ei Management

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Q.		How long have you been in business?
A.		We began as a photography company shooting in Michigan in 1971. We relocated the business to California in 1987. We began doing management in 1998.

Q.		What kind of talent do you work with?
A.		We provide management services to actors and models. While we realize that other artists require management as well, we are not equipped for other crafts. We do work with talent of all ages and at all levels.

Q.		Will you manage everyone who asks?
A.		While we would like to, this is a business. More importantly, we would be doing our clients a disservice by working with everyone who applied. Our purpose is to help people with legitimate talent succeed in the industry. That means looking at what everyone has to offer and helping those who have to ability succeed when they wouldn't be able to do it themselves. Not everyone will make it in this business, but some will. We want to be a part of your success.

Q.		You are photographers, do you charge your clients to take their pictures?
A.		It is true, we got our start as photographers and we continue in production today. Indeed, the fact that we still practice our craft is part of why we went into management and not representation. While it may be unethical, and in some cases unlawful, for an agent to be a photographer or a director, there is no such conflict of interest for managers. Indeed, there are managers in all aspects of the business. It is also a reason why production people choose to be managers when they enter that facet of the business. To answer the question, NO, we never charge our clients for photography, or for that matter video. It is an interesting anomaly of our business model. While we make money with our cameras, we provide headshot and portfolio assistance to our clients for free. It is just part of the service we perform.

Q.		Why do you provide your photography services at no charge to your clients?
A.		The only way for talent to succeed is with good headshots and good collateral materials. Our clients need the right collateral materials. While a lot of young models and actors try to find photographers to trade with, most are not qualified to provide commercially viable images and/or video. Our success is tied to our client's success. It is in our best interested to see them succeed.

Q.		What kinds of materials will you provide or help develop?
A.		The answer is that it will depend on the model or actor. For some, all that will be needed is a simple headshot. For others we'll need to shoot an entire portfolio or create a demo reel. Models will often need comp cards. As part of the service we'll help our talent determine what they need for their own unique situation and then help them put it together.

Q.		Do you work with models or actors under eighteen?
A.		Youth is the essence of the fashion industry. Kids of all ages are seen in film and television every day. To some degree, it is the younger talent that needs the initial guidance the most. It is not only the client that needs direction, but the parents as well. We have no restrictions as to working with youth except that it must be age appropriate. Defining what is "age appropriate" can sometimes be difficult, but that goes to the root of good management. We help our clients and their parents set a reasonable and rational course for their age and goals.

Q.		Will you answer my e-mail for me?
A.		One of the big distinctions between an agent and a manager, particularly in California, is that a manager will not bill or collect nor will they negotiate or enter into a contract on their behalf. In short, a manager is not going to act in your stead. The question is, why would you want them to? A good manager will go over your opportunities with you and provide career guidance and advice. A good manager will help you check the references of the people who want to work with you and the veracity of the offers. A qualified manager will interface with your agent or agents to be sure that you understand the direction your agent is taking you. More importantly, a good manager will help you learn to speak for yourself, think for yourself and groom you to be the professional you want to be. Putting aside the fact that you may miss opportunities if a manager tries to speak on your behalf, part of being successful is learning to communicate effectively and use good judgment. A great manager will be your mentor, not your babysitter.

Q.		Will you give me legal advice?
A.		A qualified manager can clearly help you, from a business point of view, to evaluate offers and agreements. A good manager can help you understand the licenses and agreements which are common in the industry. We are not, however, attorneys and cannot provide you with legal advice. If the time comes where legal advice is needed, it is our policy to refer our clients to qualified, licensed attorneys to answer their questions.

Management for the successful model or actor -- (415) 601-5475