Paul Donachie Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 Hi, has anybody got any experience with the Russell Todd Agency, good or bad? Hope this isn't a dumb question. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Afton Grant Posted September 3, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 His reputation is one of the best in the business. I'm sure some of his clients will have more personal anecdotes, but to answer your question: good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Mike McGowan SOC Posted September 3, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 He's like a member of my family. My business wouldn't be half of what it is now without him. His reputation is as good as it gets. He is the man. If you have the option to work with him, run, dont walk. Feel free to pm me with any specific questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members brooksrobinson Posted September 3, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 Paul, I’ve been with Russell since he started at Smith Gosnell about 13 years ago. Back then, I didn’t know anyone else with an agent, and was initially a little hesitant. He won my trust very quickly, and now I can’t imagine how I did it before he came along. He is very good at what he does without being overbearing or pushy, and you will never have a complaint from a UPM or producer. I think this is a very important point, as you don’t want someone to represent you that alienates you before the job even starts, or causes the producer to want to hire someone else for the next job because they don’t like dealing with your agent. I’ve heard examples of that with other agents. I’ve only had positive feedback over the years with Russell. Russell is a top-notch negotiator. He has done deals for me that I couldn’t have done on my own. For me, he has more than paid for himself over the years, both with better deals (higher rate and gear rental, as well as other intangibles like higher per-diem, pay-or-play deals, better airline tickets, etc.), and with the stress relief of not having to deal with production at all until I am on the job. He has always been fair with me, and I consider him to be a friend and business partner. He is always available and brings a very professional image to me and my business. I would recommend his services without question. If you are considering working with Russell and have questions, I would contact some of the operators he represents. This will give you a realistic expectation of what you can expect if you were to sign up with Russell. It is always good to do due-diligence, and I am confident that you will hear a lot of stories similar to mine. Good luck, and feel free to call me with any further questions. Brooks Robinson 661-287-1555 home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members BJMcDonnell SOC Posted September 3, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 I agree 100% with Brooks. Russell has been really good for me. He has done deals for me that I couldn't even have done on my own. Top notch. If anyone wants to talk to me you can also reach me on my cell 323-868-7330. Brooks pretty much said it all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Donachie Posted September 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 Thank you guys for your response. This all sounds very positive and if you don't mind I will be giving you both a call Brooks & BJM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Alec Jarnagin SOC Posted September 4, 2009 Moderators Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 Looks like I'm late to the party, but Brooks and others have already said it so well. Russell is my third agent and most likely my last as I really can't imagine working with another. Russell is a friend, a partner, and a sounding board for all things. PMs love him; DPs love him. And, of course, his clients love him. He has the uncanny ability to leave people smiling after he has negotiated an extremely fair rate. His roster is full of fabulous operators so it makes it easier to replace yourself when needed (although he would never make you replace yourself with someone from the roster if you had someone else in mind). The depth of his roster also means that Russell actually finds you work (a misconception about most agents) as productions call him to see "who he's got." I couldn't help but notice that a PM had him on her speed dial recently. Paul, if you wish to speak "off-list" feel free to call me at 917-804-6606 but I will be just as gushing in private! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members nealnorton Posted September 4, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 I consider myself very lucky to be represented by Russell. All of the above is right on the mark. Neal Norton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Mark Karavite Posted September 5, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted September 5, 2009 Ditto to what Brooks, BJ, Alec & Neal have stated. Russell works extremely hard on our behalf while never rubbing production the wrong way. In addition to being a valuable business partner, he's become a trusted friend. Even after he's taken his percentage, you're way ahead of where you would have been, & more than just financially. It's prudent to talk with different agents. I did. Russell's likeability & professionalism is what made my decision easy. It's a decision I have never once regretted. Mark Karavite, SOC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Bud Kremp S.O.C. Posted September 12, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 ummmmmm.......yeah, ditto. What they said. Cheers to Russell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Eric Fletcher S.O.C. Posted September 12, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 I'm late in replying but Russell Rocks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Amando Crespo Posted September 13, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 So lucky you´re to have agents...At Spain, this not exist...thi is only for actors, not for technical or camera/steadicam ops... Here we´ve to work like ops and agent.... F%$&/U=)&%%C&%K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members RonBaldwin Posted September 13, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 So lucky you´re to have agents...At Spain, this not exist...thi is only for actors, not for technical or camera/steadicam ops... Here we´ve to work like ops and agent.... F%$&/U=)&%%C&%K don't worry Amando, there are at least a few of us guys without agents left here in the states. I sometimes wish I had one when it's slow, but I'm glad I don't have one when I'm busy (knock on wood, the latter is usually the case). It would be nice to have a more knowledgeable guy doing my deals if I was doing features or day-playing more but I'm in the tv/episodic world and the deals I get aren't really any different than the deals an agent would make (I know this from day-players coming in to cover me or work on additional units). ron (keep it small...keep it all) baldwin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Amando Crespo Posted September 14, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 So lucky you´re to have agents...At Spain, this not exist...thi is only for actors, not for technical or camera/steadicam ops... Here we´ve to work like ops and agent.... F%$&/U=)&%%C&%K don't worry Amando, there are at least a few of us guys without agents left here in the states. I sometimes wish I had one when it's slow, but I'm glad I don't have one when I'm busy (knock on wood, the latter is usually the case). It would be nice to have a more knowledgeable guy doing my deals if I was doing features or day-playing more but I'm in the tv/episodic world and the deals I get aren't really any different than the deals an agent would make (I know this from day-players coming in to cover me or work on additional units). ron (keep it small...keep it all) baldwin Hi Ron. Thanks for your kindly words. I only meant the difficult to get a work being alone with yourself. You work like steady op plus agent plus commercial..etc..This is a refelexive mind for other friends in our comunity. To be free-lance is very hard. You can be a wellknowed op or not..The jungle is ahead. You can be a "perfect" op. but if you are not or you haven´t ability for public relations or how to speak with the producers.... Your way may be blue or you´ll be in a dark hollow. This is the work of an agent... He gets you works and you made your work...The camera or steady... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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