BTA
British Talent Agency®
Big Agency Clout, Boutique Agency Care™
“one of London’s leading talent agencies” – Broadway World
As well as serving the UK, our clients also benefit from our close relationships with studios, agents and casting directors around the world
– especially in Los Angeles, New York and across Europe.
Talent seeking representation
To be considered, paste links to your spotlight and/or IMDb profiles along with a clear statement of interest:
contact us
THE BTA® DIFFERENCE
Artists First
An agency that artists can genuinely talk to and have a closer relationship with. At BTA®, we understand and empathise with the artists’ precarious journey. We therefore place the artist first and foremost in our thoughts – from appropriate and plentiful submissions, to forthright negotiation on their behalf over castings, contracts and renewals.
We combine our artistic empathy and experience with business/legal savvy and expertise, to represent our clients with care, understanding and balance.
Law School
When you consider that the primary job of an agent is to review, negotiate and sometimes sign contracts on a client’s behalf, actually studying Law – and especially Contract Law – could be seen as an obvious and essential prerequisite to becoming an agent. Yet, oddly, most agents and managers in the entertainment industry have had no legal training whatsoever.
BTA’s Founder and Senior Agent is currently studying for his Master’s in Law.
Global Partners
Unlike some London agencies who fear losing their clients to America and American agents, we actively encourage our local talent to think internationally from day one. We are proud to share clients with some of the biggest and most respected U.S. agencies, such as Abrams Artists Agency, Innovative Artists, Momentum, TalentWorks, and NTA, to name just a few.
Global Clients
We represent a growing body of established American and international actors as they realise the importance of having a strong U.K. rep to cover the increasing number of U.S. productions (and others) choosing to shoot in the U.K./E.U. under PACT/Equity, rather than in the U.S. under SAG-AFTRA.
Our Award-Winning Founder
Smith won the Hollywood Fringe International Award two years running in 2015 & 2016
Smith was nominated for the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award in 2008.
Among others, we represent…
ACTORS
WRITERS
SINGERS
DIRECTORS
DANCERS
PRODUCTION HOUSES
MUSICIANS
PRODUCERS
MODELS
COMEDIANS
PROFILE TALENT & RISING STARS
Meet just a few members of our wonderful tribe
NICHOLLE TOM
Nicholle Tom has been a profile name in Hollywood for the last 26 years, beginning when she was propelled to fame with her role as Ryce Newton in Beethoven (1992, Universal Pictures) and Beethoven’s 2nd (1993, Universal Pictures). Nicholle then became known for her role as Maggie Sheffield on the hit CBS TV series, The Nanny (1993-1999), for which she was nominated for 5 acting awards.
Further credits include notable roles in feature films such as Panic (2000, Artisan Entertainment) starring William H. Macy and Donald Sutherland, The Princess Diaries (2001, Walt Disney Pictures), starring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, along with numerous roles in high profile TV shows such as Masters of Sex, About A Boy, Gotham, Survivor’s Remorse and Hollywood Darlings. Nicholle is also known for voicing Supergirl in the DC Animated Universe.
A seasoned expert in both comedy and drama, Nicholle is revered for her gritty realism and selfless commitment to her roles.
ISABELLE GEORGES
We proudly represent the internationally renown French singing star, Isabelle Georges. Isabelle has released no fewer than 10 albums. She’s performed all over the world including her most recent performance at the famous Theatre des Champs-Elysees in her native Paris.
Spoil yourself – take a listen to the sound of absolute class.
SAMUEL ROSS
Sam graduated from Central in 2016 and after a couple of years with another agency, he came over to BTA® hoping for more auditions. Boy, did he get what he asked for… and Sam delivers… it’s been hard to keep the poor boy out of work! We’ve lost track of all his jobs… some never seem to end… perhaps one of the stand-outs was this promo for the Euro Vision Song Contest that starred Sam. Great work, Sam! 🙂
DAVID FOY BAUER
David is managed worldwide by BTA®. David grew up in Grantham, England, but since making the leap over to Los Angeles he has become a permanent member of LA’s Theatre Unleashed and had several notable TV and Film credits including Feud, starring Jessica Lange, Susan Sarandon and Alfred Molina.
JESSICA MORRIS
Known for her portrayal of series regular Jennifer Rappaport on ABC’s One Life to Live, Jessica has cultivated her career as the leading lady in various television shows and independent films. Also making a memorable appearance in Universal’s theatrical success Role Models.
Jessica has recently been the star of Lifetime TV’s hit movie The Wrong Student and has also had strong guest starring roles on popular primetime shows, including Fox’s Rosewood and TNT’s Perception.
Jessica stands out as an actress who conveys honesty and depth through all of the characters she plays and has also discovered her passion for screenwriting.
DAVY EDWARD KING
If you’re from the Netherlands, Davy needs no introduction. As the face of Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn’s ‘Belly Butt’ campaign, Davy is known to millions of adoring fans. Yes, he’s kind of a big deal. Thankfully, we can report that he’s as humble and generous as he is famous – qualities we value highly here at BTA® 🙂
Transferring from a career in sports, Davy’s screen credits include: Goede Tijden Slechte Tijden (Good Times Bad Times), Zwaar Verliefd (Heavily in Love), Komt een Man bij de Dokter (a Man goes to the Doctor), and the lead in the soap opera De Spa (The Spa). In 2018, he made his professional theater debut and toured the country with the comedy, Judeska in de TBS-Kliniek (Judeska in Rehab).
DAVID SCHAEFER
David first found fame with the pop band, Culture Box who were signed with DISNEY/SONY BMG. Since then he moved into modelling appearing in campaigns for Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Vogue, GQ – and appearing on the front cover of Men’s Health. More recently David moved into acting as well as producing his own music.
We couldn’t resist – here’s a blast from the Culture Box past… 🙂
MICHAEL PAUL
Actor, Comedian, Puppeteer, Ventriloquist, Director, Writer… Michael has toured with Lewis Black, Joan Rivers, Lisa Lampanelli, Margaret Cho, Jeff Foxworthy, Rita Rudner, Phyllis Diller, Drew Carey, Wynonna Judd, James Brown, The Pointer Sisters, and more. His credits include: The Tonight Show, The Grammy Awards, Sex and the City, America’s Got Talent, Sesame Street, The Ten co-starring with Paul Rudd & Winona Ryder, 27 Dresses opposite Katherine Heigl and with Kevin Spacey in The Ventriloquist. Voicing and puppeteering for Jim Henson Productions, Saturday Night Live, Dick Clark, MTV, Walt Disney Productions, and numerous national commercial campaigns.
After an audience with Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II he garnered Atlantic City Magazine’s “Act of the Year” and in recent years has written or directed for Robert DeNiro, Sheri Polo, John Travolta, “Real Time with Bill Maher,” “The Friar’s Roasts,” coverage writing for numerous stage and television productions along with editorials for The Huffington Post, USA Today, LaughSpin and his critically acclaimed book, Breaking Out of Show Business (Post Hill Publishing).
MEGAN COOPER
Megan joined BTA® in 2018 and has always been very popular with casting. She recently shot two commercials for leading brands and is tipped to play the lead in a new award-nominated verse comedy with Rogue Shakespeare®.
LORA BURKE
Other credits include Netflix original, The Ponysitters Club, and family features Forest Fairies and It’s a Zoo in Here.
SARAH NAVRATIL
German-born Sarah Navratil has had great success since moving to Los Angeles, and can currently be seen as a series regular on MGM’s new series, Stargate Origins. You can also catch her in Starz new show, Counterpart and CW’s Pretty Little Liars. Sarah has also found success on the silver screen with indie darlings like Cloudy with a Chance of Sunshine, Nothing Like the Sun and Barbie’s Kenny.
Favourite theater credits include the premier of The Death and Life of Mary Jo Kopechne, Frankenstein, Some Girl(s), the West Coast premiere of Key Change and award winning fringe show Disrupted.
JULIA THURSTON
Hailing from New York, but trained at LIPA in England, we originally signed Julia to our books as an actress – and a fabulous one she is too.
After seeing a performance of her debut play, the 5-star rated ‘Paved With Gold and Ashes’ we subsequently also signed her to our literary department.
Julia also co-directed the world premiere performance of her play. It is an incredible work that deserves the critical acclaim it received – and more. We hope to help bring that – and her future plays – to a much wider audience.
5-star review of Paved With Gold and Ashes by Broadway Baby
DOUG HALEY
Bouncing between LA and London, Doug is known for his riveting performances in films and TV shows such as Code Black, The Babysitter and The Spectacular Now, among many others.
CAROL ANNE WATTS
Carol Anne is managed worldwide by BTA®. An award-winning Hollywood-based actress, her performance in the feature film Redneck Roots won her two international film festival awards for Best Supporting Actress along with a further nomination for Best Actress.
Notable television credits include: A Way Back Home, Killer Women, Red Band Society, and Vice Principals. She has appeared in numerous feature films including Traded and Ant-Man, and plays the leading roles in the forthcoming action features Aim and Final Imprint.
Carol Anne has trained in hand-to-hand combat for over 9 years.
NIALL MURPHY
Beloved by casting, Niall is a ridiculously talented, yet easy-going fellow. He’s been seen by almost every Amazon prime customer playing the lead in the Irish thriller-comedy feature, Dead Along the Way. And Londoners recently saw him in as the co-lead in The Last Will and Testament of Henry Van Dyke, at the Tabard Theatre.
Niall has also booked a plentiful number of commercials and short films of late – like we said, he’s popular with all. On top of this, he’s literally a one-man band, playing banjo, bodhran, bouzouki, guitar, mandolin, tin whistle, and violin – just not all at the same time. It’s impossible not to love Mr. Murphy.
NICHOLA FYNN
Another Brit doing well bouncing between London and L.A. – Nichola’s past t.v. credits include guest stars on, America’s Got Talent, Transparent (playing opposite Actresses Gaby Hoffman and Amy Landecker) and Hot in Cleveland (playing opposite Betty White).
In England, Nichola’s credits include the BBC shows The Hour and What Remains as well as a featured role in the Bond film, Skyfall, along with various West End theatre productions. Feature films also include a leading role in Altered Perception. Nichola trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London.
KRISTIAN NEKRASOV
A TV, Film and theatre veteran of many years, Kristian recently completed filming on the forthcoming new Kingsman prequel, The King’s Man (2020) – starring Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans and Matthew Goode – in which Kristian plays General Ludenforff.
RIB HILLIS
Rib has since found success as an actor in Hollywood with credits including the ABC soap opera, Port Charles and prime-time appearances in dozens of television shows, including, Ugly Betty, Two and a Half Men, CSI, Melissa and Joey, Bull, Eve, Angel and Modern Family.
Rib has also found success on the silver screen, playing roles in films such as, Grooms Cake, Birthday Cake, Taos, Propiedad Ajena, Life’s a Beach, etc. His latest credits in films released on Netflix & Amazon include Cowboys vs. Dinosaurs, Doggone Christmas, Timber The Treasure Dog & Shockwave.
MELANIE JOHNSON
Melanie is managed worldwide by BTA®. A formidable talent as an actress, writer and comedian. Most recently she starred as Nell Gwynne in the world premiere of Ryan J-W Smith’s award-nominated one-woman verse tragicomedy, Pretty, Witty Nell, which took place in Hollywood, CA. Broadway World reviewed the show and referred to her performance as “A Stand-Out Solo Show – Perfect!” – naturally, we concur! 🙂
TO VIEW MORE OF OUR CLIENTS…
see our expanded client roster on
Pro bono publico
As we did throughout 2019, BTA® will continue to support the national charity, Crisis, throughout 2020. In this industry, we can all too easily get caught up in ambition and forget just how lucky we are - people living on the streets is completely unacceptable in a society that considers itself civil. Please consider joining us and supporting Crisis.
BTA® APPLICANTS
What we look for in potential clients
Every artist in this industry has talent - we look for a whole lot more
Team Players 🤜🤛
Recognising that their agent is far better placed than they are to understand the inner workings of the industry, our clients look to us for guidance. Our clients also recognise that this industry runs on clear and efficient communication - that's why our clients keep themselves available and reachable, and respond quickly to confirm availability, castings, recalls and bookings.
Our clients also strive to continually update their online profiles, showreels and headshots so it's clear to casting why they are appropriate for all the jobs we are trying so hard to get for them. It's about working with each other, not against each other.
A Business Mindset 🏦 💵
It's called 'show business'. Yes, you're an artist, but the sooner you realise you're actually a small business owner with yourself as the product, the sooner you will help us to help you by adopting a business mindset.
Our Founder and Senior Agent also has the benefit of law school training, which means we can advise our clients in a way very few other agencies can in regards the inception, execution and discharge of any potential employment contract they are offered. And this business can be tough. Not a day goes by when we don't have to use our legal savoir faire on behalf of our clients - you'll appreciate that fully when it's on your behalf.
Balanced Ambition 📚✅
Long-Term Loyalty ☔️☀️
and the final essential element
More Cowbell! 🔔😂
In other words, don't take yourself too seriously - and never ever lose your sense of humour!
many are called - few are chosen
Our books are always near capacity
In the interests of fairness to our clients, we endeavour to operate a 'one out-one in' signing policy
N.B. We are receiving an exceptionally high volume of submissions at present - please be patient in awaiting our reply
THE ART & SCIENCE OF SUBMISSIONS
Success in this industry is weighted by combining a scientific and artistic approach to submissions. Nothing works better than taking and using hard data (the science) and combining that with decades of wisdom and experience (the art) to increase and strategise talent submissions.
Thus, every couple of months we encourage our clients to request their Spotlight submission report from us. The responce is always the same – sheer amazement at the qualitative and quantitative data. You’re welcome 😉
- BTA® due diligence 100%
%
BTA® submission happiness
FREDDY PARKINGTON
Freddy is a remarkably talented young actor. He recently performed as Tom Holland’s Stand-in for Marvel Studio’s ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’.
He also recently booked a lucrative Nintendo commercial.
Further to this Freddy is training hard in stunts and mo cap. Everybody loves Freddy. 🙂
“just wanted to say thank you for such a great first month of representation! I’ve had more auditions from you in one month than the past two agents put together! It feels great and I’m excited for all the opportunities coming my way. Thank you!”
“Oh wow 🙂 Yes to you! Such perfect timing too – I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!“
The BTA® Tribe
our clients say it best
There's only one BTA®
“Couldn’t ask for a better agent. Thanks Ryan 💕”
Hi Ryan, I just wanted to say thank you for helping me with my contract for today, and the help with the other job! I had such a lovely time on set today and feel really lucky to be a part of BTA®! ☺️”
“Ryan, Honestly having an agent like you has been so lovely, I feel like you’ve been so supportive. Thank you again“
“…my O2 commercial has just starting showing on tv!! Saw it for the first time today. Thank you so much, I’m thrilled!”
“Thank you so much for a super fun couple of months with some amazing opportunities. So looking forward to continue working with you in 2020.”
“Thank you so much for everything this year. I feel really grateful for having you on my team. :)”
“Thank you so much for all the hard work you always put in and for a great year – this summer on tour was such a highlight of my whole year!”
“Hi Ryan, I just wanted to say again how grateful I am for your guidance. I really appreciate your support. Alice :)”
“Hi Ryan,
Just wanted to say a big ‘Thank You’ for all your hard work and tirelessness. You are an amazing agent and I am glad I have found you. Please enjoy your well-deserved time off. I hope you will have a fantastic Christmas and an even better New Year! I am very excited about 2020 and positive it will bring a lot of amazing opportunities for us both!
God bless,
Anna”
“Thank you, and to all at BTA, for representing me last year. I appreciate all that you do, and look forward to what we can achieve together next year. “
the industry concurs
“You are the best. So hard working.”
“During the course of booking one of his clients for one of our productions, Ryan gently pointed out that there was a simple, but rather important, error in our contract. Ryan was absolutely right – the error was obvious once you saw it. I’d been using that contract and sending it to countless other agents for about 8 years and not one of them had spotted it! We amended the contract and booked his client. With his evident and almost effortless knowledge of contract law, Ryan’s pretty unique in this industry.”
“Great – you are the only agent who invoiced correctly”
Getting in the Room
Film, TV, Theatre, Musical Theatre, VO, Video Games, Commercials…you name it…
BTA® clients get life-changing opportunities
A small taste of Film, TV, Theatre, VO and Video Game casting opportunities that BTA® clients recently booked or auditioned for:
A small taste of what our Musical Theatre clients recently auditioned or booked on…
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Being beyond the scope of an agent’s duties, this service is open to all*
Professional development is for every artist, beginner or pro, who wants to learn how to take their career to the next level
First step is always a career consultation…
“I was recently introduced to Ryan… I only wish I had been in touch with him sooner as I can’t wait to continue our next conversation and work together. Ryan offered me some fantastic career advice and presented me with some eye opening and exciting options about how to take my career to the next level. It’s clear Ryan has worked incredibly hard to have built up his reputation and place in the industry, his wealth of experience speaks volumes as he has helped so many other actors already. The proof is in the pudding and he is definitely someone I want in my corner.”
Professional Development – among many other skills, learn how to
Master your art form
Get on & stay on an agent’s books
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“No half promises here, no teasers, no hard-sell, no bullshit. A polite and affable approach to delivering detailed and clear tailored advice, left me feeling understood and resolved. Refreshingly honest and well founded suggestions have me excited and secure in the knowledge that with Ryan on my side, with his extensive experience in many branches of this industry, I’m on to a winning result.”
“The session was very good – I now feel strong and specific in what I need to do to make myself look better in the acting industry”
“Dear Ryan, thank you, for what was a very enlightening career consultation… your sound advice and knowledge of today’s market place is outstanding. Having spent the last 50 years growing and selling some of the world’s biggest brands, I now realise, by your suggestion, that I have neglected my own! Your astute observations, with reference to my ‘online presence’ are spot-on. Thank you again for your excellent guidance. The fee for your consultation is the best £66 I’ve ever spent.”
“Ryan helped me to see the missing holes, and where I was not highlighting my skill set to my advantage. His advice was precise and to the point, I think it has helped to save a lot of time and probably a lot of money in the long run, in knowing exactly what I need to do to gain the representation and type of work I am seeking. The great thing is that it’s all completely achievable – it’s often at times only ourselves that are in the way. Ryan has a very funny and charming nature about him, making him easy to talk to and guide you through the process.”
“Dear Ryan, Thank you so very much. I feel empowered and inspired. Your advice makes perfect sense when you spell it out so succinctly and above all it’s perfectly do-able and achievable, you simply have to know what it is you should be doing! Thank you, again.”
“My consultation was so refreshing, particularly gaining insight to Ryan’s worldly views and experience, all of which where shared with me through the lens of a successful British actor. He is a Legend!!”
“Very helpful, great advice and knowledge of working and living in London, New York and Los Angeles. Everything you need to help further your career in this highly competitive international industry”
“Ryan, I just want to take some time out to say thank you so much for your useful advice and will definitely implement it.”
“Thank you. A few great ideas to work on. And some obvious things I should have known myself!”
“Thank you so much for the consultation. It was extremely helpful and opened my eyes to a number of things I hadn’t considered!”
“Thanks again – I found it invaluable and you certainly seem to know your stuff.”
“Ryan’s consultation unravelled some important factors in acting particularly to show versatility. With his help I have identified hidden acting talents that I have yet to show.”
“Really enjoyed the session, full of practical solid advice. Gave me a good awareness of what I need to be doing and of what the evolving industry is looking for to be employable. And it was good to hear from a guy who’s been, and still is, involved in some really interesting original projects.”
“Hi Ryan, Thank you again for your candid advice, it’s exactly what I’ve needed and now feel I can progress towards really furthering my career. Again massive thank you.”
“Thank you very much, your advice was invaluable. It was like a wake up call on how I should be presenting myself to the industry. Some great ideas to work on! Thanks!”
“Ryan helped me to sort out my short term goals and to find a few different ways of achieving them, which has really made it easier to just start focussing and progressing. The headshot and showreel advice was also great and once I’ve moved onto the next stage of my career, if I am in need of any other advice, I will definitely book another consultation! Thanks again.”
“Thanks so much! I am SO pleased I decided to have a consultation with Ryan. It was so refreshing to have an open and direct conversation with someone so knowledgeable about the business in three wildly different cities, who could give me an honest and unbiased opinion about what makes sense for me professionally. Ryan is candid and direct, and also incredibly encouraging.
The unexpected and added benefit of the consultation was Ryan’s knowledge about producing for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I’m producing my first show there this year and Ryan was able to give me loads of great ideas about how to approach producing and promotion and marketing of the show. That combined with his enthusiasm for the concept of the show itself made me surer than ever that this is what I need to be focusing on at the moment, and that injection of confidence is absolutely priceless.
Step one
Book an initial 45 minute career consultation with our founder and senior agent to begin your journey into professional development.
45 minute Phone/Skype Career Consultation
We accept all currencies via Paypal which will be converted to £GBP
Just £66 (inc. VAT where applicable) for your 45 minute phone/skype consultation
We accept your currency
We accept payments via paypal, so you can pay with your local currency. Once we have received payment we will contact you within 48 hours to schedule your consultation.
Superlative Quality – Affordable Price
Some industry pros charge a small fortune for their advice. We presently charge a mere £66 for a 45 minute phone consultation with our founder and senior agent. We understand times are hard and you’re probably a struggling artist – we’re here to help. 🙂
“Thank you again, Ryan, for all your priceless practical advice, business tips and inspiration. It is especially great to hear it from someone who knows the industry from the inside out. All your advice is specific and personal. I very much appreciate your time, intelligence , detailed answers – and opening my mind in all aspects. Thank you Ryan!!!”
“Had a great consultation with Ryan! He gave me truly sound advice on my headshots, showreel and online presence, pointing out areas that could use change, showing me how to cultivate myself as a brand/business and giving me something to work on straightaway. He also laid out the facts from the fiction of moving to LA, which is really important to me. The whole interaction was down-to-earth, honest and empowering. I am looking forward to his input and further guidance as I take full reign of my career.”
Your right to cancel
Prior to a consultation, we are very happy to provide our customers a ‘cooling off’ period of 7 days within which they may cancel their consultation payment without penalty. After 7 days, unused consultations are not refundable – but they are, of course, still honoured! You will get your consultation. We obviously cannot give refunds on consultations given.
*Our right to cancel
Prior to a consultation we reserve the right to evaluate the merits of any potential consultee and, where we deem it appropriate, cancel any consultation and refund the payment, without explanation, for any reason or none.
“Thank you again for your kind words, you instilled a new sense of determination in me which was greatly needed.”
“I found our session really valuable and inspiring. Many thanks for your help”
“Thanks for the great advice – I hope to speak to you again soon”
“It was so nice and inspiring meeting you! Hope we’re going to develop this in the future into a nice collaborative relationship!”