Important Message from Screen Actors Guild Agency Department

Important Message Regarding the J. Pervis Talent Agency

Dear Georgia SAG Member:

I am writing to inform you about a change in the agency representational landscape in Georgia.  SAG has recently learned that an agency in your market, J. Pervis Talent Agency, has joined the Association of Talent Agents (“ATA”), based in Los Angeles. This agency is not franchised by the Screen Actors Guild.

By act of the SAG National Board in April of 2002, the Guild has temporarily suspended enforcement of Rule 16(a) of SAG’s Rules and Regulations, but only with respect to ATA agents.  Because of this action, SAG members are temporarily permitted to be represented by ATA agents, such as the J. Pervis Talent Agency, even though the agency may not be abiding by SAG Agency rules.  SAG will, of course, notify you if there is any change in the temporary suspension of this Rule as it affects this agency or other agents in your market.

In the meantime, should you choose to remain an existing client, or become a new client of, the J. Pervis Talent Agency, please note that the Screen Actors Guild will not be able to protect you in your relationship with this agency.

Should the J. Pervis Talent Agency, or any other agency, present you with a general services agreement (i.e. an agreement that is created by agents, outside of SAG’s jurisdiction), frequently also referred to as a “GSA,” we urge you to contact the Guild immediately so we can assist you with reviewing its terms and conditions (and, indeed, what kind of SAG protections you will be surrendering) before you choose to sign a written contract with this agency. However, SAG cannot provide you with legal assistance on these general service agreements.  Should you choose to be represented by the J. Pervis Talent Agency, the Guild strongly recommends that you retain the services of independent legal counsel prior to entering into any contractual relationship which is unregulated by SAG. Be vigilant and protect your rights.

Examples of terms that have previously appeared in standard GSAs used by ATA agents like the J. Pervis Talent Agency include, but are not limited to, an agent’s ability to commission all of your income (including areas that have been traditionally non-commissionable); greater restrictions on your right to terminate for lack of employment; a loss of your right to proceed through SAG-regulated arbitration to settle outstanding disputes with your agent, etc. I urge you to fully educate yourself before you enter into a relationship with an agency that may not be abiding by SAG’s agency regulations.   

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact SAG’s National Agency department directly at (323) 549-6729, or your local SAG office at (404) 239-0131, ext. 11.

Thank you,

Zino Macaluso

National Director/Sr. Counsel, Agency Relations
Screen Actors Guild