The Association of Talent Agents

Looking into talent agencies and how they do business is a great way for me to get an idea of how my creative directing and artist development company may work. I came across the Association of Talent Agents (ATA), which has been around since 1937. 

The ATA looks to connect talent agencies with talent and give out advice and information regarding the industry. There is also a lot of information on different talent agencies as well as news regarding labor laws and potential changes, especially in the state of California.

One of the most recent articles informs its members that California Labor Commissioner has announced an online application system to obtain a Child Performer Services (CPS) permit. The article also provides a direct link to the CPS permit to make it easier for its members as well. The link not only includes the website for the CPS permit, but the entire press release explaining the new change. 

Any agency or company that looks to hire children without this permit being verified is subjected to a $10,000 fine. The press release also includes information for parents of child talent and how they should make sure the people they work with have valid permits and how to do it.

I know many artists don't look into talent laws, permits and things of that nature because they’re more concerned and interested in making the art. One of the things I suggest to any artist, and/or management team, is to make sure to get as educated in the “fine print” as possible. If you’re not sure what something means, consult a lawyer. Make sure to ask questions. Contracts are often drawn up with jargon that the artist doe not readily understand. I want to not only help perfect my artist's crafts but also their knowledge of business as well. 

Inspirations: Ron Finley

I have always been drawn to people and personalities that seem natural, organic yet special and engaging. The TED Talk that I watched was given by a man that I have never heard of prior to going on the TED website: Ron Finley.  

Ron is being called South Central’s “guerilla gardener.” Ron’s speech talks about how he looked around his neighborhood and saw nothing but fast food restaurants, liquor stores and vacant lots. South Central Los Angeles is considered a “food dessert” meaning there aren’t many areas where someone can purchase fresh food. He was tired of having to drive 45 minutes to buy an apple that was injected with pesticides. Frustrated by the growing death rate due to preventable diseases and the obesity rate in his neighborhood, Ron created a volunteer organization called LA Green Ground and they began planting gardens on vacant parkways around the city.  He’s also planted gardens near homeless shelters as well. Like any great story, there is always a setback. The parkways where a lot of his gardens are planted are owned by the city and he was issued a citation to remove them. If he didn’t, the citation would turn into a warrant.  A volunteer in his organization created a petition and they received.  His movement was also covered by the news and got the attention of local politicians in the area who supported what he was doing. The city changed their mind and allowed his gardens to stay.

I have always been drawn to people and personalities that seem natural, organic yet special and engaging. The TED Talk that I watched was given by a man that I have never heard of prior to going on the TED website: Ron Finley.  

During his presentation, I noticed a very strong that wasn’t overbearing. I honestly felt like I was listening to an uncle or one of my Dad’s cousins speaking. I respect his directness. I like that he’s not about “talking” but about actions. I admire that he took a personal interest in an issue that doesn’t just affect himself but his entire community. I love that he didn’t just stop with one garden but planted many. I admire that he’s looking into ways to grow LA Green Ground to not just better the health of the people in South Central but teach the younger generation discipline and how to create something and sustain it. Using gardening as a way to create jobs by opening up farmer’s markets and green cafés in a neighborhood you wouldn’t normally see those types of options. This is the type of attitude that I would emulate with my business. I want to use the blessings that I receive to be able to pay it forward in a big way. Ron Finley’s business story is a great example of this. I have definitely become a huge fan and new follower of his organization.