One of the most exciting aspects of being a film critic is the discovery of the new; yes, to reflect the quaint words of Anton Ego from Ratatouille, finding and fostering new and emerging talents, whether they be actors, directors, writers and so forth, will always remain a sincerely significant part of the gig. Shining the spotlight on an unfamiliar title is worth remarkably more than the 100th review recounting the latest Marvel release, despite what your personal feelings are on it.
As we reach the end of 2019, within the hundreds of new releases that have emerged throughout this controversial year – where original cinema fiercely fought back against the glut of soulless remakes emerging from the Hollywood studio system – we’ve had the pleasure of discovering the talents of rising stars; Kelvin Harrison, Jr’s work in Luce and Waves has excited the arthouse crowds, while Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s scene-stealing performance in Dolemite is my Name has immediately made her a hot item.
But how are these talents initially discovered? This is the work of the talent agent, a difficult and often unpredictable career that not only involves discovering clients, but also working to promote and embody their images. In Australia, one of the leading talent agents is Hallie McKeig, whose extensive background in scouting and developing talent has now allowed her to open Creative Soul Management, a talent management company that is already loaded with some of Australia’s most promising stars.
Actress Kate Lister, familiar to Australian audiences for her current role in the successful SeaChange reboot, said, in regards to McKeig’s work that she’s “never met a more dedicated agent in my life.” This glowing sentiment was echoed by an assembly of her current clients; Phoenix Raei acknowledged that she’s an “incredible partner in crime, a mentor, an inspiration and a passionate agent and friend who has always put all of us who were with her first”, which mirrored Shannon Berry’s own thoughts that the agency has felt like like a family.
To celebrate the launch of Creative Soul Management, I talked with Hallie McKeig about what it means to be a talent agent, the impact that social media has made on her work and how to build a lasting creative relationship with her clients.
Alex Lines for Film Inquiry: Can you tell me about Creative Soul Management and how you came to create it?
Hallie McKeig: Creative Soul Management came as a next step to our agency Filmbites. We love working closely with actors on their careers and we have so many actors now working on major Australian and American productions that it seemed like the next natural step.
For those who may be unaware, could you please explain the role of a talent agent?
Hallie McKeig: An agent has two jobs. One to find and identify talent and then support that talent as they move and work in the industry, and two to help the production and story. So when a casting director is looking for a character our job is to best support them with the right talent.
When scouting for potential clients, what are some of the key identifying characteristics that have always stood out to you?
Hallie McKeig: Heart and truthfulness. People who have a genuine love of story and are bold enough to be vulnerable enough to tell that story. When an actor can find a connection with the character and be truthful to their circumstance, magic is created.
Over your years of work in supporting emerging talent, what are your thoughts on the increasing impact that social media has had for finding clients?
Hallie McKeig: I rarely find clients through social media. I will approach an actor if I have seen their work in a film or showcase or through word of mouth and I also love when an actor approaches us with the right material – it shows they are ready to go.
What can you tell us about some of Australia’s newest talents who’re represented by Creative Soul Management?
Hallie McKeig: These actors are incredibly hard working and have a deep and genuine love for telling stories and the craft. They are people you naturally want to collaborate with, and that is why they are having so much success.
What would you say – if any – are the key differences between securing representation in Australia compared to obtaining US management?
Hallie McKeig: For an Australian actor to gain US representation they usually need a major credit here, a flawless American accent, a natural and compelling ability to connect with the character and usually someone on the ground in Australia who can connect and introduce them. This is where a good Australian agent is key.
What are the important steps for you to build a rewarding relationship with the actors you manage?
Hallie McKeig: I love getting to know the actors I represent. The first time I meet with someone is usually a big lengthy chat to get to know them as a person and as an actor. Then it’s about keeping the communication open. I talk to our actors all the time, ranging from jobs and auditions, chatting about stories and character and just life. We are there for each other through all the twists and turns this industry takes us on.
What would you say are the greatest challenges within your profession?
Hallie McKeig: I believe an actor’s mental health and wellbeing is the biggest issue. This is such a tough industry. Where someone else graduating from years of training might do a dozen or so interviews at most before securing a job, an actor might do hundreds. When they finally get a job, it might last a few days to a few months, or if it’s big series a few years, but then it’s back to trying to get a job again. Creating as much stability and support for an actor is key.
From your perspective, what does representation at Creative Soul Management offer that other management companies cannot?
Hallie McKeig: There are some wonderful management companies out there, and there are some not so great ones. I can’t speak to what others offer, but what I can say is that we offer long-lasting relationships with our actors, built on genuine care for the person, the actor and the craft.
What does 2020 hold for Creative Soul Management?
Hallie McKeig: We have so many exciting projects happening for our actors. Phoenix Raei will be wrapping Clickbait and Shannon Berry will be wrapping the first season of The Wilds – both fantastic projects that I think will get an instant following. Cooper Van Grootel will be filming One of us is Lying. Kate Lister is continuing to book back to back gigs and is heading to the States. We have other incredible actors who have scored major jobs that should be announced next year and as for Daisy Axon – the world is waiting for her.
Film Inquiry thanks Hallie McKeig for taking the time to talk with us.
Check out Creative Soul Management’s portfolio of talent at creativesoulmanagement.com.au
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