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4821 Lankershim Blvd., Suite F149, North Hollywood, CA 91601
My Talent Secretary is free to all who register.
My Talent Secretary is designed to provide a virtual office for actors enabling them to keep track of everything related to their acting career all in one place.
If you decide to host your website with My Talent Secretary the annual charge is $75. That is the only area in this virtual office where there is a fee.
My Talent Secretary is an organization full of caring for the actor and the talent. Everywhere the talent turns someone is asking for money for their product or their service and it is difficult to decide where they should spend the little money they have. My Talent Secretary is a one stop free VIRTUAL OFFICE for the actor.
THE SCHEMATIC WAS DRAWN
In 1988 Betty came up with this idea of a one stop free office online to keep track of all this information that actors need to know about and remember. Drawn on a large 24 x 36 back side of an outdated calendar (yes the calendar was being recycled), Betty drew out this schema of what this on line webplace for talent information would be like. It was drawn like a bunch of small file cabinet drawers. Of course at that time the internet and computer programming was not ready for this type of online activity.
THE BOOK WAS STARTED
In 1997 Betty started to hand write a book titled, “The Talent Secretary” which would answer all those questions that talent asked and did not ask. What happens behind the scenes? What happens in the office of a talent agent? A personal manager office? A casting director office?. How can all this checklist of information to begin or maintain a career in acting or performing be organized and kept. This book of 175 pages was left unfinished in 1999 because it needed to be in conjunction with this library of information online office. It was as if you have a three ring binder in your office with dividers with all the forms, checklists, notes and such from the various research you do. How do you keep track of all of it? The online version of “My Talent Secretary” is how to keep track of forms, checklists, notes, your favorites, profiles, to do lists and all the information you gather all in one place.
THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ON THE WEB BEGUN
In 1999 after moving to Los Angeles, Betty started to build websites here and there changing them as developments were made and functionality was introduced. This was the exploratory time. She helped form many websites with a company that went out of business after they spent all their investment money. That was normal at that time when the internet frenzy of building a web presence was paramount.
Working closely with Michael Albrecht on a website titled www.actorsupdate.org they both learned a lot about the internet and the difficulties, the challenges and the rewards. Michael moved on and Betty found Paul Norman, an expert website visionary who helped seed and develop the beginnings of www.mytalentsecretary.org
THE ORGANIZATION My Talent Secretary WAS FORMED OFFICIALLY
My Talent Secretary was incorporated July of 2006.
FREE WEBSITE EDITOR
Talent will be able to learn via a website builder which will teach them what to put on their website to be most effective in marketing themselves. This website builder is free to the viewer. A website can be created and then saved onto the viewer’s computer. The viewer can then choose where to host their website from an ongoing list of over 100 hosting companies with comparison prices and details. Any hosting company can add their service to this list. My Talent Secretary will keep updating this list so the viewer can decide which one is best for them. Additional educational information will educate the viewer how to make that decision. The talent can choose to host their website with My Talent Secretary for $75 a year.
CHOOSING YOUR PROFESSIONAL NAME
A beginning example of educating the viewer who used this library of information, ideas, resources, programs and tools is www.mydomainsecretary.org – this website explains to the viewer how to choose your professional name and then your personal domain name. Another list of domain registrants will be assembled with over 100 choices where the viewer can compare prices and accessibility.
PERSONAL EMAIL SET UP INSTRUCTIONS
My Talent Secretary will update and keep information for the viewer on how to create and maintain their own personal email. Another comparison list of prices and details of set up, size and use will be constantly updated.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Just like anyone fills out their personal stats and contact information the new or seasoned performer will be able to have their personal stats, contact information and all of their skill listings always current and ready to be emailed to whomever needs this information.
NOTEPAD
A place to keep track of ideas and log them in categories in an online password protected area.
ROLODEX OF YOUR FAVORITES
Here is where the viewer can keep a listing of all the places, services and products that they like to use all in one place. They can go to their free office online and find their contact information and notes about this favorite.
ONLINE UPDATER
The viewer will learn about all the areas on the internet where they can submit themselves, where their representatives can submit them, where they can market themselves, where they need to be listed to network, where they can be members to learn more information.
- SUBMISSION WEBSITES
- MARKETING WEBSITES
- SOCIAL NETWORKING WEBSITES
- INFORMATION WEBSITES
It is vital that the talent knows and is educated about every possible way they can build their career and be marketed. What a surprise when a potential or professional actor or talent finds a library where they can study this subject. By sharing in an objective editorial fact finding manner My Talent Secretary will gather, maintain, educate and update all pertinent and current details relating to various submission website’s costs and uses. There will be no referring or suggesting. Only facts. Globally talent will have access to ways to marketing themselves and to a library of information to guide and log their career journey.
TRACKING GRIDS
Via a myriad of free editable grids originating from a personal calendar, audition grid, callback grid, booking grid, pitch list grid, publicity grid, thank you history grid and other related integrated relational grids, the talent and their representatives stay organized, educated, informed and up to date.
Success comes out of the carefully prepared steps, organizing what you are doing and enjoyment of the process. My Talent Secretary will give talent all the needed steps to get ready and stay ready to compete. My Talent Secretary is the talent’s free customized and personalized office of the future.
The VISION as this company grows is:
- To give back as much as possible to the talent.
- To help comfort the process based on all the experiences I have seen damage the talent’s spirit.
- To jump start the talent’s career by having all necessary information all in one place.
- To help all the actors that I cannot personally help, find ways to be ready to procure and maintain representation.
- To help facilitate the actor in finding the best tools and resources.
- To memorialize all the detailed work and love writer, Lawrence Parke, gave to the actor.
- To keep the mission and vision that I was given to share in a creative unified front so that it maintains a strong prestigious vitality and is a permanent part of the talent’s career and the entertainment industry.
- To educate talent at all levels of their careers.
- To create a free virtual office with its central focus being all about the talent.
President - BETTY McCORMICK AGGAS, Creator
Betty McCormick Aggas started out in the entertainment world as an actress, voice-over artist, model, make-up artist, publicist, set designer and theatre producer. Armed with a BA in theatre and an MFA in set design, Betty stayed in Columbus, Ohio and started the Actors and Directors Studio, the Slice of Life Theatre and helped organize the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Then, in 1980, she started Creative Talent Company, the first full – service AFTRA franchised talent agency in Columbus. Her efforts were rewarded when she received the "Jaycees 10 Outstanding Citizens" award.
Betty's film casting credits include "My Summer Story", "Best of the Best III", "Attica," and "Crazy for a Kiss". In 1996, Betty founded Midwest Talent Management Inc., based out of Los Angeles. Serving the Talent Managers Association since 1998, Betty has volunteered her services as 1st Vice President and Board member for six years, as content provider and creator of the first TMA website; chairperson of the publicity committee, by laws committee, panel events committee and founder of the benefits committee. As an active member of the Talent Managers Association, Betty was the 2003 recipient of the Seymour Heller award for Excellence in the field of Talent Management.
Betty actively manages the careers of her much-loved Midwest Talent Management client roster. www.midwesttalent.com
1st Vice President - PAUL NORMAN, Co-Creator
Paul Norman is a veteran of various entertainment forms including musician, composer, performer, writer, film-maker, game designer and creator, and interactive web developer. As lead guitarist and songwriter, he has appeared everywhere from the Hollywood Bowl to the Rose Bowl. As designer, he produced dozens of world-wide selling games including the classic "Forbidden Forest" and Billboard Magazine No.1 hit "Super Huey".
A pioneer in the field of "live action" video games, he wrote, produced, and directed "Murder Makes Strange Deadfellows" and the "The President is Missing", winner of the "Most Original Software" award at the Winter CES. Paul started www.digittarius.com to develop web sites and Internet entertainment that takes full advantage of the promise of broadband. He brings to all projects his diverse talents and years of experience to create something even better.
Secretary - VALERIE B. PICHNEY, Attorney
Valerie is a Producer, and a co-founder and owner of Atta Girl Productions with her partner, Writer-Director Helen Lesnick. Atta Girl Productions’ latest project, Red Hot Hoops, is a partly historical film about the first women’s professional basketball team. Previously, she produced, A Family Affair, which was an official selection at 65 film festivals world wide, and won 5 Best Film/Audience Awards. After a theatrical release, the film was released internationally and domestically on video and is available at most video outlets.
Valerie is an attorney and obtained her Juris Doctor, Magna Cum Laude. She is a member of the California, Maryland and North Carolina Bars. After obtaining her J.D., she attended Georgetown University Law Center where she received a Master of Laws in Taxation and a Master of Laws in Business/Securities. After graduation from Georgetown, she served as an Attorney-Advisor to the Chief Judge of the U.S. Tax Court in Washington DC. During her time at the Court, she drafted nine published Tax Court Memorandum decisions.
Valerie moved to San Diego in 1997 and served as in-house counsel to a start-up, high technology Internet company. Currently she has her own law practice specializing in tax controversy resolution and estate planning.
Prior to law school, Valerie pursued photography as a hobby and produced several shows for a local public television station. She graduated college with a B.S. in Marketing and began her career at CBS Radio Network in Los Angeles and New York, and WTOP Radio in Washington DC. In radio, she worked with marketing and advertising. Subsequently, Valerie worked in residential construction management and owned several businesses. She sold her commercial sign company to attend law school.
Treasurer - HEATHER SMITH, Attorney
Heather Smith is a Vice President and attorney in the Institutional Securities Documentation group at Morgan Stanley in New York where she has worked for almost 4 years. Previously, she was the Derivatives Counsel at PNC Bank. She was raised in Pittsburgh, and she obtained her B.A from Bucknell University in 1991 and her JD from University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1994. She was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1994. She has one daughter, Alexandra, budding actress and singer, and enjoys spending her free time with Alexandra engaging in a variety of activities.
Member at Large - ANDREA MARIE DUMOND, Attorney
Andrea graduated in May 2008 as a J.D. with a business law certification and specialty in entertainment law and concurrent M.B.A. with a concentration in Finance. Andrea received her B.A. in English Literature from Muhlenberg College, where she was a member of the Muhlenberg Dance Association (MDA). The MDA provided its members the opportunity to partake in both on-stage and behind the scenes opportunities. Andrea is glad to have been able to take part in both aspects.
Andrea began in the entertainment industry as a teen model, appearing in fashion shows and posing for print work for a number of photographers. Also during this time, Andrea won a number of dance and modeling competitions throughout the New England area. Currently, Andrea is working as a law clerk and assistant to the head attorney at the Law Offices of Cyrus and Cyrus in Beverly Hills, California while she awaits the results of the July 2008 California Bar Exam. Upon positive results, Andrea will be sitting for the Maine/Massachusetts Bar Exam in February 2009.
Member at Large - STEFANIE SCHAEFFER, Attorney
Stefanie Schaeffer’s creativity, business savvy and leadership skills brought her public respect and praise when named NBC’s 2007 “The Apprentice.” She joined the Trump Organization, successfully oversaw the construction and development of the Cap Cana project in the Dominican Republic, and concurrently began serving as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Trump International Hotel and Tower in Las Vegas, where she will remain at least through April 2008 when her one year contract expires, at which time she will determine the next step in her ever broadening road to success. Her experience with Mr. Trump has led her to become a real estate broker in addition to her other credentials. She is a regular contributor to USA Radio Network’s nationally syndicated morning show Daybreak USA and writes a monthly column for the online magazine, Fabulously40.com.
Prior to becoming “The Apprentice,” Schaeffer worked as a lawyer for a prestigious California firm. Her area of expertise was defending employers against workers’ compensations claims, spending the majority of her time in the courtroom, where her superb oratorical skills could be effectively exploited. Los Angeles Magazine recognized her as a Super Lawyers Young Rising Star in both 2006 and 2007, placing her in the top 2.5% of all lawyers in the state.
A native Californian herself, she hails from a family of entrepreneurial New Yorkers. Drive and passion were emphasized by Stefanie’s parents during her childhood and higher education was encouraged as a strong foundation for the future. In 1996, Stefanie graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a double major in English and Psychology and a minor in Communications. She went on to attend the prestigious SCALE program at Southwestern University School of Law, where she graduated with her Juris Doctor degree in just two years, one year ahead of schedule. She then worked as a law clerk for United States District Court Judge Ronald S.W. Lew in Los Angeles, followed by a career as a trial lawyer defending large California real estate developers in construction defect litigation.
An instinctive presenter and host, Stefanie is a charismatic and charming motivational speaker with compassion and insight regarding business, life focus techniques and fitness. She is launching a new program called “Strut your Stuff” which will include audio tapes, her newest book about achieving business success, and she will continue filling the demand for speaking engagements for businesses and professional organizations throughout the United States.
A major proponent of charity involvement, Stefanie is a national spokesperson for the American Cancer Society, for which she has done PSAs, and she volunteers with the Boys and Girls Clubs and Habitat for Humanity. She is an avid golfer and enjoys snow skiing, tennis, martial arts, scuba diving and cooking.
Member at Large – HARVEY “JACK” SILVER, Non Profit Consultant
Over the past 20 years Jack Silver has been involved in starting and running a variety of businesses in the staffing industry including a software company whose product was a fully integrated front and back office product for the staffing industry. More recently Jack has applied his 25 plus years of experience as a headhunter and businessman to the talent management business, launching S-Cubed Inc, dba Silver Management.
Prior to entering the “for profit world”, Mr. Silver was the Executive Director of the National Kidney Foundation of the National Capital Area; served as a consultant to numerous non-profit organizations (e.g. American Heart Association) and was Project Director of the American Freedom from Hunger Foundation.
He obtained a M.Ed. degree in Group Dynamics from Temple University and a BA from the University of Cincinnati. Upon graduating college, Jack served two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Brazil. He has been married for 39 years (to the same woman) and has two children.
Our Contributing Advisory Board in alphabetical order.
JIM FALLON – Organizational and Human Development
Working Title for The Talent Resource Center is Green Digital Awareness Organizational and Human Development Expert.
Jim has over twenty eight years experience in the energy business with Chevron Corporation and is currently getting ready to begin work as a private consultant on a major environmental project being built in Angola.
Recent experience includes being a member of the Organizational and Human Development Team and a member of the Global Training Team. Jim served as the Training Coordinator for a three year curriculum program where he helped recruit and train over one hundred new technical employees from 2005 to 2008.
Jim has been on numerous projects and teams all of which kept safety and the environment as core values. Several of the projects Jim was involved with began over twenty years ago when the process was started to move refining operations to high tech digital computers. Along with this effort all associated paper documentation and as much record keeping as possible was also transferred to electronic systems.
Having grown up with the real life business applications and daily use of various systems Jim and his wife Debbe put their own internet server online in 1998. Jim’s strength is in working with people to understand the man-machine interface.
Jim and his wife married in 1971. Our daughter Sarah and her husband Josh work on Green Bio-Fuel development, son Jimmy is in the energy business and has a son – Brendan James with his significant other, Chelsie Rain. Jim and Debbe enjoy time with friends, family and trips to their boat in the SF Bay.
SUE FOX, President Casting Workbook
Working Title for The Talent Resource Center is On Line Talent Submission Website Expert.
LYNN HAMILTON, Vice President and Agent with the Shirley Hamilton Agency in Chicago, Illinois
Working Title for The Talent Resource Center is Midwest Talent Agent Expert.
Lynne Hamilton is a respected agent and the vice-president of the well-established Shirley Hamilton Agency. Shirley Hamilton, Inc. opened its doors in 1962. Since then it has been their pleasure to work with many actors and models who have excelled in their fields over the years. They merge a long and successful history with a commitment to change, new media and excellence in acquiring and working with new talent. Rather than look to our successes in the past, they work hard to replicate and expand on those successes in the future- in new arenas, with new friends and clients.
MICHELLE KRAMER, Vice President, Digital within the Warner Brothers Television Group's Media Research Division
Working Title for The Talent Resource Center is Digital Trends and Polling Expert.
Michelle is the Vice President, Digital within the Warner Bros. Television Group’s Media Research Division. As part of her responsibilities she runs a 2 million dollar, state of the art Media Research Lab to understand traditional broadcast and emerging digital trends within the television industry. www.wbmedialab.com
Michelle received her degree from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada where she studied Anthropology/Archeology then did post-graduate work in Oahu, Hawaii, digging up and recording archeological sites in the way of their new H-3 highway.
Michelle came back to Vancouver and learned desktop publishing then became the first Applications Engineer for Creo Products (now owned by Kodak) for configuration and installation of their million-dollar, computer-to-plate systems for the publishing industry. She started her work in online entertainment in early 1995 (before Napster and iTunes) where she worked for Preview Systems (now owned by Aladdin Systems) to help customers like Amazon.com and Macrovision integrate online digital music distribution systems into their eCommerce platforms.
When that company was purchased she moved to a digital rights watermarking company, Digimarc, then later joined WebTrends as the Product Manager for their onsite behavior/web analytics product. Much later she joined Hewlett-Packard's Digital Entertainment Group, working with customers such as Wal-Mart.com to help track user behavior and drive product purchasing in their online movie and television store.
In her spare time Michelle co-founded and ran The Wired Women Web, a not for profit that encouraged women to explore opportunities in the technology sector, network with one another and build successful careers to allow them to play a positive role in the Internet age. Later she also founded Incubate Oregon, a business that helped women incubate and launch small businesses both on and off the web.
Michelle was named one of the Top 40 Leaders to Watch by Portland Magazine in 2006 and also received an honarary MIS degree from Portland State University.
CAROL LORENZ, Faculty at the Lincoln Park Center for the Performing Arts, Midland, Pennsylania
Working Title for The Talent Resource Center is High School and Performing Arts Curriculum and Seminar Expert.
Carol Lorenz has worked in the industry for more than 30 years in the Midwest, New York, and LA. She began her career as a dancer, and her first Equity role was Panacea in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Since then she has performed in dozens of plays, including dinner theatre and children’s theatre, as well as in TV and film. She is also a director and has directed more than 30 productions, including theatre for young audiences. She is a member of AEA, SAG, and AFTRA.
Carol has a BS in Secondary Education from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, with a double major in English and Spanish, as well as an associate degree in theatre from the Pittsburgh Playhouse, Pittsburgh, PA. She received an MA in Educational Studies from Ohio State University with a specialization in Drama-in-Education. In the 90s, she returned to her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, to earn a Ph.D. in theatre. While there she taught and directed at a number of local colleges; and she and her friend Rev. Jim Liddle started Dry Bones Productions, a theatrical company whose mission is to bring family theatre and entertainment into the community.
Currently, Carol is on faculty at the Lincoln Park Center for the Performing Arts Charter School in Midland, PA, where she is also assistant to the Director of Outreach. Her responsibilities on the Lincoln Park faculty include training actors, teaching theatre history, and directing. Her most recent outreach projects include co-directing the Midland Elementary Christmas show, “A Merry Mancini Christmas”, that included 350 children, as well as co-producing a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King this past January. This spring she will be conducting workshops for teachers that will focus on the use of drama techniques as teaching tools.
J.C. LOVE, Managing Partner, Templeton Technology Group
Working title for The Talent Resource Center is Document Formatting and Microsoft Contributor
A 1963 graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Speech with a Theatre Major, J.C. Love’s life took several unplanned turns. Financial pressures forced J.C. to postpone his dream – acting for both the camera and the stage – and go to work in business. He was a sales representative for a major steel producer, with that employment interrupted by a “Greetings” letter from his draft board. J.C. spent two years in the U.S. Army (yes, he was on our side), including a ten month tour in Viet Nam. He was awarded six medals including a Purple Heart for wounds received in action. The Veterans Administration currently rates him as 60% disabled because of hearing loss and other combat-related problems.
J.C. left the steel company in 1968 to enter the life insurance business as an agent, spending thirteen financially successful years, including earning the Chartered Life Underwriter designation as well as qualifying for the coveted Million Dollar Round Table membership. In 1980, J.C. changed careers once again, and joined the computer industry as a National Sales Manager, a V.P. of Product Development, and an international spokesperson for IBM. J.C. formally retired from business as an employee in 1999.
He returned to his dream, quickly becoming a SAG member, and has worked on a wide variety of projects since, including commercials, industrials, and feature films. J.C. continues his training, and expects to continue as a working actor for many years to come.
He subsequently formed a new computer and network consulting company, Templeton Technology Group. As a Microsoft Certified Small Business Specialist, J.C. helps small businesses and individuals maximize the positive effect technology has on them. He is an expert on most Microsoft products, including the Small Business Server, a complete system for small businesses. Because he has control of his own time, he is free to audition and work in TV and film.
J.C. is an avid runner, completing over 30 marathons and seven 50-mile and one 100-mile ultra-marathons.
MATT MCNAUGHTON, President and CEO of Code Labs, Inc.
Working Title for The Talent Resource Center is Database My SQL Expert.
Matt MacNaughton is a consulting software developer with over 17 years of development experience in the software industry. He has been president of Code Labs since 1999.
Code Labs (www.codelabs.com) provides software development services and technology consulting to small business owners and IT management alike. Code Labs’ client list includes tech businesses Intel Corporation, SmartStuff Software, Rapidigm Interactive, Finatus, Synergy7 and ATSI group. Code Labs technology focus is on relational database systems development and web integration of data systems.
Code Labs also provides web-based services for performing arts groups and their artistic management.
Matt is currently completing his M.S. in Computer Science at Oregon Graduate Institute with a focus on Human Computer Interaction. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of New Mexico, with a concentration in cognitive science and technical communication, and graduate work in instructional and performance-support systems development.
Matt has logged many, many hours performing as a casual rock musician in Portland area clubs, and has years of training in dance, to which he attributes his useless knees, both of which are now relegated to the practice of Pilates.
DOUGLAS MOYES, President of Stellimare, Inc.
Working Title for The Talent Resource Center is Systems Analyst and Hosting Expert.
LINDA REITMAN, Talent Manager
Working Title for The Talent Resource Center is Publicist and Questionnaire and Text Editor
LINDA REITMAN opened the doors to LINDA REITMAN MANAGEMENT over twenty years ago. She represents professional actors, writers, producers, musical artists, comedians and directors.
Her previous experience includes two years as an associate to agent Walter Kohner, of Paul Kohner, Inc. At that time, the legendary agency represented such artists as writer/directors John Huston and Ingmar Bergman and actors Holly Hunter, Klaus Kinski, Ian Bannon, Klaus Maria Brandauer and Angelica Huston.
Previously, Ms. Reitman worked for two years as a publicist, specializing in entertainment clients. Additionally, she is a published writer whose articles have appeared in dozens of magazines and newspapers worldwide. She has also written liner notes, concert notes, press releases and biographies for record companies, management and public relations firms.
She was co-producer at a world-renown music venue for five years, bringing in an eclectic array of artists including Kenny G, Dizzy Gillespie, Najee, B. B. King, Tito Puente, Bebe and Cece Winans and comedian Paul Rodriguez, among others. Ms. Reitman not only negotiated their fees and contracts, but she handled the publicity and advertising with radio stations and newspapers.
Reitman rounded out her Industry experience assisting the Vice President of Business Affairs at a major motion picture acquisition and distribution company, where she worked extensively with contracts over a two-year period.
She produced “A Tribute to Blue Mitchell,” her first professional credit, at the Musician’s Union, in Hollywood--where music legends Al Jarreau, Sarah Vaughan, Horace Silver, George Shearing, Buddy Collette and Chick Corea performed--helping to raise $10,000.00 for the late trumpeter’s widow. More recently, she produced “Starfire” with its writer, client Sam Ingraffia. This highly acclaimed theatre production ran for four months to sold out audiences and starred clients Vanessa Marcil (“Las Vegas”) and Tyler Christopher (“General Hospital”) with Brian Austin Green and Art La Fleur.
Early management clients included music legends Harold Land, Abbey Lincoln, Big Joe Turner and Phillipe Wynne (former lead singer for the Spinners), as well as Persis Khambatta (“Star Trek: The Motion Picture”), among others. Recent clients have included: Eva Longoria ("Desperate Housewives"), Tony Todd ("The Rock"/"Candyman") and Broadway actress/vocalist Eloise Laws.
Ms. Reitman feels blessed to have had the opportunity to work within many of the varied aspects of the Entertainment Industry. She feels that her background gives her clients the opportunity to be represented by a well-rounded, experienced management company that is not only knowledgeable but also highly capable of advising them in all aspects of their career evolvement.
WES STEVENS, President of VOX, Inc.
Working Title for The Talent Resource Center is Voice Over Talent Agent Expert.
Wes Stevens, Founder and President, VOX, Inc. a Los Angeles based commercial and voice-over talent agency, representing non-celebrity and celebrity clientele for commercials, endorsements, animation, gaming and narration. His clients include David Hyde Pierce, David Hasselhoff, Flea, Lauren Bacall, Eliza Dushku and many others, these clients can be seen and heard in films for Pixar, Sony and Warner Brothers and on campaigns for Dell, Volkswagen and Principal Financial. After graduating from Virginia, Wes went to work for a small agency in Columbus, Ohio. There, Stevens built a successful voice-over department centered on foreign language voice-overs. Can you say “Ginsu Knife” in Tagalog? He eventually found his way to Los Angeles by 1995. In January 2002, he acquired his former employer, Talent Group, Inc.’s, voice-over division and re-launched it as VOX, Inc. Since then VOX has grown consistently in reputation and revenue and is one of the top agencies in the country, the agency consistently pushes the envelope in its creative use of technology and superior caliber of clients. The agency’s website is www.voxusa.net.
Away from the office, Wes’ passions include travel, great dining and music as well as charitable fundraising. He has run seven marathons from Honolulu to Florence, Italy, for various charities since late 2003.
STEVEN STONE, Network Administrator and IT Specialist
Working Title for The Talent Resource Center is Disaster Revcovering Expert.
Steven Stone graduated from American-Intercontinental University with a Master’s Degree in Information Technology and certifications in Unix System and Network Administration.
Steven Stone brings over 25 years of experience encompassing analysis, certification & accreditation, information assurance, metrics, proposal development, research, security, software quality assurance, network administration, system development lifecycle, technical writing, training, & task leadership, with over ten year’s management experience. Detailed experience with the daily maintenance and troubleshooting of Linux, Unix and Windows servers including the recovery of failed servers resulting from corrupt Public and Private IS. Proficient in disaster recovery (DR) planning from the fundamental setup of automated backup systems to the development of environmental disaster contingency plans. Significant IT marketing experience to small and large business environments including acquisition of hardware and software, proposal preparation, RFP bid preparation, and client support services. Specific industries include entertainment, manufacturing, legal, accounting/financial and medical offices. Integration of LANs with Internet access gateways, security firewalls, virtual private networks, telecommuting and remote office access. Expert in assembling, upgrading, and maintaining hardware on all Intel based systems. Organization of enterprise wide contact management, workflow planning, and document management. Professional experience encompasses a wide range of skills & abilities including analytical problem-solving with an ability to work in high-stress environments.
Some of the larger companies Steven has worked for and started include OPS Networks (CIO) Hollywood, CA, Blue Steel Releasing (CIO) Hollywood, CA, E Right Now (CIO) Dallas, Texas, Westworld Communications Inc. (Founder and CEO) Chatsworth, CA, United Group (MIS Director) Los Angeles, CA.
Chief Executive Officer and Founder - BETTY McCORMICK AGGAS
Betty McCormick Aggas started out in the entertainment world as an actress, voice-over artist, model, make-up artist, publicist, set designer and theatre producer. Armed with a BA in theatre and an MFA in set design, Betty stayed in Columbus, Ohio and started the Actors and Directors Studio, the Slice of Life Theatre and helped organize the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Then, in 1980, she started Creative Talent Company, the first full – service AFTRA franchised talent agency in Columbus. Her efforts were rewarded when she received the "Jaycees 10 Outstanding Citizens" award.
Betty's film casting credits include "My Summer Story", "Best of the Best III", "Attica," and "Crazy for a Kiss". In 1996, Betty founded Midwest Talent Management Inc., based out of Los Angeles. Serving the Talent Managers Association since 1998, Betty has volunteered her services as 1st Vice President and Board member for six years, as content provider and creator of the first TMA website; chairperson of the publicity committee, by laws committee, panel events committee and founder of the benefits committee. As an active member of the Talent Managers Association, Betty was the 2003 recipient of the Seymour Heller award for Excellence in the field of Talent Management.
Betty actively manages the careers of her much-loved Midwest Talent Management client roster. www.midwesttalent.com
Creative Director and Co-Founder - PAUL NORMAN
Paul Norman is a veteran of various entertainment mediums including musician, composer, performer, writer, film-maker, game designer and creator, and interactive web developer. As lead guitarist and songwriter, he has appeared everywhere from the Hollywood Bowl to the Rose Bowl. As designer, he produced dozens of world-wide selling games including the classic "Forbidden Forest" and Billboard Magazine No.1 hit "Super Huey".
A pioneer in the field of "live action" video games, he wrote, produced, and directed "Murder Makes Strange Deadfellows" and the "The President is Missing", winner of the "Most Original Software award at the Winter CES. Paul started www.digittarius.com to develop web sites and Internet entertainment that takes full advantage of the promise of broadband. He brings to all projects his diverse talents and years of experience to create something even better.
Research Director – KIPP TRIBBLE
Kipp Tribble began in talk radio in 1992, and soon moved into television work. By 19, he was writing and adapting for the stage, which he also produced and appeared in. In late 1995, Kipp combined his business sense with his creativity and founded Ship of Fools Productions, Inc.
In 1996, his company launched its first feature. He wrote, directed, produced and starred in Sugar Cain, distributed by Artist View Entertainment. The film went on to gross more than five times its negative costs. With a portion of the profits from Sugar Cain, Ship of Fools Productions co-produced the feature film Moving Targets in early 1998. Also distributed by Artist View, the film went on to be a huge success in the foreign market and received a domestic release via Blockbuster Video, HBO and Showtime. Kipp then became one of the first ever producers to work with the revolutionary 24p High Definition format when he co-wrote and starred in the romantic comedy, UP, Michigan!, distributed worldwide by Fantastic Films International. After a lengthy stint in the theatre, he returned to film by co-writing, producing and starring in the character drama, Running Springs. The mini-DV feature was picked up by Echelon Entertainment in early 2005 and is handled domestically by NetFlix. 2006 proved to be a busy year as he produced Bachelor Party Massacre under his horror film label Midnight Dreary Entertainment (the feature is distributed by IFM Worldwide Releasing), as well as executive producing The Waiters, a dramedy also being distributed by Echelon Entertainment. On the development front, Kipp put five films into active development through his two companies.
On the small screen, he recently acquired the rights to “The CID Files”, a drama series focusing on the lives of military investigators. The series pilot is currently being prepped for production, joining two non-fiction shows under development for The Discovery Networks. Additionally, he recently produced and starred in a mock-reality pilot being considered by various cable outlets.
Kipp has written eight screenplays and continues to develop projects with commercial appeal for both film and television. He has also produced commercials, music videos and short films. In addition to upcoming film roles, Mr. Tribble has also appeared in numerous independent films, a handful of studio films, television guest spots and is a veteran actor of over thirty stage productions.
BE A TALENT RESOURCE CENTER SPONSOR
Talent Resource Center Sponsor is a business, corporation, organization or individual who give us in kind contributions of products or services in exchange for a sponsor listing on the My Talent Secretary homepage of our website. We will thank and appreciate you.
We welcome creative and unique sponsorship ideas. Our sponsors partner with us based on their business module, their service, and their product. We look to compliment and be complimented by our sponsor affiliations. If you have a product or service that will benefit ACTORS and their growth please email to betty@mytalentsecretary.org
Thank you for your interest in My Talent Secretary.
Q. Should I join My Talent Secretary because my manager or agent suggested it?
A. Yes. Unlike many other similar services, My Talent Secretary is a tool that is currently being used by your agent. My Talent Secretary gives the talent a way to create and update their own personal website which the agent can use to send quickly to the casting directors. The publicist can use to pitch the talent to the media. The manager can use to sent to agents to help the talent get agent representation. My Talent Secretary also helps an agency organize all the resumes, sizes, and contact information for all their talent in one area. It gives the talent a place to log in and keep their information current and up to date without distracting the agency staff with phone calls.
Q. Why do I have to pay for My Talent Secretary? Shouldn't my agent pay for My Talent Secretary?
A. Just as you pay for your photo shoots, headshot duplications, demo tapes and composite cards so you pay for My Talent Secretary.
Q. Should my agent or manager handle this online office work for me?
A.You want your agency working to get you work not administrating the details of your offie. The agent will use your office and its information to help them better do their job. They wil be able to access your calendar and professional profile quickly for needed information. They will be able to check out your pitch lists, your quotes and audition history because you filled out your calendar with all the details needed to create these grids. But the personal manager will work with you closely to help you with your office. The unwritten rule of a manager's office is once their client earns over 6 figures, the manager spends more time with the daily tasks of the client. One of those tasks is updating the talent's virtual office for all to use - the agent, the talent and the manager.
Q. How much does My Talent Secretary cost?
A. My Talent Secretary has an annual fee of $132.00. Family discounts may apply. We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, and checks. Credit cards renew automatically. If you pay by check however you will need to renew by check annually.
Q. What else does My Talent Secretary do for me?
A. My Talent Secretary will provide you with an online office for you to update your resume, size and contact information. By using the My Talent Secretary program to update this information you are freeing up valuable time for your agent and reducing their phone load. Many talents also use the program to print up resumes and headshots to use on their interviews. Your agent can log in after hours or at any location with a computer and access your information to contact you.
Q. How many pictures can I have online?
A. Technically there is no limit to the number of photos you can have, however, we recommend that you not have more than 50 images in the beginning.
Q. How can I update or change my pictures?
A. You may send us your photos by email or regular mail. They will be posted usually the same day they are received. Please make sure that your agent has approved the photos you send us. Some agents have asked us to only post images that have come through them. Please check with your agent for their policy. Mail your photos to: My Talent Secretary 4821 Lankershim Blvd. #149-F North Hollywood, CA 91601 or email them to photos@MyTalentSecretary.net. Please remember to include your agency's name and your talent code so we post them correctly. Emailed photos must be in .jpg and at least 450 pixels wide.
Q. How much does it cost to update my photo?
A. Nothing. As long as your membership is in good standing you may add or change your photos as often as you wish. Giving your agent the best pictures to work with are imperative and the benefit of having a program like this it that it gives you the ability to never have stale or out of date photos. For this reason we will never charge for changing your photos.
Q. How do I put a voice or video clip on and how much does that cost?
A. If you have a digital voice or video file not more than 2 minutes in length we will post it at no extra charge. Due to file size, you may need to mail us the CD or DVD. If your clip is on tape or DVD we can convert it to a digital file for $48.00.
Q. What happens if my account expires?
A. If your account expires your agent will not be able to send out your images in packages to their clients. As a courtesy, however, we will reactivate your account at your agents request for a limited time. We wouldn't want you to miss out on a job should you forget to make your account current.
Q. Should I put my personal information in the program?
A. Yes. Only you and your agent can see your personal information. Many agents also use the My Talent Secretary program as a database to make calls from so it is imperative that you keep the contact information up to date. Please enter your phone numbers in the order your agent should call to reach you during normal business hours.
Q. How do I update my resume and how many items may I enter?
A. To update your resume go the resume editor page. Select the type of item from the drop down box and type the title role and company as needed. If you use up all the entries click on update and then "edit" from your main image page. This will take you back to the resume editor with more blank entries to fill in. Please remember that all items in the resume editor are in reverse order from the finished resume. This way you may add new items and they will appear in correct order for a resume. There is no limit to the number of items you can have on your resume.
Q. I cannot log in. What is my username and password?
A. Most login problems are because the username was not entered correctly. All usernames begin with an agency identifier followed by a dash - then the first four letters of your last name followed by zero one or zero two etc. The most common mistake is entering in the letter O instead of a zero. If you are still having problems feel free to call and leave a message on our voice mail or email us. (818)484-3500 or support@mytalentsecretary.org
BE A TALENT RESOURCE CENTER INTERN
Internships are available for those interesting in learning more about the entertainment industry. Interning is not for everyone. Those who have an open understanding of learning and growth from learning are satisfied with this unique networking relationship. Interning is a great way to find out more about the process. Help yourself learn how to be a better part of your own career team.
SCHOOL INTERNSHIPS
We customize internships for students at colleges or universities. If the student’s degree is in marketing, law, public relations, journalism, computer science, film and television, theatre or related fields, we can design an internship which will fit the school internship criteria and will be valuable and insightful hands on learning experience. We will try to fit your school criteria so this internship can get you credits toward your degree. This internship will be a recognized credit on your resume.
NETWORKING INTERNSHIPS
We customize and create research internships to work around the interest and time commitment of the intern. These internships will give the intern an experience talking with and gathering data from industry professionals especially casting directors, agents and managers. If you are doing research, you can learn based on your questioning and involvement. By understanding the importance of detail and the persistence needed to find complete and accurate information, the intern learns how to network and talk to industry related people. Our interview process involves review of the applicant’s cover letter describing the applicant’s interning goal and review of all work resumes. An interview over the phone will be the next step after we decide the applicant is a good candidate. Last will be an in person interview.
APPLY
To apply for a My Talent Secretary internship please send a cover letter explaining your interests in learning and networking and how interning might help you in your career pursuits. Along with the cover letter include all your work resumes. If you are a talent include a photo and your acting resume as well as your other work resumes. We will get back to you within one month of your submission. Email to intern@mytalentsecretary.org
Virtual Office
My Talent Secretary is a virtual office for the actor. My Talent Secretary provides a hub for all your online activity; design and update your unique website, keep track of deadlines, maintain your profiles on the submission and information sites used by agents, managers, casting directors and producers. And your representatives can keep you informed and updated as well with the same access to the one place where your career comes together – My Talent Secretary.
One-Stop Update System
My Talent Secretary is a one-stop update system. This virtual office allows an actor and their updater who could be a publicist, talent manager, agent or friend, to find in one place, all websites, internet publications, audition and booking history grids on which they update their resume, stats, skills, bio, photos, video and audio demo, audition and booking details. My Talent Secretary also provides current information to actors and their updaters explaining each website, actor grid and internet publication.
With all online submissions, it is vital that actors remember to update monthly each of their many website profiles. We are here to help make this tedious process easier by providing you with only one user name and password to remember so you can do all your updates at the same place. By simplifying this process, we are hoping to prevent procrastination and prompt actors to take action updating their many website profiles regularly.
Once registered, each actor, agent and manager, will individually get a universal user name and password. This allows them access to the update areas of all the websites and internet publications generally used by casting directors, agents and managers and to the actor’s individual history.
Your Own Website
My Talent Secretary provides each member with their own domain name and their own personal website. Every actor needs to have their own website. My Talent Secretary not only provides for hosting and building your website, it offers the actor their own editor where they can update and create 24-7. No need to find a webmaster to help you when you can do it yourself.
Your Own Email System
My Talent Secretary gives you a unique email address with your name in it. Example talktome@yourdomainname.com One user name and password gets you into all your update areas, your website, your resources and your email.
Your Calendar
Your representation can never say, “Hey why didn’t you tell me you were going to be out of town.” Why? Cause your representation will have access to your calendar and vice versa. They can look at your calendar additions and you can see theirs. Most of the time it will be the proactive actor who will update their calendar letting their represention keep getting you more meetings and auditions. The proactive actors helps their representation stay organized so they have more time to advance your career not do some of the secretary work the actor can do for all concerned.
Resources
My Talent Secretary will soon provide profiles of entertainment industry professionals with detailed information that can help the actor win the audition. My Talent Secretary will provide listings of career purchases with suggestions from your representation and with a system for you to tag your favorites. This will help you stay more informed about the best price, the best quality and will help you do what your representation suggests. Might just help your representation think outside their favorite lists.
Career Shopping Products and Services
All My Talent Secretary members have the opportunity to enjoy remarkable financial benefits. Any discounts given by various vendors are designed to support My Talent Secretary members who are actively involved in the betterment of their career. They are supporting the proactive talent.
In addition to discounts My Talent Secretary members get valuable advice regarding what products and services are available. There maybe products that you have never even heard of. And others that you can go and compare shop based on quality and price. It can take years to find your favorites when doing your career shopping for needed products and services. My Talent Secretary aims to have this information available for the member as part of their virtual office. The members one stop shopping mall in their own office.
Each product or service that is selected to be a sponsor will be have a My Talent Secretary business profile or webcard. On this business webcard there will be explanation of the available discount and or the value of each product or service with a link to their website and information on how to purchase the product or service.
Of great value to the My Talent Secretary members is getting the opinions of agents and managers as to which products and services are their favorites. In other words if your agent marked all the products and services that they suggest to their clients these suggestions in their words and a notation will show up on each business webcard. My Talent Secretary members will be able to access this information in three ways as long as the agent or manager takes the time to share their favorites.
- On each product and service business profile or webcard.
- On the favorite product and services in the private area of the agent or manager for their clients only
- On the favorite product and services are of each member
$132 annual fee for the entire My Talent Secretary suite of services as follows:
My Personal Website with your personal domain name, hosting and template editor letting you create and update your own website . **Always include your website address on any marketing materials. If you already have your own website you might want to compare prices and host your website at My Talent Secretary for the $132 fee. Even if you have your own website and do not want to host it with My Talent Secretary it is worth $132 for all the other modules you will have in your virtual office especially the calendar and tracking grids.
My Calendar includes forms and print outs for auditions, callbacks, bookings, feedback, meetings with entertainment industry professionals, performances, classes, workshops, my publicity grid, thank you notes sent, gifts sent, birthday reminders, collection reminders, follow-up reminders to get copy of your work, bills to pay reminders, to do reminders from your to do list, personal events and book out dates for you and your managers and agents to view. An event inviter helps you send notices to those you want to attend or watch you.
My Comprehensive Profile has every detail about you ready to send to your agents and manager.
My Booking Details bullet points your airline preferences, wardrobe sizes, food needs and other details for your representation to send to the buyer of talent and use as a checklist when negotiating and reviewing your deals and contracts.
My Policies and Procedures keeps track of all the documents and polices from your representation and your personal checklists to keep you organized, ready and on top of your career.
My Budget details your monthly and annual expenses. A great reality check so there is no mystery. You know what needs to be paid and when or you should figure out how to start immediately making other plans. Gives you info that is always waiting a monthly and annual review. Avoids getting into and further into debt.
My Quotes helps your representation negotiate based on your past day, weekly and other work rates.
My Pitch List includes notes in alphabetical order by casting directors, directors, producers, and other entertainment industry professionals indicating how you know them and how they would remember you. The Pitch List is designed to help your representation have the most current and “hook-able” information in order to best pitch and market you.
My To Do List keeps track of your short term and long term goals and plans.
My Rolodex/Address Book gives you contact info and notes on your Favorites highlighting where to buy and shop, Way Cool Benefits with lists of discounts for My Talent Secretary subscribers, My Career Team, Important People and Family and Friends.
My Resource Library lets you do research on entertainment industry professionals to find more inside scoop other than what is normally found on www.imdb.com.
Actors Update is your one stop private file in your office storing and reminding you of all the online websites you will need to update when you get a new stat or credit. Keeps in one place all your user names and passwords.
Documents Update stores details and/or copies as well as logging when you need to be notified to renew your passport, union membership and affiliations, child work permits, special licenses and other important personal documents.
My Note pad gives you a place to keep track of your notes and ideas by date and topic, almost your own personal note Blog
My Blog lets you share on line with the world by date, topic and viewer comments.
Additional Fees MULTIMEDIA
$48 annually up to 5 minutes of multimedia.
$10 annually per one minute after the first 5 minutes.
A separate URL address going directly to your multimedia page.
FREE EMAIL
Do this free email set up yourself by following the instructions found in your office adminstration area. Or pay a $20 one time set up fee to a talent updater to create your free email yourfirstname@yourname.com You can send and receive email from your personal email address.
PRIVACY
We have written out instructions on how to set up your privace at no additional charge to you. These instructions can be found on www.mydomainsecretary.com. Or you can choose to pay approximately $7 annually for Privacy on your domain name. When someone searches for your name in www.whois.net or www.checkdomain.com this information will come up. No contact information to you.
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Registrant:
Domains by Proxy, Inc.
DomainsByProxy.com
15111 N. Hayden Rd., Ste 160, PMB 353
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
United States
Registered through: My Talent Secretary
If you want help building the content in your website, a content builder can help you do all of the primary set up which takes the most time. A content builder can also create a logo for your name. Most importantly they will teach you how to add and update content yourself in the future.
Content builders work directly for you and therefore are separate from My Talent Secretary. They are listed as referrals because they are patient, good at building content and will charge $15 an hour for most of the work you want to hire out. A bit more for designing your logo and for flash or custom design. You will pay them directly. We have a list of suggested pricing for this purpose that they have agreed to accept. If you have a friend or website referral that wants to help you we suggest that you use these rates as a guideline. Check out www.talentupdaters.org
Sample My Talent Secretary Sites:
support@mytalentsecretary.org or ask your Talent Coordinator
Please review these terms carefully. By using My Talent Secretary’s web site, you (a) are agreeing to be legally bound by the following TERMS AND CONDITIONS AGREEMENT and (b) agree to all policies and procedures that govern its use. My Talents Secretary’s terms of use may be updated or changed at any time without notice.
1. GENERAL:
A. MY TALENT SECRETARY (MTS) and henceforth in the document shall be referred as MTS. When you choose to use this service (the service), you are agreeing to all the policies and procedures of this agreement, between you and MTS.
B. MTS, may make changes to this agreement, and will post such changes and updates on the sites as time will allow.
C. YOUR CONTINUED USE OF THIS SERVICE NOW, OR FOLLOWING THE POSTING OF THE NOTICE OF ANY CHANGES IN THESE OPERATING RULES, WILL INDICATE ACCEPTANCE BY YOU OF SUCH RULES, CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS.
D. MTS may change, suspend or discontinue any aspect of the site and its services at any time, including but not limited to any use of MTS software, database, or anything that is related to your participation, in the MTS community and site to all parts without notice, and MTS is in no way liable if and when such a suspension occurs.
E. ADULT – You represent, warrant and covenant that you are at least 18 years old.
F. MINORS - Only way minor can be member is if parent or guardian has purchased subscription, and is held responsible for all payments and abides by the Terms and Conditions agreement in lieu of minor.
2.a. REGISTRATION: In order to use the membership/subscription features of MTS, i.e. software, community, tech support, and other features as defined now or in the future by MTS, talent is required to register an account with MTS DIRECTLY TO OBTAIN ACCESS TO THIS SERVICE.
2.b. Non-Transferable: Your registration with MTS and the site are not transferable to any other party for sale or for lease.
3.a SUBCRIPTION: Subscriptions will include a personal website with domain name and a series of update modules designed to manage entertainment careers as well as access to a library of entertainment industry information. This central repository of updating and information for the member will cost $132 per year. Video and audio content will cost more.
3.b. Subscription Cancellation Policy Cancellation of membership should be in writing and sent via email receipt requested. There will be no refunds for any reason of membership fees. All membership fees are based on an annual membership. If payments are being made monthly, all twelve months of the full year are due to MTS regardless of any cancellation or unethical or otherwise termination. If there is no access to email a cancellation letter can be mailed to MTS, 4821 Lankershim Blvd. Suite F 149, North Hollywood, CA 91601. You also have the option to send a fax to 818-765-2903 with a cover page reading MTS Subscription cancellation .
4.a. FEES: MTS reserves the right at any time to charge for access to the site and it’s software and service as a whole. However, in no event will you be charged for access to the site and its service unless you agree to pay fees and have been notified in a reasonable amount of time.
b. Credit Card Policy If paying by credit card, one is expected to renew membership until written notice is sent via email to sharewithus@mytalentsecretary.org . If paying by check, subscriber realizes that they are responsible for paying per the monthly or annual deadline or membership will be cancelled.
4. FEES: MTS reserves the right at any time to charge for access to the site and its software and service as a whole. However, in no event will you be charged for access to the site and its service unless you agree to pay fees and have been notified in a reasonable amount of time.
5. PASSWORDS: The maintenance of your password(s) and their confidentiality is the sole responsibility of the individual parties. Distribution of passwords to industry areas of use is to be determined by MTS for use of the site. Once these passwords have been issued, it is the responsibility of the individual and parties that they represent to maintain personal use and conduct of the site. In the event of a breach of security, you will be liable for unauthorized use and damages that may incur to us or other parties. If you have discovered said breach, it is your responsibility to immediately call MTS or notify us at support@mytalentsecretary.com . MTS is not at any time responsible or liable for individuals that use your password(s) and what they may do while in your account.
6. CONDUCT: The following rules govern and define our code of ethics for USE OF MTS software and use of its community. All parties agree not to:
A. Post email addresses, web address, IM, ICQ, Images, Links, video, audio or display any other personal contact information except where specifically authorized or posted by MTS.
B. Submit, publish, or display on the site any defamatory, abusive, obscene, threatening, racially or sexually offensive or illegal material or any material or opinion that infringes on the rights or beliefs of others, or is a direct threat to any kind livelihood.
C. Target MTS or any affiliates, vendors, owners, or employees with abuse, either written or spoken, that would cause either stress or discomfort.
D. Use a false email address, impersonate any other person(s) or act as any kind of representative falsely or otherwise mislead as to the origin of content user.
E. Use MTS Software or the site to sell or advertise for a specific purpose or promotion, unless authorized by MTS. Use of the site in this way is strictly prohibited. The distribution of e-mails and/or messages to our membership or subscribers (casting directors and talent), except as determined by MTS, is also strictly prohibited.
F. Involve or attempt to associate MTS or any affiliates in any way with the posting or transmission of advertising, promotional materials, or any other form of solicitation except where authorized the use of any related MTS name, image or materials, except where agreed upon and authorized by MTS.
G. Republish in any way shape or form written proprietary information from the MTS site without written permission from MTS. Talents membership site is public domain and can be accessed by anyone.
H. Abuse this code of ethics. You and/or your agency and/or your management may without prior warning have your account terminated by MTS. In the event of a serious violation (as determined by Consequences for Abusive Conduct), you will be denied access to MTS and materials.
7. CONSEQUENCES FOR ABUSIVE CONDUCT: Not only does MTS reserve the right to terminate your account but may file suit against you or any representative of your organization/representation if you are in violation as defined and determined by the consequences for abusive conduct. We may seek compensation from you for potential damage to our reputation caused by your actions. MTS has the right and is obligated to work with authorities regarding any suspected violation of this code of ethics. Reporting Abusive Conduct: To report abusive conduct, please contact us immediately at support@mytalentsecretary.org , or call our office. While we are under no obligation to police the site, we will try to remove or deal with any parties that are in violation.
8. LINKS: MTS has on the site other related World Wide Web Internet sites and paid sponsors of MTS. MTS is not responsible for the availability of these outside resources and sponsors.
09. USE OF REGISTRATION DATA: You may regard this portion of the agreement as the privacy policy that MTS adheres to. MTS must and has the right to disclose your registration information, license etc. to any state or federal authorities that require them. We may also provide your registration information to a third party provided that we have your permission to do so. We may also use your name to promote use of the site and that you are a user of this site and its service with your permission.
10. SOFTWARE LICENSES: You shall have no propriety rights to software and related documentation, or any enhancements or modifications to software (MTS Software). MTS Software is protected by copyright and is owned and controlled by MTS or a designated provider or partner of MTS Software. MTS may share its technology with strategic partners but is not responsible formal functions that may occur as a result of said partnerships. You shall not pass along to third parties to copy or use MTS Software, to help and/or aid in another’s design.
11. CONTENT: All materials published on the site (including but not limited to photographs, images, illustrations, audio clips and video clips) are known and recognized as “Content” and are protected by copyright laws. While talent are the owners of the file and its content and the agents are the users of such, MTS is the controller of the file, and has sole discretion as to its use and display. While talent owns the file, MTS reserves the right, as controller of the file, to use the file as desired, such as marketing campaigns/contests to use on a non-exclusive basis provided that permission is granted by owner of the file. By doing so you grant MTS and it’s affiliates a royalty free, non-exclusive, non-terminable, perpetual right to license, but not the obligation to pay or be liable for any use pertaining to the talents individual file.
A. Right of refusal: While the individual talent is the sole owner of the file and it’s content, MTS is the controller and distributor of that file and it’s information, and reserves the right to deny the individual talent the ability to display materials that are in violation of the MTS code of conduct and ethics. Please see above code of conduct and ethics article B & E.
12. LIABILITIES: MTS and it’s employees, vendors or partners are in no way responsible for any third party costs that you may incur while using MTS or any affiliated software. MTS is in no way, shape or form responsible for lost time, wages, and reputation, punitive or otherwise, while using MTS. If there is any perceived hardware or software damage that may occur while using MTS, MTS is not responsible for repair and may at its discretion provide you with use of its resources (i.e. Tech Support, in person, via email or over the phone).
13. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: The content on the site, including but not limited to, graphics, logos, images, audio clips, images and artwork, is the exclusive property of MTS and is protected by copyright, intellectual property and/or trademark laws.
14. DOMAIN NAMES: If you are a subscriber of MTS, MTS can purchase your domain name on your behalf. It is understood that the domain name belongs to the subscriber; MTS is merely holding the name while services are being offered to subscriber. Domain name can be acquired back at any time as long as annual membership is paid in full.
15. SUBSCRIPTION WEBSITE CANCELLATION/NON-RENEWAL: Subscriber can choose to cancel at anytime. Membership website offered is not a purchase of that website, but a license to use that website. MTS can cancel a subscription at anytime for any reason. When membership is over subscriber will not have access to content unless all dues are current and member is in good standing with MTS. Content can be purchased for the cost of annual membership fee. Content will be given within a reasonable time to the member on DVD, CD-ROM or put on a ftp server that the member supplies.
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My Talent Secretary.org is committed to safeguarding your privacy online. Please read the following policy to understand how your personal information will be treated as you make full use of MyTalentSecretary.org. This policy may change from time to time so please check back periodically.
This policy will let you know:
- What personally identifiable information is collected from you
- What cookies are and how they are used
- How your information is used
- Who is collecting your information
- With whom your information may be shared
- What choices are available to you regarding collection, use, and distribution of your information
- How you can access, update or delete your information
- The kind of security precautions that are in place to protect the loss, misuse, or alteration of your information
- What else you should know about your online privacy
What personally identifiable information is collected from you
The MyTalentSecretary.org collects information in several ways from different parts of our web site.
Some personal information is gathered when you register. During registration, we ask for your name and email address. The system will also ask for your street address, city, state/province, zip/postal code, country, and telephone number, although only fields that are marked with an asterisk (*) on the registration field are required. This information is used solely to assist you in navigating the system by automatically filling in certain forms with your information so that you do not have to continually re-enter it. Once you register you are no longer anonymous to MyTalentSecretary.org - you have a username and password and are able to take full advantage of the many offerings of MyTalentSecretary.org. In addition to registration we may ask you for personal information at other times. If you contact us, we may keep a record of that correspondence. Every page within the MyTalentSecretary.org includes a link to this Privacy Policy.
Talent are members of MyTalentSecretary.org and their personal contact information will stay internal to MyTalentSecretary.org unless talent enters such information onto their website editor. That information then is made public. Industry professionals register or are interviewed on the phone to gather contact information and biographical details. This information will remain public unless specifically marked for internal use only or for their password protected area on their profile.
What cookies are and how they are used As part of offering and providing customizable and personalized services, MyTalentSecretary.org may use cookies to store and sometimes track information about you. A cookie is a small amount of data that is sent to your browser from a web server and stored on your computer\\'s hard drive. Several features of the MyTalentSecretary.org require that you accept cookies in order to work properly. (See "What choices are available to you regarding collection, use, and distribution of your information" for more information on cookies.)
Generally, we use cookies for the following purposes:
- To identify and label all "new" updates since your last visit to the site.
- Optionally to permanently save your password on your computer so you don't have to re-enter it each time you visit our site.
- To enable you to "checklist and compare" updates that for future retrieval and viewing.
Advertising networks that sponsor MyTalentSecretary.org may also use their own cookies.
The MyTalentSecretary.org may also collect IP addresses for system administration, fraud prevention, and to report aggregate information to our sponsors.
How your information is used The primary goal of MyTalentSecretary.org in collecting personal information is to provide you, the user, with a customized and informational experience and to assist your navigation throughout MyTalentSecretary.org.
Who is collecting your information When you are asked for personal information on MyTalentSecretary.org, you are sharing that information with MyTalentSecretary.org members and the public unless it is specifically stated for internal MyTalentSecretary.org use only. However, biographical information about you will, by their very nature, result in most of your personal information being revealed to other users of the MyTalentSecretary.org and to the public who goes to your website or profiles where you may be listed on. Also, if you request to be contacted by one of our affiliate partners, some of your contact information may be shared.
With whom your information may be shared As a general rule, MyTalentSecretary.org will not disclose any of your personal contact information except when we have your permission or under special circumstances, such as when we believe in good faith that the law requires it.
MyTalentSecretary.org may disclose account information in special cases when we have reason to believe that disclosing this information is necessary to identify, contact or bring legal action against someone who may be violating the Terms of Service of the MyTalentSecretary.org or may be causing injury to or interference with (either intentionally or unintentionally) the rights or property of MyTalentSecretary.org, other users of the MyTalentSecretary.org, or anyone else that could be harmed by such activities. MyTalentSecretary.org may disclose or access account information when we believe in good faith that the law requires it and for administrative and other purposes that we deem necessary to maintain, service, and improve our products and services.
What choices are available to you regarding collection, use, and distribution of your information
You also have choices with respect to cookies. By modifying your browser preferences, you have the choice to accept all cookies, to be notified when a cookie is set, or to reject all cookies. If you choose to reject all cookies you will be unable to use those services and features of MyTalentSecretary.org that require registration in order to participate. These services include the auto-filling of the logon form, and the clipboard feature. You can still use some of the features of MyTalentSecretary.org even if you do not accept cookies.
How you can access, update or delete your information
We will provide you with the means to ensure that your personal information is correct and current. You may edit or delete your user profile at any time by clicking on the "My Talent Secretary Profile" link or graphic provided by the system once you are logged in. Once you have logged onto the system during a given session, wherever you go on the MyTalentSecretary.org, your information will stay with you until or unless you "Logoff".
If you are a previously registered user and you have lost or forgotten your password, you may obtain it by email by using our "Forgot Password" feature. Click the button on any login page to request that your password be emailed to you. We cannot provide your password by any other means.
Your MyTalentSecretary.org account can be deleted, but doing so will result in not being able to access any of the features of the program that require user registration.
The kind of security precautions that are in place to protect the loss, misuse, or alteration of your information Other than the administrator of MyTalentSecretary.org or other authorized personnel of MyTalentSecretary.org, you as a paid member of MyTalentSecretary.org are the only person who has access to your personal information. Your user registration is password-protected to prevent unauthorized access.
We recommend that you do not divulge your password to anyone. MyTalentSecretary.org will never ask you for your password in an unsolicited phone call or in an unsolicited email. As an extra security precaution, you may want to logoff once you have completed a session in the MyTalentSecretary.org. This is to ensure that others cannot access your personal information and correspondence if you share a computer with someone else or are using a computer in a public place like a library or Internet cafe.
Unfortunately, no data transmission over the Internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. As a result, while we strive to protect your personal information, MyTalentSecretary.org cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you transmit to us or from our online services, and you do so at your own risk. Once we receive your transmission, we make our best effort to ensure its security on our systems.
What else you should know about your online privacy Please keep in mind that whenever you voluntarily disclose personal information online that information can be collected and used by others. In short, if you post personal information online that is accessible to the public, you may receive unsolicited messages from other parties in return.
Ultimately, you are solely responsible for maintaining the secrecy of your passwords, your account information, and for any information posted by you. Please be careful and responsible whenever you are online.
To build the content in your website we suggest you do all of this yourself if you can and if you do not have the time then hire all or some of the following at www.talentupdaters.org:
Start building the text content first. Then the photos. And last the logo, header and homepage design. The text and the photos on your website will be great information for the logo designer you hire. Payment will be made directly to the hired freelancer from the talent. My Talent Secretary makes suggestions and the talent hires them independently. My Talent Secretary is not in any way liable for the work done or collection of the money due to the freelancer from the talent. Talent and Freelancers will report anything helpful to all concerned. Freelancers listed have agreed to the suggested rates and task list.
The CONTENT WRITER AND BUILDER fee is $15 an hour on an average not to exceed $75 unless there is an arrangement made with the talent due to a lot of content. CONTENT WRITER AND UPDATER will help talent write and edit their biography and website homepage news, question talent to create other interesting website homepage content, type in their resume, representation contact info, add captions on all photos and help build the talent's scrapbook areas. Most importantly after the initial content is written and entered onto the talent’s website, the CONTENT WRITER AND UPDATER will teach the talent how to update text themselves.
THE PHOTO RESIZER AND UPLOADER fee is $15 an hour or $2 per photo which ever is less expensive for the talent. Retouching and cropping would be at the $15 an hour fee. PHOTO RESIZER AND UPLOADER will help talent get their photos resized and uploaded to the web and teach them how they can do it themselves in the future.
LOGO WEBSITE DESIGNER fee would be a flat $35 for the first version and $15 for each new version if the actor or the manager wants a complete change. LOGO WEBSITE DESIGNER will help talent create a logo and header for their website along with a general color and visual home page scheme. There is an extensive questionnaire on the “My Personal Scoop” area of each website which will be completed by the talent which will give the logo website designer information to help create a logo specific to each talent. A few samples are www.mandellmaughan.com and www.willwalls.com
MULTIMEDIA STREAMER AND UPLOADER fee will be $15 an hour not to exceed $6 per one minute segment. MULTIMEDIA STREAMER AND UPLOADER will help talent take their video, DVD’s, audio files and or other multimedia files and strip them to raw AVI files. Then from raw AVI files create a flash version for the web. The multimedia will be organized in segments which would be determined based on the actor's content. Each segment would be titled for the viewer to better choose what to view or listen to.
Questions? Email support@mytalentsecretary.org or ask your Talent Coordinator
Our staff interviews updaters by emailed cover letter and resume. We look for an interest in helping talent at a reasonable rate of $15 an hour. For more advanced design assistance the rates can be slightly more. We will have you fill out an agreement that states you will work for the rate of $15 an hour for updating and adding content to talent webpages. The updaters that follow our guidelines will be added at no cost to www.talentupdaters.org.
Questions? Email support@mytalentsecretary.org
We have applied to the IRS to become a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization, and currently our status is pending. Once we receive our Letter of Determination from the IRS, we will begin to accept cash and in-kind donations of services and products.
DONATIONS
We need donations to help us to develop content for our website, as well as funding a small expenses stipend for our interns and volunteers to travel and meet in person, entertainment industry professionals. The interns and volunteers will be learning to research, edit and write content under the supervision of our staff editors in workshops and classes designed to teach them basic, as well as advanced skills.
A large part of our administration costs will be for customer service, which will provide support and assistance to those seeking help in using My Talent Secretary’s educational tools and resources. We will also utilize these funds to conduct outreach to schools and community drama centers.
IN KIND CONTRIBUTIONS OF SERVICES
We need In kind services from website developers and hosting companies who can help build, support, maintain and nurture our mission and vision of educating talent via the free online offer of information, tools, ideas, forums, programs and resources.
IN KIND CONTRIBUTIONS OF PRODUCTS
We need In kind products which will include software, hardware, computer and office equipment to facilitate our website development and keep us at the state of the art level and ahead.
GRANTS
We will be applying for both private and public grants to match and compliment the financial donations, in kind services and in kind product donations.
TO MAKE A DONATION
If you would like to donate to My Talent Secretary please make your payment via check or credit card at this link: www.mytalentsecretary.org/donations.
Email suggestions and inquiries to support@mytalentsecretary.org
Why oh why should you an actor have your own personal website?
To share everything there is to know all about you, your interests and your career all in one place – your place on the internet. The updating and building of the content for www.you.com is all in your control. Think of your own website as your magazine all about you, your interests and your career. You are the editor of your own magazine with your current issue on the home page and in the scrapbook area all the past issues. Complete with a TV and radio station with programs all about your work.
How will you use your own personal website?
- When submitting to agents for representation - keep it simple and send a note to check out all about you on your website www.you.com.
- When submitting to personal managers for representation - keep it simple and send a note to check out all about you on your website www.you.com.
- When submitting to casting directors tell them to check out www.you.com.
- When asked to share your video and resume and photos send the person asking to www.you.com.
- When your manager or agent are submitting or pitching you via an email or IM they give out your website address and can even give out your webpage address that goes directly to your multimedia page.
- Your publicist can refer to your website.
- Anyone working to advance, market and promote your career will use your website. It is a one stop shop for you and every one working for you and everyone wanting to know more about you.
- Great fun for your fans too.
- EVERYWHERE – you put your website address everywhere you put your name. Think of it like underlining your name. Your name and your website are a unit.
- Under your name on the top of your resume.
- On your business cards if you use them.
- On any postcards you use have your name printed on it.
- On your DVD or VHS labels and covers.
- On your Audio CD labels and covers.
- On any paperwork you filled out put your Name and www.name.com
- On the bottom of your resume on all the online submission services – Check our more about me at www.you.com.
- Embedded in your personal email address yourfirstname@yourname.com.
Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, the actor's website is working for you the actor. Is your website there? If it is there is it up to date and current. You never know when someone who can advance your career is looking at www.you.com.