Hello, I  have a daughter who is 14 and is currently signed on with a talent agency in SF, we are located in the Bay Area, however, actively seeking representation in LA.  My daughter's been signed up with the agency since early December '07 and it's now July and has gotten only 1 paying job, the rest have been unpaid acting jobs, modeling or things that she's been selected for thru the local production company that she's signed up with (they provide acting, modeling, singing & dancing class opportunities, etc.).  The contract states that if after 4 months of being signed on with them that they don't get you work, they can choose to drop you and vice versa.  I was tempted to submit to another NOCAL talent agency and then she got her first paying acting job right at the 4 month cut off.  I want to know if there's anything stopping me, would I be in violation of our contract if I decide to go with another talent agency in NOCAL?  It just seems that this agency is not doing much for my daughter, we are almost left to do many things on our own.  Thanks!

Hi Edie,

 Let me check with a couple of agents for advice and see what they have to say.  Have you talked to your current agent about ending your contract with them?

Trisha 

Hi Trish, thanks for responding! No, I've not put it out there yet, I don't want to "rock the boat". It's nice to have the backing of a talent agency, but honestly, I am not sure what if anything, they are really doing for my daughter. I know it's a waiting game and all involved need to have lots of patience, my daughter has had some successes thus far and it feels so close, her aspirations have not at all faded away, to my amazement-she's ambitious and determined to make it. Thanks again and hope to hear from you soon.  -Edie

 One thing I have learned about this business is that people move around ALL the time.  It is not uncommon at all.  You should look at your daughters agent as someone who works FOR her.  If you feel they are not doing their job, I see nothing wrong with moving on.  I would check over your contract in detail and see if you can find someone else who might be a better fit for your daughter.

 I also want to say congratulations to her for being persistant and patient! It is a tough balance that a lot of people find hard to come to terms with.  

Thanks so much for checking into this for us.  I will definately check it over once more, I don't want to be in any sort of weird conflict with her and make it uncomfortable for my daughter in the future.  Thanks again and your information is most definately appreciated!  Have a great day!  -Edie Cisneros