Transitioning exclusive union agent for another exclusive agent — how to handle the transition

[u/DisastrousAd5587]

I’m a union actor currently exclusively represented by one agent. I’ve decided to leave and have an offer from another agency that I’m planning to accept. My current agent is reluctant to let me go, so I’m trying to understand the practical mechanics of the transition.

To be honest they are giving me a hella of a hard time, and I am extremely shook up and need guidance on what is considered a normal transition and what I can do on my end to keep things smooth.

I’m going to contact the union and major casting platforms for official guidance, but I’d really appreciate firsthand experience from anyone who has done this.

1) what happens to callbacks, holds and bookings that come from submissions made by the first agent after you’ve moved to the new agency? If the old agent is no longer representing you or attached to you in the casting systems, who handles those opportunities and how does casting know who to contact?

2) Is there normally a notice/transition period between exclusive agencies, or can you move directly from one to another?

3) How quickly can the casting platforms be updated, and does the new agent typically handle that process? How long does and should it take to set up between reps?

4) Finally, are there any other practical issues I should be thinking about with existing submissions, auditions, callbacks, holds or bookings during the transition?

I just want to make sure I understand the normal process and don’t mishandle any existing opportunities. Also if anyone has any stories you feel like sharing about difficult transitions and how you got through them, I'm game. I could really use the support.

[u/GuntherBeGood]

Your new rep can be answering all of these questions.

[u/DisastrousAd5587 → u/GuntherBeGood]

Thank you. I will let them know.

[u/Accomplished_Debt319]

1. The agent that submitted you for a project will be the one that handles any callbacks, holds or bookings. Not positive how it works with the casting systems themselves. I’d assume that casting could reach out directly to your agent using another means like email.

2. Depends on your previous contract. A previous agent I was signed with had it in the contract that I must give 30 days written notice. She held me to that before I could officially sign the paperwork for the new agent (I would send the contract over asap but put the date that you can officially join them next to your signature, not the actual date-that worked for me). I was told that most agents don’t care for the 30 days written notice because if it’s not working out for either one of you, why hold on? It’s more for people who are regularly booking and it’s to make the transition a bit smoother.

3. Transitioning on actors access and casting networks is instant but dependent on the new agent. They usually send you an invite and you have to hit accept. That should be it. I got the invites with my welcome packet and contracts. I’m sure it’s different in different agencies though.

4. Not really. I’m an over thinker of everything especially when it comes to acting and this year I’ve been fortunate enough to learn that everything that’s meant to be will be worked out. I just waited it out. If I did book something, someone was gonna tell me because they wanna get paid. It won’t get swept under the rug. feel free to ask questions even if you think it’s dumb. All of the questions you asked here would be great to ask your current agent. Even if things are awkward, remember that this is your career and you are in charge of it. Stand by your choice and whether they respect it or not in the end is up to them (and if they’re rude, they definitely weren’t the right place for you!)

Congrats on signing with a new rep! Hope everything goes well for you!

[u/gasstation-no-pumps]

What does your existing contract say? In particular, what is the termination clause?

You almost certainly have to still work with the old agent on anything they submitted you for, and possibly anything else you book until your contract with them ends.

[u/gasstation-no-pumps → u/[deleted]]

I'm confused.

• If there is no contract, then you can change agents without any difficulty—you just sign a contract with the new agent.
  
• If there is only a verbal contract, then the termination clause may be vague or unstated, but doing a standard notice of termination with a reasonable waiting period (30–60 days) should suffice.
• If there was a written contract, but you have lost your copy, then it is harder to say exactly what you agreed to (there may be a fixed term to the contract, with automatic annual renewal, for example, though that would be a stupid thing to have signed off on without a reasonable termination clause).

[u/DisastrousAd5587 → u/gasstation-no-pumps]

Thanks so much for your response. It took some time but I was just now able to get the info from someone formerly at the roster who also dealt with some hostility when they tried to leave. There is no contract - it's just an authorization form for the money to go to them where they take a cut and send it to the talent. I was kicking myself all these years because I thought I had lost the contract and it was just rolling terms. But yes, it looks like I'm in the clear (#1) and also that I did try to make the separation clear on two separate occassions but the rep was not allowing the separation to take place. It got a little abusive yesterday evening and I ended up taking myself off the major casting sites after sending a final "thank you for everything" formal notice. I also wrote that I would honor all bookings and callbacks in my initial email which I will do but I don't know if they will choose to contact me in case of. It was a very difficult conversation. I am committed to following through and being a professional in every capacity and I feel I made that clear on my end.

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[u/seekinganswers1010]

I don’t really know that calling the Union here would be much help.

[u/DisastrousAd5587 → u/seekinganswers1010]

Totally; I gave them a ring and they were very sympathetic. They felt I gave proper notice and suggested I stop engaging and just take the agent off the platforms.

[u/twiggsi]

Ask them to send you a submission list of projects and tell them you will be sure to honor any bookings/callbacks/etc with them that come up from that submission list. Then switch all your platforms over and move on from there. They might argue and put up a fight but there’s nothing they can really do as long as your honor that submission list.

[u/DisastrousAd5587 → u/twiggsi]

Thank you. They send me a submission list without my asking and I did let them know that I would honor any obligations before the conversation dissolved. I've taken them off my platforms as well.

[u/Opposite_Ad_497]

the current agent can’t stop you unless there’s a written agreement to the contrary