1.) What makes you unique as an agency?

I think the agencies in Atlanta have a lot more in common than we have differences. We are all working to raise the standard of the Atlanta and Southeast market as a whole to be on par with what is going on in the traditional powerhouses of New York and LA. Maybe one thing that makes PT a bit different is the competitive nature that Corey and I bring to the business. We've both been training and competing from a very young age and I think bringing that mentality to running an agency has worked in our favor.

2.) How long have you been in business?

We've been in business just over 5 years.

3.) What do you look for in an actor who is seeking representation with you?

With our roster being relatively small, we are always looking to add where we feel like we have a deficit on our roster. It is much easier for someone 50+ to gain traction when seeking representation with us than it would be for someone who is, say, in their 20s. Having a unique skill set such as weapons training or speaking multiple languages never hurts either. Being a strong, smart, well trained actor is always the most important thing however so get in class!

4.) What is your best piece of advice for actors working in the SE?

Treat this like a business and not a hobby. Find a way to work on it every day. Get in class, network, create your own content if you have no other outlet.

5.)  Share a success story with us. Keep in mind it can be for you as an agent or specific to a client and their journey.

It always feels good to get someone their first booking, particularly when that person is struggling financially. I will never forget we had a guy who hustles harder than just about anyone else we work with; he never makes excuses, always shows up when being in person is an option. This guy had a callback for SAG commercial in North Carolina and on the way his car broke down. He ended up walking in the rain to get to a bus station to make the rest of the trip. Making the call to let him know he booked was soul-filling, that sort of thing sticks with you.

 Spotlight On: J.Pervis Talent Agency

Joy Pervis Weighs In

1. What makes you unique as an agency?

The energy and drive of our JPTA Team.  Each of our agents have their own diverse strengths, and egos are not allowed in our work space.  Most importantly, we continue to adjust and grow with our ever-changing industry. The landscape of our business looks completely different than what it looked like even 5 years ago. Our long-term relationships (over 25 years) in the Los Angeles market have allowed us to grown our clients and expand beyond the regional mindset.

2. How long have you been in business?

We just celebrated our 10 year anniversary in 2017!

3. What do you look for in an actor who is seeking representation with you?

Other than kids and young teens (who do not need heavy resumes and reels to book), our aim is to continue filling our roster with working actors who have solid credits. Through referrals or showcases, we may sign a person who is “new to the business” with a unique look or natural talent based on their personality, drive, charisma, and likability. We give them the opportunity to grow on our roster IF they demonstrate good work ethics, dependability, remain dedicated to advancing their skills through ongoing training, and after a growth period begin to receive call-backs which ultimately turn into bookings.

4. What is your best piece of advice for actors working in the SE?

Learn to accept criticism and build on it. Agents are not here to stroke you and tell you how fabulous you are. A good agent will be 100 percent transparent with you and give you the advice and sometimes criticism needed to advance your career. This is a competitive industry. SE actors have to work over-time to compete with seasoned LA actors who are competing for the same roles. Being an actor is your profession and you are the product. Your job is to make YOU (the product) as alluring as possible to your buyer (CD/Director/Producer/Network/Studio). Allow your agent and coach to act as your “focus group” giving you the tips and advice to perfect and grow your brand. Be open-minded and enjoy the journey of becoming a viable long-term product versus a short-term product that fizzles out quickly.  

5. Share a success story with us. Keep in mind it can be for you as an agent or specific to a client and their journey.  

Our success stories have come from the smallest bookings to the largest bookings. From the newbie actor to the most seasoned actor.  But if we had to say just one, it would be the story of a collective group of actors who have worked years in this business, attended too many auditions, callbacks, producer sessions to count but just couldn’t book it. After accepting that final audition just before they walked away from the business to “take a break,” they are told they booked the one that launched their career… You know who you are! This is a tough business. It is easy to get discouraged and give up. Rarely are success stories created over-night. In fact, it is the overnight sensations that have been working on their craft for many years before they make it big. If you really want it, you have to be 100 percent committed.

Stay motivated, stay positive, and never give up!

 Spotlight On: East Coast Talent Agency

Contributed by: Barbara Garvey, Owner/Agent

1) What makes you unique as an agency?

There are many things that I think are special about East Coast Talent.  For one, our agency really tries to act like a "family" and provide support to one another -- often pitching in to help with taping auditions or working on independent projects with a fellow agency mate. I don't view being the owner as "my job" because it is really more of a passion for me. I'd do it whether it made money or not -- and, since a percentage of actors never make their agency any real money, that's probably a big plus!

2. How long have you been in business?

I have been the owner/agent for a little over a decade. The agency is a little older than that. We had a big 10th Anniversary celebration last year!

3. What do you look for in an actor who is seeking representation with you?

Obviously, we all look for "talent."  But there are plenty of talented people in the world who don't have an agent. I want to see evidence that they will work hard and provide me with the professional tools (headshot, reel, resume, etc.) that I absolutely must have in order to represent them well. And, I'm not just looking for the drop dead gorgeous people -- I'd love to see more "plus size" actors, as well as actors with a "face that only a mother could love!"

4. What is your best piece of advice for actors working in the SE?

Trust your agent. Listen to your agent. Do what your agent suggests. Also, don't sit by the phone waiting for something to happen. Get out and collaborate. Learn new skills and just develop as a "real person," too! I always tell my females to take up pole dancing (can't hurt, right?)

5. Share a success story with us. Keep in mind it can be for you as an agent or specific to a client and their journey.

Many people know that I represent Chandler Riggs, the "child star" of The Walking Dead.

He was a Georgia kid who booked right from here. He has been with our agency since the very beginning and his whole story is one of great success. That's usually who people ask me about. But one actor that you WILL be hearing about over the next few years is Jack Champion. Jack is a great kid who lives in North Carolina. Jack self taped for a big movie and (after several callbacks, tests, etc) landed a very nice role in the upcoming Avator movies. Within a few weeks, he and his mom landed in Los Angeles and it's been a whirlwind ever since. This is a life changing booking -- and he is from a little town in the southeast, not from LA or NY.

We have long been told that no one can really book those "big roles" outside of Hollywood, but I think our southeastern region is changing that opinion, especially for the youth market.  I mention these two young men because I want to point out that it was not only life-changing and career-changing for the actors, but for their families. Parents had to leave/modify their employment and make drastic changes to their lifestyles -- often with very little time to do so. I'm not just proud of the two young actors-- I'm very proud of how well their parents have managed!

 Spotlight On: Houghton Talent Agency

1. What makes you unique as an agency?

Our culture is approachable and relational, and we’re intentionally not a large agency.       

2. How long have you been in business?

Almost 30 years, in the same location for 20, in the production corridor on the way to PC&E…

3. What do you look for in an actor who is seeking representation with you?

Improv-ability, credited, or in a much needed demographic, referrals and/or training from respected sources. We also love theatre actors.

4. What is your best piece of advice for actors working in the SE?

Have a sustainable income outside of acting so you can be liberated in the process and can do what you must to move the needle for your career.

5. Share a success story with us. Keep in mind it can be for you as an agent or specific to a client and their journey.

One of my best stories speaks to the question of “how many people do you rep?” or “how many people like me do you have?”. A client we represent brought in a headshot for a friend, who happened to be in a loaded demographic, where there are always so many options. I indicated that I had plenty in that demographic and that we were leading the market in that arena. For a number of reasons, I took the headshot and we did an in person audition w/ the performer, who was the best person we saw all day in new talent auditions, and who subsequently became a rock star for the agency. So the success is clear but the point is that a great person can truly make a place for themselves, so don’t give up or even be discouraged if it takes a bit to be seen.

Learn more about Houghton Talent on their website: click here! 

 Spotlight On: People Store

1. What makes you unique as an agency?

What make us unique is our ability to forge lasting and meaningful relationships. Our top priority has always been to fight for our clients, to guide them in every aspect of their career in order to help them achieve their goals. We do this by utilizing our relationships with casting directors all across the country, by staying at the forefront of technological advancement, and by thinking outside the box.

We were the first agency in Atlanta to join the Association of Talent Agents (ATA) and over the years have developed relationships with agencies and managers in other markets to broaden opportunities for our clients.

Additionally, we pride ourselves on our warm and welcoming company for both our clients and our staff and it is this balance of smart and tough business dealings and warm family environment that makes us so unique.

We love our People Store family, our valued colleagues around the country, and of course helping our clients achieve their wildest career dreams here in Atlanta and worldwide.

2. How long have you been in business?

We have been in business in Atlanta since 1983, and to say that we have been here a long time would be an understatement. Atlanta is our home, and it is this stability, consistency, and commitment to Atlanta which casting directors and agents around the world have come to associate with People Store.

3. What do you look for in an actor who is seeking representation with you?

We are looking for, first and foremost, talent. Innate talent, that natural ability and charisma that you feel when an actor walks into a room for the first time. You know it when you see it, or at least we do!

We want clients at the top of their game, in skill, training, and savvy to the modern business world of acting; actors ready to work, to do their own part for their own careers, and willing to trust us to do our part in taking them to the next level.

 Spotlight On: Atlanta Models and Talent

1. How long have you been in business?

Atlanta Models & Talent, Inc. is the oldest agency in the southeast and has been representing talent since 1959. Since its inception, AMT has been purchased and lead by a few different industry professionals (Beverly Needle Copen, the first ever film representative in office under Jimmy Carter, Edith Ivey, actress and renowned acting teacher, and Kathy Hardegree, the first ever GA agent honored with the SAG Agent of the Month award) but never stopped growing as an agency and evolving with the work that has found its way to this region.

Sarah Carpenter, the current owner, continues that tradition with her staff of agents and associates, consistently booking talent in almost all productions that shoot in the southeast.

2. What makes you unique as an agency?

Besides our deep-rooted history, what makes AMT unique is our hard-work, dedication, and support for actors in Georgia and beyond. We’re not interested in waiting around for casting directors – AMT agents and associates work effectively and efficiently to give our clients the best, most realistic opportunities. Every step of the way, from submission to booking, our clients and their unique skills, materials, credits, and connections are utilized to allow them to stand out to casting and eventually, be the undeniable choice for casting/producers when the time comes to fill that role. Ultimately, AMT's goal is to continue to show other markets how competitive Atlanta actors can be.

 Spotlight On: Benvil Photography

Contributed by: Barbara Beneville

1. What services do you offer? 

Almost 85 percent of my work comes from headshots, portraits, lifestyle, and commercial photography. I have been fortunate to have experienced longevity with my clients that have carried over into engagement, wedding, newborn, and family photos. Most recently have shot photography/key art for film and theatre. I also do all the hair and makeup for my clients as well. Accountability is key and my work is guaranteed.

2. What makes your work a stand out in the Southeast? 

Having been in the industry for over 30 plus years working as a performer has given me great insight of what is needed in a headshot. Whoever you are, novice or star, NY to LA., the standard of my work remains the same, top level. When I first started shooting some 20 plus years ago, my goal was to become the photographer I wanted to go to. Trust, collaboration, and enjoying the experience is key. Barbara’s headshots breathe. (A description of my photos from the head of HBO).

 Spotlight On: Lighthouse Acting Studio

1) What makes your studio a stand out in Atlanta?

We keep our class sizes small, make learning fun and help Actors book! Lighthouse Acting Studio is  committed to the success of each student as an individual. We believe keeping class sizes small, allows each student the time & attention they need to grow as a performer. We offer both experienced actors and beginners a place to work on their craft with drop-ins of experienced industry professionals. Our training program is founded on the belief that every human being is unique. Our goal is to help each student recognize what they naturally bring to the table, embracing what makes them special while learning how to bring it to each performance effortlessly, without hesitation.

Commitment to our students means that sometimes we assist in finding theatrical or commercial representation.The founder of Lighthouse Acting Studio, Julie Still, has a great track record of helping students secure top representation in the Southeast & beyond. Each month we invite an Industry Professional to observe or give feedback to our students.These intimate sessions allow students to ask all burning questions and have them answered by a working professional. Guests include Casting Directors, Agents, Directors, Producers & Writers.

Lighthouse has helped various groups win awards, the most recent include a public high-school mock trial club & a toastmaster competitor. Even celebrities have sought our help with public speaking events. We also help corporate professionals use Acting Techniques to succeed in various industries. Whether you are a Public Speaker, a High-School Mock Trial Team, a competitive Toast-Master finalist, a corporate executive overcoming a fear of speaking or an emerging stand-up comedian that needs a little help with delivery and timing, we can help!

Lighthouse has strong connections in the Music Industry for many reasons. While living in Los Angeles in the early 90's, Julie Still worked at a busy record label which created lifelong ties to the industry. When she moved back to Atlanta, she worked at Catspaw Recording Studio for several years which was the dominant studio for all things Voice-Over.

Fast forward to 2018, Julie Still married to a Grammy Winner and three time Nominee. Her husband, Matt Still helps Lighthouse Acting Studio with all things related to Audio & Voice-Over. He is the guy that mixes the Voice-Over Demos for students of Lighthouse.

Read more about Matt Still here: http://www.mattstill.net/Matt_Still/Home.html

Lighthouse has recently added a new instructor, Stephanie Wyatt to teach our comedy improv troupe and classes. Stephanie Wyatt is a writer, actor, director, producer and now a teacher. After her studies at University of Kentucky she went to Chicago where she studied at Second City, IO and with Steppenwolf ensemble members at Profiles Theater. In Chicago she met up with an independent production company CNGM headed by Mike Noens and worked with them on several feature films, this was her transition from stage to the independent movie world. Four years laster she moved to L.A. and studied more improvising at Groundlings and Upright Citizens brigade while working on various TV sets. In 2015 she moved to Atlanta and the following year was brought on staff at Fizz City Films as a producer. Since living in Atlanta she has produced the Stephen King short, “Rainy Season” with Vanessa Wright and continues to write and act.

2) What services do you offer clients?

We offer classes, workshops & intensives for On-Camera Acting, Improv & Voice-Over for all ages & skill levels (Professional Actors + beginners). We are serious about the craft of acting and create challenging classes and exercises that help each student conquer their specific deficiency and reach their potential. We offer an extensive curriculum for beginners, intermediate, and advanced actors.  We offer Scene Study,  On-Camera Audition Technique, Improv, Cold-Reading, Mastering the Monologue, and many other intensives.

To learn more or to sign up for our newsletter visit: www.lighthouseactingstudio.com

We offer Audition Self-Taping & Private Coaching for On-Camera & Voice-Over, 7 days a week. ***Additional Services:  On-Set Acting Coaching

We also offer SKYPE Coaching  & Skype Call-Back Sessions for Los Angeles clients.

Studio Room Rentals are also available for Casting Directors and local Independent Film Directors that need space to cast current Film & Commercial projects.

We have two state-of-the-art taping rooms designed to produce a high-quality self-tape auditions. Each room is equipped with pro-sound, pro-lighting & HD cameras. Our readers are professional actors or top coaches.

We offer a FREE business of acting workshop to all of our intro students (Adults, Kids & Teens). This workshop is designed to walk you through the process of understanding the business of acting. This workshop leaves no stone unturned. We discuss headshots, marketing materials and advice on when to seek representation & how.  We discuss the process of becoming a working actor or what to do if you are the parent of a working actor. We help you navigate the southeast market and learn how to plan for a professional acting career. We routinely recommend that students study with other teachers & schools so students walk away with list of places to check out.

We also offer a customize career consultation session which is scheduled like a private coaching session. During this session we help you create & design your resume, select which headshots to use and why then we create a custom step-by-step guide on what to do next.

Lighthouse Acting Studio also offers Summer & Winter Acting Camps for kids & teens.

3) What will I learn from you?

We believe that mastering the basics is vital and until an actor does so, they will feel gaps in their ability, awareness & technique which leads directly to hesitation and lack of commitment. Even working actors can benefit from taking a fresh look and revisiting the basics. Lighthouse Acting Studio has a simple and clear curriculum that focuses on recognizing, appreciating and mastering the basics.The core of our curriculum takes an in-depth look and incorporates lessons inspired by various masters of the craft; Stella Adler, Sanford Meisner, Konstantin Stanislavski & Uta Hagen as well as others. We look for the common denominator among these various techniques. We explore and seek to understand the different approaches which allows us to draw inspiration from their unique teaching styles and use it in a relevant way. Through this comprehensive look and the opportunity to apply what we learn under the guidance of a trained eye, students walk away with new tools that create a surge in confidence about their ability and craft. They learn to trust themselves because they now understand what it means to make a strong choice and commit. The result is a truthful, in-the-moment "experience" which is very different than an "Act".

4) How long have you been operating?

The Founder of Lighthouse Acting Studio, Julie Still, has been a working actor and a professional behind the camera in Film/TV & Music since 1990 (28 + years).  During the late 1990's - early 2000's, Julie had success as a Producer, working on award winning projects. Some projects needed the role of Casting Director filled. Because Julie had experience assisting various Casting Directors since the '90s (and was a working actor) she filled the role easily but had no desire to become a casting professional. In 2009 she was approached by a top agent to create a 'Cold Read' workshop in hopes that it would help their clients book more. It worked. Julie began offering regular monthly classes. Then was invited to work at YourAct Acting Studios in 2012. There she continued teaching On-Camera classes until the retirement of the Owner: Della Cole in December, 2016. Offers poured in around town to join other schools but Julie decided to open her own studio in January 2017 and named it, Lighthouse Acting Studio.

Read about instructors at Lighthouse Acting Studio here: http://www.lighthouseactingstudio.com/instructors.html

5) How do I find you?

Website: www.lighthouseactingstudio.com

Location: 6767 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Suite L, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

Phone: 678-348-6602

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lighthouseactingstudio/

Twitter: @ActingAtlanta

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LighthouseActing/

***Testimonials:

Farrah Lee Guest

"I have studied with Julie Still from Lighthouse Acting Studio for over a year now, and I can't say enough about what an amazing and talented teacher she is. I had zero experience when I started training with Julie, and thanks to her amazing classes, I have booked several commercials, a role in a movie, two industrials, and got signed by one of the best talent agents in Atlanta. I have taken classes at other schools, but I always come back to Lighthouse Acting Studio for Julie because she really is the best acting teacher in the city."

lan Kaplan

"Wonderful Studio and incredible coach. Julie has been and continues to be such an amazing coach for our kids who are working actors."

Bashshar Abdullah

"Julie's class is like no other. Her school offers much more than your run of the mill acting class. Julie truly cares about her students and their success. No matter what level of the business you currently are she will go the extra mile to make you better than you ever thought you could be. Her approach to teaching is practical and thorough.. worth every penny!

6) What’s near you? (a park, a bar/restaurant, a monument--fill us in)

We are near Third Rail Studios: Third Rail Studios (***3.8 miles from Lighthouse Acting Studio)

Third Rail Studios -  60,000 SF of sound stages, 27,500 SF of production office space & the only purpose built sound stages adjacent to MARTA, making transportation fast & efficient from Buckhead, Midtown and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Buford Hwy Farmers Market (***3.8 miles from Lighthouse Acting Studio)

Atlanta’s specialty farmers market & international cuisine. Specializing in authentic ingredients, traditional ethnic cuisine & hard-to-find items. Exotic produce, organic fruits/vegetables, diverse meat & seafood department. Buford Highway Farmers Market provides ethnic food - from Korea, Mexico, Central and South America, Caribbean, Africa, Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Eastern Europe & more.