost no $150 to put up and host a VO demo, believe me.
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Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

SoundsGreat-Elaine Singer · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 3:31 pm Post subject:

I know of an agency that asks for $250 per year to put your demo on their website. They are raking in close to $40,000 a year just from that. I can't believe that's what it costs them to maintain their site. And I don't think that's where they should be making their profit.
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Elaine
The Youthful Mature Voice (Emeritus)
Senectitude is not for the faint of heart.

Joniv · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 3:50 pm Post subject:

Boy, it's going to get expensive to do business if we have to pay a web fee or AgencyPro for every agent or casting house we want to work with. And with no promises of work.
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Joni Lambert
www.jonilambert.com

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 4:00 pm Post subject:

Look on the bright side, after all that time, money and effort on your part the agent will call you proudly saying ....

"Hey, I've got you an audition".

Presumably clients get artists to pay some form of attendance fee, it's only fair as all but one person is wasting his valuable time.

Glenn Moore · Been Here Awhile Joined: 24 Jan 2005 Posts: 241

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davediamondprovo · Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 12:32 pm Post subject: My $.02

They don't sound like an agency. They sound like a showcase. Any reputable 'agency' will place you on their site gratis. An 'agency' can't legally bill you for promoting you and still collect the industry standard 10% each pay period.
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David

Joniv · Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 12:39 pm Post subject:

I have an agent in Houston that did charge $25 to go up on their voicebank.net site. I've gotten work from them, so I know they're on the level.
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Joni Lambert
www.jonilambert.com