We enter the world of a talent agent!

Meet Jana VanDyke the woman behind the newest talent agency in the entertainment industry.

By Beatrice Davis NSAEN

NSAEN: You are a former model and actress, how did you get started in acting/modeling? 

JANA: I was never an actress and my modeling career got started when I decided to audition for a music video.  I had just turned 18 and wanted to try my hand at modeling.

NSAEN:  Did you ever take any modeling or acting classes? 

JANA: No, I never had the need really.  I realized early on that I was better suited for working behind the camera than in front of it.

NSAEN:  With your background in modeling, what's it been like diving into the management & development of a talent agency? 

JANA: The transition was easy for me since I enjoyed the behind the scenes work so much.  In the late 80's I became an intern/understudy for a powerful talent manager.  Several years later I got a little burned out on the lifestyle and decided to settle down and motherhood was calling. I had my first son in 1993 and my second son in 1996.  During that time I started my own accounting and bookkeeping practice.  In 2004 it was time for me to get back to the thing that I loved the most and that was the entertainment industry.  I started Mega Management, a personal talent management firm.  My first client was a retired professional athlete and then I added models, actors, authors, artists, photographers, TV personalities and one singer.  It was in late 2008 that I decided to develop the agency division of my company.  In 2009 I completely changed my business model, forming The Jana VanDyke Agency, a full service talent agency located in Atlanta, Georgia.

NSAEN: What was your motivation to open up a talent agency? 

JANA: In 2008 Sonny Purdue signed into law the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act.  I knew this was going to create a lot of new opportunities and jobs for people within the entertainment industry in the Southeast.  Since my biggest desire is to help young people within the industry, I knew that I could help more people by transitioning into a talent agency.

NSAEN: How did you get the agency started and what has been your most difficult obstacle to overcome? 

JANA: At first I told my existing talent that I had under management that I was going to redirect my focus and change the company into an agency.  Then I started building my talent roster with actors of both union and non-union status.

Then I started the application process to become a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) franchise.

I think the most difficult obstacle I have had to overcome was to prove that I could compete with the larger established agencies here in Georgia.  I finally did that when I received approval for my SAG franchise.

NSAEN: What are some of the common misconceptions you think actors or models have about agents?

JANA: I think that some actors and models believe that having an agent assures them work.  On the contrary, the talent needs to understand they still have to go through an approval process by others.  They have to perform, deliver and be liked by the Casting Director, Producer and Director and/or Photographer.  There are NO guarantees in this industry.

NSAEN: The year 2009 was rough on just about everyone. How did you pull through and stay on top of your game?

JANA: My existing talent gave me so much support and I found strength in them.  They are my motivation.  It was a tough year for us all. 

NSAEN: What have been the stronger and weaker divisions in the market for talent?  Or let me rephrase the question. "Do you feel that the film/TV area or the commercial area is stronger here in Georgia?"

JANA: We are reaching out to the film/TV sector every day, with the state offering incentives, great locations and talent to entice big film productions as well as television to come to Georgia.

Bottom line, though, is that the commercial side is still the most profitable at this time.

NSAEN: Looking into the future, what do you expect from the next two years from the industry in regard to modeling and acting opportunities for your talent?

JANA: Great things! And I can already see it happening.  The market is booming here in the South.  I see so many projects coming and I really do not see that slowing down either.  Georgia and the surrounding states are lobbying for even more ways to attract the entertainment industry as a whole.

NSAEN: What are your favorite, and least favorite parts of your job as a talent agency owner?

JANA: My favorite thing is to get a talent booked.  I get so much enjoyment by hearing the excitement in their voice and knowing that I have helped them. 

My least favorite thing is have to tell someone that the client picked another talent for the project.

NSAEN: You are based in Georgia. Does it make it harder on you to get talent? 

JANA: No actually, I have talent located across the US.  There are a lot of very skilled actors and models that do not reside in just LA or New York.  In addition a lot of those actors/models are willing to travel to where the work is.

NSAEN: Is there the possibility that you will open up a branch office in LA or NY at some point in the near future?

JANA: I sure hope so but for now I am very comfortable being an Atlanta based agency.

NSAEN: What makes a great /perfect talent in your estimation?

JANA: A simple answer is anyone that works as hard as I do with as much passion for their career as I have for mine.

And it never hurts for them to be beautiful, handsome and talented. However, having said that, the world also enjoys seeing real people; people they can identify with. There are many different kinds of talent in this business.

But the dedication to learning, working hard, and trying to improve are still my primary focuses when evaluating potential talent for representation.

NSAEN: What is something you think most people don't know about you?

JANA: Well, I think it is that I can be extremely firm when necessary.  I think a lot of people see me as a softy but they should know that I am NO pushover. 

NSAEN: Ever considered stepping in front of the camera again? 

JANA: No.  I belong behind the scenes and it is where I will stay.

NSAEN: Any final words of advice for those interested in an acting career?

JANA: Oh I could give advice all day long but the single most important advice that I could ever give to anyone is to follow your dreams.  If you want something then go for it. But don't forget this is work, not fun! For additional advice those interested can visit my website where I have a section called "Talent Advice".  I update it periodically.  www.megamgmt.com.

NSAEN: Thank you for the interview and we wish you a successful year.