Complaint Review:
Stein Entertainment
Recently, I was looking into different managements. I noticed Stein Entertainment which holds open calls every week and allows actors to email them for recognition.
This is rediculous. First of all, a big production company or management would not throw out their email and post events for open calls on Facebook. Being new to this industry, I decided to email Tj stein. Within a few hours, I recieved a response and exclusive invitation to an audition. I was well aware of the fact that busy managements and production companies would not have time to respond to every email they recieve within such a short period of time, however I agreed to audition.
When I arrived, the first thing I couldnt help but notice was that this "exclusive" interview had about 20 people. As I was waiting for my chance to audition, I talked with the other actors who were mostly beginers with very little prior experience and unproffessional photos. This was an automatic warning considering the fact that successful managements would not take their time to consider people just starting out in the business. No decent agent or manager would bother sending these kinds of clients to casting calls since directors strive for actors with years of experience and many features.
I walked in the room and talked with the man for 2-3 minutes. Afterwards, I was given 3 scenes to chose from for cold reading and had to perform my monologue. After about 60 seconds, I was interupted and asked more questions. He complimented me on my great looks and impressive acting. He offered me a two year contract and that as a manager, he would be finding me work and taking 15% of my profit.
I ended up signing with Stein Entertainment and a week later had an interview with Tj Stein. We discussed the fact that acting classes would be great for me and recomended several schools. I do not live in California, however I am very flexible with traveling. After a month or so and no auditions or calls, I decided to schedule a meeting with him to discuss my future as an actress. The interview seemed great, however I still wasnt getting any benefit from Stein Entertainment. I thought a management was supposed to guide you in the right direction, introduce you to people, and help find you work.
I am also signed with a great agency which sends me on 2-5 auditions per week. Since I am with Stein entertainment group, 15% of all my profit goes to that. I practically do not recieve eny benefits from the management, yet a part of my money is going out to it. In addition, my agency takes another 15% of my money. Although they deserve every bit of it, Stein Entertainment does not. It has been nearly six months, and my only association with the management has been 4 meetings with Tj and useless information about acting schools in LA which I could have found on my own. His main and only contribution to my acting career has been advice on different agencies in the area. Just because Sara Paxton is with Stein Entertainment does not mean her work is found by them.
Bottom line is...Do NOT sign with Stein Entertainment.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
GaLio
CA,California,
USA
Feel Fortunate They Signed You...This Report Shows Your "Green"
#3Consumer Comment
Sun, May 17, 2015
Firstly, Management Companies and Agencies are different types of talent representation.
An Agent would never, unless through referral try to select a developing talent base liked you experienced. Agencies are invested in making money and not developing people because it takes time and money and they won't get a dollar in the short term. Managers ( especially boutique managers) have both developing and established talent. Managers are interested in a long term investment in their talent as well as short term gains.
The Stein Group is a boutique Talent Management Company - they have a smaller ( and often risker) talent base so they take 15 percent. If you are " new" or " fresh" and haven't been on TV, Commercial Shoots, Film, New Media shoots consistently then they will need to work with you, your image, how to market you, and be in touch with your agent about these developments. Your agent will send you, with hundreds of other people to low-profile castings if your credits aren't top of the line because they don't have the time, energy, or money with the hundreds of other clients they have to invest in your future as an established actor. Their hope is that you book enough commercial or featured work in a few years that you become somewhat established.
The Stein Group sounds awesome to me — they gave you solid advice about how to advance yourself. You were hand selected to be with a small boutique management company that cares about your career.
I'd delete your review and hope you are still with them.
anonymous
Los Angeles,California,
Correct, your manager is not your agent
#3Consumer Suggestion
Fri, November 21, 2014
It's a shame that you had to go to the lengths of a public report to discover that your manager is not your agent. Further every manager uses standard industry contracts...at least for younger talent, so it's not as if you're locked into anything.
But I think if you step back and look at the big picture you'll find that TJ's team is a great management team to have in your corner to guide your career. Acting classes are sound advice at the beginning, as would anything to help guide your talent.
Agents are sales people and true, they get you the work. If you were led to believe that's what a manager does, then let it go because you've actually wound up in a good place and you'll want professional management when things really take off.
Think about Entourage. Vince trusted E...his boy in his court on every major decision. E was his manager. Ari was his agent.