FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 4, 2004
First Studios Hosts First Holiday Party
Dani's Agency supplied the meeters and greeters at this years First Studios Holiday Party yesterday evening. A great time was had by all with good food, good music and good people.
FIRST STUDIO TENNANTS
True Story Films Sun Royal Film + Music Rhonda Graphics RAVP Duplication Randy Murray Productions Postal - The Edit Suites Ken Easley Photography In the Basement Video Storage Forsmo Design Works Darlene Wyatt Casting Copper Post Digital Chili Pepper Productions AMP Studios ####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 11, 2004
Misti Wagner is Making a Name for Herself
Misti Wagner has been Dani's assistant for the past 8 years. Over those years she has found herself answering questions for want-a-be talent for countless hours which takes away from her valuable time working with actors Dani's Agency does represent. Since the questions and the answers were basically the same over and over again, Misti decided to start a business giving seminars to those beginning actors and models in order to free up her time during business hours at the agency.
She has made quite a name for herself since she began about a year ago and has gained a great reputation for protecting beginning actors and models from some not so reputable companies. As shown below she has been contacted by several entities and offers her opinions for publication and/or broadcast. Click on any of the items below to see what was published in the past month.
 |
 |
 |
|
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2004
APA Last Chance Parties (Phoenix and Tucson)
APA (Arizona Production Association) members from the Valley gathered at Uno's Pizza back patio in donwtown Tempe and the Southern Arizona members met on the front patio at Shooter's Steakhouse last week. Several new members were signed up in order to make the 2005 directory and a great time was had by all. The converstions were great and food was good at both locations.
Phoenix APA 2004 Last Chance Party Pictures
Tucson APA 2004 Last Chance Party Pictures
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apr. 5, 2004
PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL DRAWS THOUSANDS
If attendance is a way to judge of how successful a film festival is, then this years was a blockbuster. Most of the shows and workshops/seminars sold out. You had to get in lines early and plan your viewings accordingly. Even the opening night Arizona premiere of "SAVED" in the Cine Capri was maxed out and I believe it holds over a thousand.
The parties were exciting and fun in the Party Pavilion (a tent in the parking lot of Harkins Theater in Northeast Phoenix) and Dan Harkins opened the eventful weekend by welcoming all the film festival attendees into his theater.
Director and Actor, Rich Schroder was on hand for the Premiere of his film "Black Cloud" and even the Mayor of Phoenix Phil Gordon stopped in to help kick off the festivities
Congratulations to Chris LaMont, Executive Director and Golan Ramras, Senior Director, and co-founders of The Phoenix Film Festival for giving us such a great independent film experience. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words, here are about 33000 words worth
Pictures from the 2004 Phoenix Film Festival####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 18, 2005
ANDI BARNESS HOSTS NEW HOME SHOW
Linder Publishing Inc. which publishes Arizona New Homes & Lifestyles Magazine has cast Andi Barness to host a new TV show "New Homes and Lifestyles" that airs weekly on KPHO-TV5, Saturday mornings at 10:00 am. The show debuted on Feb. 7th at the home of Dave Pratt and his wife and last week they did a design segment with guest Tammy Willis from Est Est. This week they shot at Barclay Village at Sunwest Communities and at Newport Furnishings where the production stills below were taken. Andi has also been seen over the past several weeks with Dan Manucci on the Showcase Car dealership commercials and soon will be flying off to Philadelphia to shoot as a host on QVC.
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 4, 2004
WEATHER BRINGS POOL PRODUCT COMPANY
TO SHOOT IN ARIZONAMark McAlevey of Technisonic Studios, a production company out of St. Louis, contacted Dani about coming to Arizona to shoot a non-broadcast marketing video for Hayward Pool Products within the week and as usual had very little time to cast. Since this was a pool side shoot they wanted to see talent in their bathing suits. The creative department went online and selected several talent that they wanted to see and asked Dani how many more talent could the agency get in for digital pictures for the following day. They were hiring 15 actors so Dani told them we would try to get in at least fifty.
While shooting the talent audition the following day another call came in from, Todd Studios, the photographer that would be shooting stills for the same product for trade show use. So we duplicated the audition packet and forwarded it to both then ran it to FEDEX at the airport. While at the airport just in time for their last drop we spotted Mike Kucharo who was dropping off his reel for the same job. Dani had referred several APA member directors including Mike and also told them about the APA directory link from our website.
The following day they both made their selections for talent but postponed the shoot for a week due to rain in the forecast which they obtained from the Arizona weather link from Dani's Agency home page. Dani's Agency booked all of the 15 cast for the video and 6 of the 8 for the print shoot. Mark McAlevey, the producer from Technisonic Studios sent very complimentary letter to Dani about such a well-run production and hopes to shoot in Phoenix again. See this letter and production stills below.
When Dani went to the shoot she was pleasantly surprised that Mke Kucharo had secured the director's job for the video along with several other APA members including Kim Pieper - make-up artist, Jeff Clark - generator operator and grip, Robyn Knight - key grip and Chris Russhon - stylist.
Hayward Pool Products Shoot Pictures
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 14, 2003
"21 GRAMS"
SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE IN NOVEMBER 2003
Pam Blair Jennifer Pfalzgraff
Release Date: November 21st, 2003 (LA/NY); expands to other cities at later dates; to expand to a wide release on Dec. 26, 2003.
Because of the lack of good talent in New Mexico where several of the scenes from "21 Grams" would be shot, associate casting director Sarah Tackett called Dani, along with other agencies across the US, to put several actors on tape for various roles. Because of the quality of the talent auditioning and the quality of the presentation put forth by Dani's Agency over twenty actors were called back. Of those Pam Blair was cast as a Doctor and Jennifer Pfalzgraff was cast a Nurse.Click on the following links for more information from, movies.com, imdb.com, or to view the trailer...
Plot Summary for 21 Grams (2003)
This film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu is the story of three gentle persons: Paul Rivers (Sean Penn) an ailing mathematician lovelessly married to an English emigré (Charlotte Gainsbourg), Christina Peck, (Naomi Watts) an upper-middle-class suburban housewife, happily married and mother of two little girls, and Jack Jordan (Benicio Del Toro), an ex-convict who has found in his Christian faith the strenght to raise a family. They will be brought together by a terrible accident that will change their lives. By the final frame, none of them will be the same as they will learn harsh truths about love, faith, courage, desire and guilt, and how chance can change our worlds irretrievably, forever.Jennifer Pfalzgraff and Director
Alejandro González Iñárritu####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 1, 2003
THE INTERNET ROCKS!
Digital Kitchen, a production company from Seattle Washington brought Dave Workman, CEO for Ultimate Electronics to town to shoot their latest commercial this past Thursday.
A week earlier, Producer, Drew Bourneuf, accessed the internet yellow pages for Phoenix and connected directly to Dani's Agency. He called Dani on the phone while at the site and after a brief instruction on how to do a search in the Talent Database he was off to do a pull. He called back within the hour with his preferred selections for talent. All his first choices were available but one. Dani called him back to have him look at a similar actor online that she had checked availability on prior to calling. Drew was online already, pulled the actor up by name and confirmed he would be acceptable. All talent were booked in the same phone conversation and within a couple of hours from Drew's first contact and he didn't have to leave his office.
Then, through Arizona Production Association Member, Reel Men, contacts were made and other local production crew were hired. Shelly Boucher was tapped to work as production assistant on the job, Mark Greene worked lighting, Craig Flemming as grip, and several others.
Dani was called to the location by Alan Rich, the line producer, because they were short a SAG contract. Dani wanted to make sure everything went smooth so she stuck around just long enough for a couple of production stills and to help talent and the producer make sure the SAG contracts were prepared correctly.
When asked what he thought of the talent selection process on the web Bourneuf stated, "It had pictures and was so easy why go anywhere else."####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2003
WOW! WHAT A GREAT PARTY!
The Arizona Production Association (APA) celebrated with a "Last Chance" Directory closing party Friday May 16 and what a great party. The party had a Hawaiian theme and was held at First Studio in downtown Phoenix. Multiple new members were signed up and any members that hadn't turned in their paperwork did so before the end of the night to be in the hard-copy version of the 2004 APA Directory.
As you can see by the pictures linked below a good time was had by all attendees. "Barley Pop" provided the music and had some help from a temporary member they added at the end of the evening as you will see in the photos. You know what they say "a picture is worth a thousand words" so enjoy the photos.APA Party at First Studio Pictures
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2003
FIRST STUDIO CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING
Just like the mythical bird the Phoenix, First Studio has risen from the ashes or more correctly speaking the disrepair of days gone by to, as they call it, a Center for Creative Endeavor. The former studios for the likes of The Wallace and Ladmo Show to KFYI AM radio was all but left for demolition when Randy Murray and Ken Easley had a vision for the future of this historical building.
Murray and Easley bought the building and began renovations a little more than year ago. Now the offices all appear to be rented and thriving production community has been born in a building that has been reborn.
Everything old is new again. The building was built in 1949 and was Arizona's first television studio. The address...
First Studio
631 N. First Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85003is in the heart and soul of downtown Phoenix. The live music with recording artist Jodi Light, creative energy in the building from occupants and bright vibrant color of the offices intensified the celebration as you will see in the pictures. First Studio is the new home for...
Chili Pepper Productions Copper Post Digital Darlene Wyatt Casting Forsmo Design Works George R. Gifford Green Couch Productions In The Basement Video Storage Ken Easley Photography Monsoon Films Postal Randy Murray Productions Rhonda Graphics Rideau Audio and Video Productions Talking Head Studios True Story Films ####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2003
WOW! Phoenix Film Festival 2003
The Phoenix Film Festival 2003 last weekend was bigger and better than ever. Chris LaMont, Golan Ramras and their team deserve kudos for such a great festival experience. The opening night gala was held in the Arizona Center Grotto and was sponsored by Farrelli's Supper Club and SKYY Vodka. There were silent auctions with movie memorabilia that benefited the Film Festival. The food and the company were great and it was topped off by the Arizona Premiere of the film "Confidence" directed by James Foley (partial director filmmography: Fear - 1996, Glengarry Glen Ross - 1992 and Who's That Girl - 1987) and lead actor Edward Burns (partial actor filmmography: 15 minutes - Jordy Ryan - 2002, Saving Private Ryan - Pvt. Richard Reiben - 1998, and She's the One - Mickey Fiztpatrick 1996). Foley and Burns both present for this premiere answered prepared questions from local radio celebrity "Hollywood Dave" then took questions from the audience after the film. The film was awesome and the guys were very interesting.
The next two days were filled with films, workshops, awards show and parties. Check out the pictures from the opening night gala and the following mornings events.
Phoenix Film Festival Pictures
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2003
Casting for Directors 102 for MCA-I
The Advanced Interactive SessionOn March 25, Dani Green, the owner of Dani's Agency, walked through a mini-casting for the industrial film "Jailhouse" produced by Platinum Level Sponsor "VAS Communications" and directed by Wayne Dickman.
|
|
There is one female lead and three other supporting roles that need to be cast.
Woman Doctor (NANCY PICKENS) 45 - 60 year old professional woman. A bright individual who has become bored with her situation and longs for some human contact and excitement.
Sheriff (SHERIFF) 40 year old male. Rough, rugged and tough.
Old Town Doctor (WES) 40 - 50 year old man. A little more clean cut and green than the sheriff. A peaceful man. Someone who is undeserving of such an action as getting shot.
Old Town Doctor's Wife (DOCTOR'S WIFE) 40 year old woman who was the cliche happy home maker. Kind of rough and tough to manage in the old west.
Dani explained there are several ways to cast for a project like this one depending on budget. Dani discussed each of these different processes and the money, if any, that should be put in your budget for each. She also went over how the decisions are made on who auditions and for which roles. Usually working directly with the directors if no casting director has been hired.
The lists are then turned over to Misti Wagner, Dani's assistant, and the person responsible for getting the actors to their auditions for the agency. For this session Misti checked in the actors and took their digital photo headshot with a number identifier for logging.
Actors auditioning from Dani's Agency were Glen B. Delander, Terey Summers, Jim Coates and Sherie Donahoe. Dani picked one female and one male from the audience to read opposite the characters auditioning.We auditioned each female for both female roles mentioned and each male for both male roles mentioned only one time. But keep in mind a real audition would probably have several reads with different direction and different camera angles.
Bill Green, Dani's Agency in-house casting director, taped the video slate and gave the scene direction. Then recorded the video on digital tape for future dub to VHS.
When the audition was complete a sample deliverable package to the director includes the VHS audition tape, print out of tape log with order number and name of talent, and a digital photo attached to their headshot sorted in log order.
Dani then poled the audience to see if they could determine which actors were cast for which roles. The actors were so good the audience was evenly split on whom they would cast for each character.
Dani then opened the floor for discussion and questions. Upon conclusion of the session we played the film "Jailhouse" to those interested in viewing the finished 17 minute film.
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JAN. 26, 2003
ACTORS AND MODELS FIRST STEPS FIRST HAND OPENS
Contact: Misti Wagner
Info: 480-921-8903After viewing several news reports over the past year on scams on actors and models just getting started and talking with legitimate (SAG/AFTRA) talent agents about all the phone calls they receive on how to get started in the entertainment business, Misti Wagner of First Steps First Hand is filling a need by hosting seminars with professional speakers for beginning actors and models.
"It breaks my heart to see naive talent get ripped off," says Dani Green of Dani's Agency. Green was tapped to be the speaker for the first seminar this past Saturday (01/25/2003) at The Phoenix Public Library. There was a modest $25.00 per seat fee for the seminar and attendees paid in advance to reserve their seat. Green has owned her own talent agency for more than fifteen years. She says, "I'm looking forward to the step up in the quality of future submissions to all the legitimate agencies from those attending this seminar as well as the time that will be saved not having to answer all the questions related to entertainment industry over the phone."
Attendees not only had their questions answered by Dani Green, but also received a hand-out that included information about...
· How not to be a target for scams
· How to avoid losing money to a scam
· How legitimate agencies work
· How scams operate
· Warnings and problems with contracts
· How to determine if an agency is licensed by the state
· A sample resume
· Contacts and referrals from SAG/AFTRA talent agencies
· Glossary of Talent Terms
 |
 |
First Steps First Hand does not want to advertise in order to keep operating costs and attendee fees down to a minimum. We rely instead on referrals from those that know this is a good seminar for anyone that is interested in getting started in the entertainment industry the right way.
The next seminar is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Saturday (03/22/2003) at The Phoenix Public Library.
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 19, 2002
 |
|
Dani's Agency is proud to announce the addition of digital video clips to its already proficient website for each actor over 4 years old. With this capability, Dani says, "It is now possible to do virtual castings online in minutes."
To perform an online casting, click on the "Dani's Agency Databases" button. Then, open the "Talent_Database." Click on the "search" button and enter any specific data into the appropriate fields for your character such as: gender, age range, hair color and a multitude of others. Remember, the more fields you enter data into reduces the number of returns. Then, click the "start search" button and a list of thumbnail pictures with names will come up that will meet all of your requests. If you click on the number next to the picture, that talent's composite and resume will appear.
Click on the home page in the internet browser window, behind the database window, and click on the button for "Digital Photo and Video Clips". Then, look up alphabetically, any possible candidates from the database returns. Click on the links to view.
There is no cost for talent that are represented by Dani to be on the site; therefore, there are digital still photos and videos on nearly every talent represented by Dani. Also, there are no costs and no pesky registrations for prospective clients to worry about.
Green says if you're looking for voice talent for your next project there are voice demos in two different formats that should satisfy every type of computer, internet browser and download. The voice demos are separated by gender and sorted alphabetically with a short description of the type of voice.
The home page has links to Arizona Production Association, Arizona weather and a couple of "Arizona first" internet search engines. This should help when putting together a production crew and schedule if you are not familiar with the local production community.
Because the agency maintains the server and creates the content it will always be current.
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 19, 2002
Joe Arizona is Nick Tarr!
Now that everyone has seen Joe Arizona on the TV, heard him on the radio, seen him on the flyers mailed to every registered voter in the state or read about him in recent articles from several newspapers, I can tell you that Joe Arizona is Nick Tarr. Dani has repesented Nick for over 13 years. You can visit the Prop 201 website at joearizona.com to learn more about the Indian Gaming Propositions and see what Joe Arizona (aka Nick Tarr) will be up to next. Nick won't be available for bookings until after the election on Nov. 5, 2002.
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2002
Terey Summers' Movie Premieres
Terey and Dani appeared on News Channel 12 this morning and was interviewed by Jineane Ford about the feature film debut last week of "Eight Legged Freaks" which was filmed here in Arizona last year. Terey plays the role of a waitress and worked on the film for several weeks. She appears briefly in the theatrical trailer and has a still shot on the web site as well.
Dani was also featured in a an article written by Choo Tay in the Small Business Profile section of The Women's News. The article is informative and interesting reading.
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2002
Dani's Agency Begins Shooting For the Web
Misti is scheduling appointments for Bill to shoot a digital headshot, a digital full body shot and a digital video clip on every actor represented by Dani's Agency. The agency plans on building the web page with links as the shooting progresses through the summer and hope to have it completed by the busy season beginning in September.
You will have to have Quicktime from Apple Computer in order to view the digital video clips. It is a cross-platform program that can be downloaded for free. After you have downloaded Quicktime use the Quicktime plugin in your browser to view .mov files.
The web page with the digital shots and video can be viewed in the Talent_Database. There will a button added to Dani's Agency's Home page when the web page is near completion.
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 27, 2002
Dani's Agency Celebrates 15th Year in Business
 |
|
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2001
Dani's Agency Releases New Color Digital Headbook
Dani's Agency for the first time ever has created a seasonal color digital headbook. There was no charge to the actors and all printing costs were incorporated into the agency's advertising budget. The following is the description on the cover.
"In an effort to ease your talent selection process we had our entire local talent pool come in to our office for a color digital headshot. We purposely chose not to professionally light or have a professional make-up artist there in order to simulate a Polaroid audition. This way you know what they look like prior to the use of professional lighting and make-up. It is not intended to replace the tools used by talent such as; composites, headshots or ZED cards.
There is a table of contents in the front of this color digital headbook to aid in age range selection and an index in the back to find specific talent by name. This color digital headbook is for one season only and a new one will be created for each season.
This is the first color digital headbook of its kind and we welcome your feedback."
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2001
Come to Arizona for your next project
Arizona Governor, Jane Dee Hull has unveiled a new online permit program. Called E-Film, it will allow producers to log on to the website: www.azcommerce.com/Film to file applications to use state and federal highways and state land trusts. Governor Hull says that this will assist commercial shoots, in particular, where short turn-around time is so critical.
Also at the site is a link to APA the Arizona Production Association with easy access to Arizona resources including Dani's Agency. You can find other film professionals & support services statewide!
Dani's Agency also participated in a booth at the Showbiz Expo in Los Angeles this past weekend to encourage producers, directors and others who attended the expo to shoot their next project in Arizona. The booth looked magnificiant and very professional with all the companies literature and logos displayed.
We distributed Voice Talent Audio CDs and the Talent Database CDs as well as a brochure on how to use the database on the internet. We will follow up on all leads from the event.
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apri1 29, 2001
Robert "Bob" Garthwaite lands part on "Ed"
Bob Garthwaite plays the part of a retired business owner that now employs his son at the helm. His son has some interesting ways of motivating his employees that leads to a lawsuit by one of those employees. In Bob's first scene he is a witness at this hearing. The two scenes that follow that Bob appears in he teaches his son a lesson in business.
Bob Garthwaite Scene_1, Bob Garthwaite Scene_2, Bob Garthwaite Scene_3
The anti-smoking campaign has tapped the talents of John Suazo and Alex Bryant to get slimed with some green gunk by packages delivered in the mail and Devon Wilson gets knocked off his chair by the internet site, smellypuckinghabit.com in this PSA produced by Riester Robb.
####
EM... an internet news magazine focusing on the entertainment industry has choose to feature actors Byron Browne and Dana Reilly in the December 2000 issue. Both were selected because they have recently completed work in films. Dana is the lead in Where's Charlie an independent short and Byron is a featured lead in the film Strange Love.
The staff at EM set-up an online interview link for the actors to access from any online computer and Bill Green supplied scans, bios, resumes and pictures for the piece.
Please visit EM and peruse the site. Byron and Dana's information are accessible through the Talent Monitor link in the side bar. If you have news related to the industry please contact EM staff with leads.
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 23, 2000
SAG/AFTRA Reaches Tentative Agreement with
JPC on Commercials ContractOn Sunday evening, October 22, a tentative agreement was announced between the A.N.A./ AAAA's Joint Policy Committee on Broadcast Talent Union Relations and the talent unions, Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. If ratified by the union's boards, the settlement would end the nearly six month old strike by the talent unions with the advertising industry involving performers in television and radio commercials.
The agreements are subject to approval of the Joint SAG/AFTRA Board of directors and the membership of both unions, voting in a secret ballot mail referendum. The Joint boards will meet in plenary session in Los Angeles, on Saturday October 28.
If the boards approve the contracts and determine the members can return to work pending membership ratification, commercial production may begin as as soon as Monday, October 30.
####
As many of you know Dani's Agency honored the actor's strike from the beginning and did not supply actors to any struck agencies. Now that a tentative agreement has been reached it is time to take aim at Stock Photography and Managers.
First, let this be fair warning, so to speak, to talent and photographers, Dani's Agency does not supply talent for stock photography and will never agree to unlimited time buyouts for any product with principal talent. In fact, we guarantee exclusivity to our clients. Therefore, this may be reason for this agency not to sign a talent if the talent has completed any stock work or gave an unlimited buyout for a specific product.
The reason is clear when you examine local publications from just this past week. The use of the same talent from the same shoot was used over and over again. (see example below) This is tacky, cheap, talent usually go uncompensated and it makes it virtually impossible to give exclusivity for any product in the future.
|
|
Second, Dani's Agency is asking talent to actively search for stock photography that includes principal talent within local publications as shown in the example above and email or mail copies to these companies including those above to let them know that their advertising agency is doing them a disservice by publishing stock photographs.
Finally, Dani's Agency does not work with managers, whether individuals or companies. This agency manages the careers of the talent represented and will supply guidance to the talent through every possible situation. There is no need to pay another person or company a portion of your compensation.
####
Media Communications Association (formerly ITVA, International Television and Video Association) asked Dani to be guest speaker at their monthly meeting in August. Dani jumped at the opportunity to talk about how to cast talent using our new high-tech marketing tools. The Electronic Talent Headbook CD, web site and the printed Talent headbook were of great interest to all attendees.
The following is excerpted from "the Communicator" September 2000 issue (MCA's monthly newsletter) written by president Tammy Brockman, (see photos in table below) and visit MCA's web site at <www.itva-az.org>.Then we began with our featured speaker, Dani Green, of Dani's Agency. If you were one of those people in the audience like me who has not had the opportunity to meet Dani, you too would have been pleasantly surprised.Dani gave a very informative presentation on casting, talent and rates, passed around a completely customized catalog, handed out free talent CDs, explained how easy it is to select talent right over the agency's web site, and of course, answered everyone's questions. I, myself, visited Dani's web site after the meeting and everything you need to know is right there, just a mouse click away. Thank you, Dani, for being so well prepared, informative, and for showing us how easy it really is when hiring talent.
Town Hall Meeting on the Industry
Dani and Bill also attended "the business, feast or famine?" Town Hall meeting hosted by the Phoenix Film Office and Arizona Production Association at the Valley Youth Theater September 26, 2000. It was an informative forum on the state of production in Phoenix and around the state.
There was a panel of experts on the stage, moderated by Johnny Dust, (Director and APA board member) that gave a brief overview of their positions and some of their ideas for the future. The panel consisted of Louie Moses (Moses Anshell Advertising), Don Livsay (Screen Actor's Guild), Terry Donnelly (Unit Production Manager), Shelli Hall (Tucson Film Office), Linda Peterson Warren (Arizona State Film Office), Bill Randall (IATSE), and Luci Fontanilla, Phoenix Film Office.
Our opinion of this meeting and similar meetings held around the state is Everyone on the panel is doing their job to the best of their ability within their budgets and everyone in the audience is feeling the lack of work in the state for various reasons mentioned at these meetings and wants somebody else to fix the problem. We also believe this problem can be fixed with professionalism, marketing what we have to offer, and not cutting rates.
Coming up: Watch for a soon to be published interview with Dani by Kerry LePage for The Drama Beat newspaper. Dani talks candidly about how she got in the "business", how does an actor get her attention for possible representation and the on-going SAG/AFTRA commercial strike. (see photo in table below)
Click on the thumbnail shot to enlarge.
|
|
####
Once again, Dani's Agency is on the cutting edge of new technology with the release of the first ever Electronic Talent Database on CD. This cross-platform computer CD has a searchable database with every actor represented by Dani at the time it was burned and because the agency burns the CDs themselves updates are just a click away.The agency has mailed the CD to all the out-of-town clients that have hired actors from this agency and plan to mail it to all our local clients this month. Misti is making appointments for Dani and Bill with the top 20% of our local clients to give them a one-on-one demo of the CD. The completed demos have been very well received.This is a service that benefits both talent and client. It makes it easier and faster for our clients searching to cast the right talent for a job and it gives the actor more visibility. There is no fee other than the ordinary commissions the agency collects when work is completed.The agency will mail the current CD to anyone that is interested in hiring an actor upon request. Requests can be made at Bill's email... bill.danisagency@cox.net
####
Dani's Agency had to turn work away again today. This is not easy, especially during the summer when business is usually slow anyway. The SAG/AFTRA strike against ad agencies for disputes over the radio and TV commercial contracts is now in its third month. If the signatory ad agency is not willing to sign the interim agreement and put their commercial on a SAG contract we will not supply talent.Even though the agency represents non-union actors and Arizona is a right to work state, Dani's Agency is still a SAG franchised agency and supports every issue the actor's union is striking for in the new contract. Because of this the agency is encouraging union and non-union actors (many have worked on national commercials on SAG contracts) to support the strike. Please attend the rally.
Join the SAG team from the Los Angeles Strike Strategy committee to learn the latest on the commercials strike.
####
Misti Green changed her name today. She will now forever be known as Misti Wagner. She married a handsome man from Israel named Etgar.
Misti Green and Etgar Wagner met on January 10, 2000. Misti and Dani were coming back to the office from lunch when right after stepping off the elevator Misti looked up to see "this incredible man" (her words) sitting in the waiting area with an older gentleman. Misti said to Dani softly, "I sure hope they're here to see us."It just so happened that Dani represented the older gentleman, Etgar's uncle Felix, he wanted to introduce Etgar to Dani and Misti for possible representation.Dani interviewed Etgar and Misti listened. Misti was effected by his visit so much that she took the initiative a couple of days later to call him. The first call didn't go so well. She wanted to ask him out and just couldn't put the words together. She was so nervous.Another day went by and it was driving her crazy, so she thought maybe not asking him out on a date but maybe go get some coffee and talk more about Israel and about all his travels. So she called and suggested they do just that and he was all for it. They met for coffee on Saturday.The rest is history and Wedding was May 28, 2000.
The 14th Annual ITVA-Arizona Video Festival Awards were recognized at Salt River Project's P.E.R.A. Club on Sunday, December 5th. Over 70 people networked and dined together as they applauded this year's winners.
This year a Public Service Announcement (PSA) category was added thanks to Stevan Pope. Pope led a challenge of producer members of ITVA (International Television Association) when work was scarce this past summer. He challenged them to donate their time and talents to give back to the community in the form of a PSA. He also mentioned in this challenge that if you needed talent to contact ITVA member - talent agent, Dani Green. Five producers stepped up along with crew and talent to produce five PSAs of which four had actors represented by Dani's Agency.Pope said at the event that the tapes have been turned over to several stations and the spots should be airing soon. He also challenged ITVA member producers to more than double the amount of PSAs produced next year.
Three of the five PSAs with actors from Dani's Agency placed in the awards.
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 1999
Online Talent Database Working
Shortly after we turned on danisagency.com Dani received a call from Colin Fenby, Manager of Marketing Materials for Bombardier Aerospace, in Canada. He was on a tight schedule and wanted to see if we could Fedex a packet to Wichita where he would be shooting arial shots for a new airplane his company had just developed prior to heading to Arizona. Dani immediately chimed in, "Are you a web browser?" He replied that he was and connected to the internet immediately. Dani then talked him through the website to the online talent database.
No need to send a packet, replied Mr. Fenby, I'll review your database and get back to you shortly. About an hour later several pages appeared in the FAX machine from the online talent database thumbnails with identifiers of first, second and third selections for each of seven characters, along with a letter (see Bombardier1.pdf). Rates and talent were confirmed by the end of the day and we passed along the Arizona Production Association's (APA) website for crew referrals.
About a month later Mr. Fenby sent a letter of gratitude (see Bombardier2.pdf) and several tearsheets (see Bombardier.pdf) of some of the completed work for the agency to distribute to the talent.
This is not the only job directly attributed to the internet since we turned it on but it is the first. Another interesting inquiry came from Tyler, producer for Bernstein Rein, a Kansas City advertising company for national Wal-mart commercial. He had received our name along with one other local contact for talent. He called the other contact first and was quoted a fee for a packet submission and he gracefully declined. Then he called Dani and within minutes he was selecting searches based on his character requirements and couldn't wait to pass along the website to the creative director.
The principles were all Wal-mart employees and/or customers but the extras were booked directly from the online Talent Database.
The bottom line is gross billings and they have increased nearly 20% over the same period a year ago and we recently saturated the market with notifications of the agency's searchable talent database and voice demos on our website. We are looking forward to even higher increases when the new season begins this fall.
The internet is the future and Dani's Agency plans to remain on the leading edge of this technology.
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mar. 26, 1999
New Voice Demo CD Released
Dani's Agency has completed its new 1999 Voice Talent CD and the new voice demos are available on the internet. The demos are linked at the Male_Voice and Female_Voice buttons at each of the web pages. Dani signed twelve new voice talent and updated previously signed talent with new demos.
After analyzing input from the first month online... the Talent_Database has some new changes. First, the thumbnail headshots have been reduced in size (quality-wise) to expedite the initial start-up of the database. Mainly because it took several minutes on the slower baud rate modems. Second, full composites have been added to the form view and at a larger size than the original database for clearer viewing with multiple shots.
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEB. 12, 1999
DANI'S AGENCY TURNS ON WEB SITE
Dani's Agency goes international with a new website. Dani Green, owner of the Agency, said "This agency plans to use the internet to make money not make money off of the internet." It will give casting directors, producers, photographers or anyone in the world that wants to hire an actor the opportunity to evaluate the actors with this agency from the comforts of their home or office.
The Agency is licensed by the Industrial Commission of the State of Arizona. Therefore, this web service is paid for with a portion of the commissions obtained by the agency for completed job assignments by actors represented by this agency and the clients that hired the actors. There are no other fees associated with this service.
Bill Green, Dani's husband and the web master for danisagency.com, said "Every actor represented by Dani is in the Talent_Database and because the web server is run in-house it will always be up-to-date." The agency is using DSL technology (digital subscriber line) from US West on two iMac Apple computers. Static IP addresses were assigned from AMUG (Arizona Macintosh Users Group) and the server is running Webstar software. The ZED_database and Under_4_database are also available with color graphics. More databases will be added as they are developed.
With links to The Arizona Production Association Website, Arizona weather and Resources list, the agency hopes to bring work into the state for other professionals within the industry.
####
Contacts:
Dani Green... danisagency@cox.net
Misti Green... mistid@amug.org
Bill Green... billyg@amug.org
