FAQ

1. What should I put on my demo tape?

The demo tape should be about 15 minutes long. It should start out with a 1-2 minute montage (quick clips that highlight your best work). The rest of the tape should be filled with few edits and consist of a condensed version of your best 2-3 anchoring newscasts and best 2-3 reporting packages. For other submission specifics, please review our submission policy.

2. How are you certain that you can increase my salary?

Unless we have an ownership stake in a broadcasting company or station, no agency can guarantee a certain job or salary. What we can guarantee is our vast knowledge of ballpark salaries for each network and top 75 markets.; This is critical information that our agents have at their disposal as they enter into a negotiation. We also market our clients across the country and strive to achieve multiple offers. That way we increase our leverage in contract negotiations.

3. Sometimes it is mentioned that KLA has a lot of clients. Will I be competing against other clients for jobs?

Occasionally, clients will be interested in the same job. In that instance, each client is equally pitched, with the agent emphasizing each clients unique strength, qualities and background. Ultimately, however, it is news management decision on who to hire. We do promise, however, that each client is sent on their own individual tape. KLA never submits comp reels.

4. I’m located on the East Coast and you’re located in Los Angeles, will this be a problem?

Our agents work a minimum of ten hours a day and return each and every phone call on a daily basis. Besides, we have dozens of clients at the networks and stations in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington D.C. to name just a few east coast markets.

5. Do you have to be a big name talent in order for KLA to represent you?

KLA has traditionally found talent early in their careers in smaller markets. We pride ourselves on developing and choreographing careers and eventually placing talent within the top 40 markets and at the network level.

6. What differentiates Programming from News?

Programming encompasses all the other areas other than local news, network news and cable news, in which we represent our clients. It includes any type of hosting, syndicated magazine shows (e.g., “Entertainment Tonight”), cable series (e.g. HGTV programming), game shows, talk shows, reality shows (e.g. “Survivor”), documentaries, hidden camera programs, how-to programs, MTV, VH-1, E!, etc.

7. What qualities are important when trying to work in the programming area?

Experience is always important, but producers also look for personality, energy, and presence. The qualities required vary much more drastically from show to show in programming than in news. Sometimes they want a comedian, someone with music knowledge, or someone who is willing to take risks. It really depends on the show. If you are interested in this area, it is good to know what sets you apart from others and to figure out what types of programs best fit you.

8. I know people that have found their own jobs without an agent. Why do I need one?

KLA has extensive contacts with station management, access to confidential job opportunities and we know the financial value of the anchor and reporter positions in each market. Without this knowledge, your opportunities are greatly limited and you risk underestimating your value to a station or, even worse, blowing a deal because your salary requirements exceeded the limits of the market. KLA ensures that you will receive the most aggressive deal possible, without jeopardizing the opportunity. In addition, since KLA is located in Los Angeles, we can provide our clients with better access to programming jobs (i.e. hosting) with studios, casting agencies, and production companies that are located in the greater Los Angeles area.

9. Do I need to be a member of AFTRA to sign with you, or do I need to join AFTRA when becoming a client?

You can sign with us even if you are not currently a member of AFTRA. You will not be required to join AFTRA until you accept employment at an AFTRA station or on an AFTRA program. For more information on AFTRA you can call your local AFTRA office or the Los Angeles office at 323.634.8100.

10. Does KLA require me to sign exclusively with them, and does the contract renew itself perpetually?

All agents require exclusivity in the area in which they are seeking opportunities (i.e. broadcasting, theatrical, commercial.) There are a couple of reasons for the exclusive relationship. If a client were to sign with multiple agents in one area there would be multiple representatives calling each station/buyer about that individual. This would lead to extreme confusion for the buyer. Additionally, if both agents submit a client to the same opportunity there would be confusion over which agent would cover the job. The contract does not renew itself perpetually.

11. Does an agent commission only the opportunities he/she brings me? What if I find the opportunity myself?

All agents commission any agreement that a client signs during the term of his/her representation with that agent. If a client were only required to pay commission on opportunities that the agent brought to that client, then, in essence, the agent and the client would be competing with each other to find the jobs. There would also be potential conflict if both the agent and the client submitted on a job. Additionally, since KLA does not take a retainer fee or charge clients for editing, dubbing or mailing tapes, we make an upfront investment in our clients. If the client could potentially accept employment without the agent’s involvement, the risk with the upfront investment would be too excessive to justify. We understand that sometimes the clients initiate interest, which is why we offer a commission structure to reflect this type of situation.

12. What is the relationship between KLA and AFTRA? How is this important to me?

KLA is a franchised AFTRA talent agency. This means that our policies and procedures with regard to our representation of our clients must follow the rules and guidelines set up by the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. As part of this, we are required to use AFTRA’s standard representation agreements with our clients, which, have been drafted by the talent’s union, as opposed to agreements drafted by our own lawyers. There are stipulations on what we can commission, how long we can sign a client, and rules for when a client has a right to terminate. As a result, the clients have a third-party overseeing our relationship and ensuring that their rights are protected. It greatly works to our clients benefit.