BTA

British Talent Agency®

Big Agency Clout, Boutique Agency Care™

find us on IMDb

“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.

ARTISTS - YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR PASSION

We secure work for our clients in a vast range of mediums, including but not limited to: film, TV, video games, documentary, commercials, all forms of theatre, all forms of musical theatre, dance, cruises, resorts, voice over, presenting, modelling, events, corporate, webisodes; apps and new media, etc.

Here is just a tiny sample of some recent bookings →

We recently signed American actor, Aaron Stielstra - thanks to us he's now currently filming on the new DC movie ‘BATGIRL’, starring Leslie Grace, Brendan Fraser and oscar winner J.K. Simmons.

Shortly after we signed Italian actor, Daniele Monterosi, we booked him as a major character in a forthcoming high-profile video game (that we are not allowed to mention by name!) 🙂

BTA's Harry Oliver recently made a small fortune working on Mike Myer's new Netflix series, The Pentaverate. Don't spend it all at once, Harry! 😉

BTA's Raquel Cipriano recently completed filming on season 2 of Amazon's The Wheel of Time, starring Rosamund Pike.

During its run, BTA® had more clients than any other agency working on the Netflix Money Heist Experience in London! 🙂

We recently signed Nathan Chatelier and soon after booked him on Sky's forthcoming show, Funny Girl, starring Gemma Arterton.

BTA's Bruno Matay recently completed filming on the CBS TV show, FBI INTERNATIONAL.

BTA's Matthew Koon has secured a lot of work since we signed him in January '21, including lucrative commercials for Adobe, Castrol, and Facebook - as well as his TV acting debut in the BBC's forthcoming drama, Everything I Know About Love, starring Emma Appleton. Congrats lovely Matthew! 🙂

BTA's Alecs Simone (based in Italy) recently booked a very lucrative commercial for Samsung

BTA's Rahul Sidhu recently booked a lucrative commercial for McDelivery, and also completed filming on a new Channel 4 series, How to be a Person.

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.

Mastery of Law

When you consider that the primary job of an agent is to review, negotiate, enforce 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, almost all agents and managers in the entertainment industry have had no legal training whatsoever. And we mean NO legal training – nothing, zero, nada, zip – and these are the people negotiating your contracts and advising you legally! 😳 🤔

Conversely, BTA’s Founder & Senior Agent, Ryan J-W Smith, has a master’s degree in Law (awarded with distinction). During the course of his master’s, Smith received many distinctions in examinations. Most notably, in respect of negotiating your future employment contracts, he received distinctions in Contract Law; Equity & Trust Law, and EU 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, European and international actors who recognise 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.

International by Nature

It often surprises people to learn that Ryan started the British Talent Agency® whilst living and working in Los Angeles. As such, his first clients were American and his main contacts were casting directors in Los Angeles and New York. Obviously since then BTA® has rooted itself in London, which continues to be our main HQ. However, just before Brexit, Smith extended the company physically into Europe with an office in sunny Spain.

Through this natural growth and extension, we are now grateful to be exceptionally busy via the three most important cultural hubs for our industry: the UK; the USA and the EU. This is reflected in the international feel of many of our clients who, even if they have local agents in other cities, wish to have one ‘go-to’ agent for all their international job opportunities.

Our Award-Winning Founder

Ryan J-W Smith, MA Law (Dist)

From the age of five until sixteen, BTA’s Founder and Senior Agent, Ryan J-W Smith, trained to be a professional tennis player – beating Britain’s future Men’s Number 1 in straight sets at 14. Wimbledon was in his sights… Injury at 16 may have subsequently set him on a different path, but he never lost the champion’s mindset: one of vision, dedication, positivity, iron-clad resilience and, above all else, an extraordinary work ethic.

Smith became a festival-winning filmmaker and multi award-winning playwright/director/producer, with years of professional experience living & working in London, Paris, New York and Los Angeles. Smith’s films have been shown, selected for, nominated or won their categories at over 25 international film festivals, including Cannes. He has conducted over 60 documentary interviews with leading international figures including Noam Chomsky, Ed Asner (winner of 7 Primetime Emmys and 5 Golden Globes) and the last known unreleased interviews with both Gore Vidal and Tony Benn.

Excluding film festivals, Smith’s industry accolades include: two-time Hollywood Fringe International Award Winner (and four-time nominee); two-time Encore Producers’ Award Winner; Hollywood Fringe Comedy Award Nomination; Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award Nomination; Gandhi Foundation Award Recipient; three-time Arts Council England Award Recipient, two-time ‘Pick of the Fringe’ (Edinburgh), The Observer (Newspaper) Fringe Promoter of the Year, and countless professional 4 and 5-star reviews.

Smith graduated from law school with a master’s degree in Law – awarded with distinction. Smith has been admitted as a member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn – a professional association for lawyers. Lincoln’s Inn is the largest inn of the famous Four Inns of Court in London.

Smith is also a composer and recording artist. His first two solo albums were originally released with Universal Music.

Smith won the Hollywood Fringe International Award two years running in 2015 & 2016

Smith is also Artistic Director of his internationally acclaimed theatre company, Rogue Shakespeare®, and is a multi award-winning verse playwright and world-record holding poet, having written 7 verse plays, 1 verse screenplay, and over 2,000 Shakespearean sonnets.

Ryan is also a long-time practitioner of the Buddhist arts of Mindfulness Meditation and Wing Chun Kung-Fu.

Smith was nominated for the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award in 2008.

An Agent trained in Law – Case Study

So, being trained in law, just how good is Ryan at negotiating contracts and defending his clients’ interests? How much of a difference can it make?

Here’s just one example:

A company wanted to renew a contract for a commercial buyout that featured, among many others, 2 of our clients. While we can’t discuss the details, we can say that at the last moment the company tried to offer a much lower deal that had been negotiated. While every other agent rolled over and accepted the new low deal, Ryan simply used his law school training to argue that the negotiated deal must be honoured. Faced with his legal prowess, the company gave in – only to Ryan – and our clients, in this case, received over six times more £$ than they would have if any other agent had been representing them. Welcome to BTA®! 😉

One of our clients was so delighted she bought Ryan a £100 Amazon voucher to say thank you! ☺️🙏 And countless other clients join in singing Ryan’s praises in respect of his contract negotiations and legal expertise.

“This is all brilliant. I’ve never had a rep who came through like you, and this kind of assistance is immeasurably helpful. Especially when a guy like me can’t comprehend most contracts, let alone my parking tickets. It all looks great. As long as you get your fee and all our communication is open, that’s what matters.”

AARON STIELSTRA

BTA® Actor

Talent seeking representation

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Among others, we represent…

ACTORS

WRITERS

SINGERS

DIRECTORS

DANCERS

PRESENTERS

MODELS

PRODUCERS

COMEDIANS

MUSICIANS

PROFILE TALENT & RISING STARS

Meet just a few members of our wonderful tribe

NICHOLLE TOM

Nicholle Tom has been a profile name in Hollywood since the 90’s 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.

AARON STIELSTRA

We recently signed Aaron and quickly got him several bookings. Thanks to us he’s currently filming on the new DC movie ‘BATGIRL’, starring Leslie Grace, Brendan Fraser and Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons.

A TV a film veteran, previous credits include: Saturday Night Live; Jerry Maguire with Tom Cruise; The Mona Lisa Myth narrated by Morgan Freeman; Catch-22 starring George Clooney, Kyle Chandler and Hugh Laurie; and American Night with John Rhys Meyers and Emile Hirsch. Along with They Talk with Rocio Morales, and 3 seasons of the Disney TV show Penny on MARS.

“Ryan and the team at BTA® offer a very high number of auditions. And the quality and spectrum of the projects is vast. Never have I encountered so many interesting – and BIG – opportunities in so little time. And Ryan handles everything fast, friendly and efficient. It’s been a very exciting ride! Grazie!”

AARON STIELSTRA

MATTHEW KOON

An outstanding and highly acclaimed professional ballet dancer, Matthew was First Soloist with the world famous, Northern Ballet.

Matthew trained at the English National Ballet School. His stage credits include Billy in Billy Elliot Live (West End), and his film credits include all of Northern Ballet’s well documented TV performances, such as Victoria. His awards include: Fonteyn Nureyev Young Dancers Competition (winner); Janet Cram Awards Outstanding Dance Award; Marjorie Davies Tap Awards Senior Class Prize; International Ballet Championship (winner); Dance Master UK (winner); Nominated for ‘Newcomer of the Year’, Tanz Magazine Yearbook 2013.

Since joining BTA® in 2021, we’ve worked hard to secure Matthew lucrative bookings on commercials for BA, Facebook, Castrol and Adobe. Not to mention securing his TV premiere in Everything I Know About Love and his forthcoming feature film premiere in Greatest Days.

ALEXANDER KING

Premiered at the BFI Flare Festival, BTA’s Alexander King plays the joint lead opposite Alexander Lincoln (Emmerdale) in one of the hottest forthcoming independent British feature films to date, In From The Side. Ever popular with casting, Alex is as humble, charming and generous as he is talented – pure BTA 🙂

DANIELE MONTEROSI

BTA’S Daniele Monterosi is an Italian actor known for film and TV productions such as House of Gucci, Gomorrah III, Il Grande Sogno. We also recently booked Daniele as a major character in a forthcoming high-profile video game – unfortunately we are not allowed to mention the game by name – arrrggggghhh! We’ve also booked him as a major role in the forthcoming TV series Ride Out, which is currently filming in the EU.

Daniele graduated in the National School of Cinema in Rome and has worked with directors such as Paolo Genovese, Carlo Verdone, Michele Placido, Ridley Scott, Oliver Hirschbiegel and Robert Dornhelm. He acts in Italian, English and Spanish.

DARIA GZ

Ukrainian-born Daria Grinkevich-Zhabska is an award-winning international model and actress. She speaks fluent Ukrainian, English, Russian and Chinese. She has appeared in many film and TV projects, especially in Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and China. Her modeling career has seen her shoot for global brands such as L`oreal. We are delighted to have Daria on our books as we push to break her into the Western market and beyond.

KRISTIAN NEKRASOV

A TV, Film and theatre veteran of many years. Among other notable credits, we booked Kristian on the new Kingsman prequel, The King’s Man (2021) – starring Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans and Matthew Goode – in which Kristian plays General Ludenforff.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Dr Lori Beth Bisbey

Dr. Bisbey is an Accredited Advanced GSRD (gender, sex, relationship diversity) Therapist (Pink Therapy), sex & intimacy coach, and registered psychologist. UK viewers may have recently seen Dr. Lori in the Channel 4 show ‘Open House’, in which Dr. Lori featured prominently in every episode as the resident Specialist Relationship Therapist.

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.

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.

SAMUEL GARCIA

Another fabulous European client, Sam is currently filming the role of Sabatino for the new period drama TV Series Glow & Darkness, starring Jane Seymour.

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.

RIB HILLIS

Starting his entertainment career as a model in Europe, Rib worked for designers and publications such as Versace, Armani, Hugo Boss, Ferré, Vogue, GQ, Esquire and Men’s Health, and featured in many national and international commercials and campaigns.

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.

TO VIEW MORE OF OUR CLIENTS

SEE OUR EXPANDED CLIENT ROSTER ON

Pro bono publico

BTA® has supported the national charity, Crisis, throughout 2019-2021. 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.

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 😉

"I am very grateful for all these great opportunities so quickly after signing with you! Thanks so much for believing in me and taking me on as part of the BTA team."

Carly Buhler

Actress, BTA®

BTA® due diligence 100% 100%

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BTA® submission happiness

"Wow... that’s amazing! Thank you ever so much! Thank you so, so much for everything."

Beth Haf Jones

Actress, BTA®

"Hey Ryan, thanks for sending the submission report over, just been going through this morning and I really appreciate the amount of work you’ve put in for me already! I’ll work to do everything I can to get in the room."

Freddy Parkington

Actor, BTA®

FREDDY PARKINGTON

Mr. Parkington is a remarkably talented young actor with credits in wide-ranging mediums: he performed as Tom Holland's Stand-in for Marvel Studio's 'Spider-Man: Far From Home'; and starred in a lucrative Nintendo commercial etc. Further to this Freddy is well-trained in stunts, parkour and mo cap.

Casting loves Freddy! 🙂

The BTA® Family

our clients say it best

There's only one BTA®

apply

"Hi Ryan & team,

Saying thank you is easy, what I would like to say is that apart from being our agent, you’re also our godfather, as well as our confidant, and we frequently feel your support. I hope you know we also care for you.

Thank you all for being amazing, for believing in us and for giving us the chance of a better future.

Sending in an enormous hug!"

Juliana Barros

Actress, BTA®

“Ryan and the team at BTA® offer a very high number of auditions. And the quality and spectrum of the projects is vast. Never have I encountered so many interesting – and BIG – opportunities in so little time. And Ryan handles everything fast, friendly and efficient. It’s been a very exciting ride! Grazie!”

Aaron Stielstra

Actor, BTA®

"Thank you so much for sending that over. It's fantastic how many things I am being put forward for, and I really appreciate your hard work...

Thank you again for all your hard work there are so many submissions."

Rebecca Ryder

Actress, BTA®

Hi Ryan,

I just finished submitting the tapes for the Marvel Studios casting. Thank you!

And thank you for your comprehension and kindness dealing with my personal issue. Hope you have an amazing day and are feeling well. Thank you for your support.

Kind regards,

Sergio

Sergio Santamaria Nora

Actor, BTA®

"Hi Ryan, I just wanted to say again how grateful I am for your guidance. I really appreciate your support. Alice :)"

Alice Ezra

Actress, BTA®

Since beginning my time with BTA just 6 months ago I have had nothing but a personable, professional, and winning experience from Ryan and his team. It's clear that Ryan loves his job a great deal as he works tirelessly around the clock. I have had a number of agents before BTA and none come close to his level of dedication and passion for the industry.

In a fickle acting world where we all need someone to stand in our corner, Ryan has no issue standing up and ensuring the best for his clients. If you're willing to do what it takes to be the best in this industry then the team at BTA will do what it takes to get you there. During my first year of returning to acting with a previous agent I didn't have one audition for an entire year! Now during my first 6 months with BTA I have had a consistent flow of both self tapes and live auditions and I even landed my first professional TV gig! I am extremely grateful for all the work done at BTA and I'm thrilled to continue to achieve great things in the future together. Thanks so much!

Fergus Foster

Actor, BTA®

"...my O2 commercial has just starting showing on tv!! Saw it for the first time today. Thank you so much, I’m thrilled!"

Marie-Sophie de Felice

Actress, BTA®

Hi Ryan,

Thank you for this and I just want to say a massive thank you to you and the team for all of your hard work this year and for helping me secure the Money Heist job, which I am thoroughly enjoying.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a very happy new year!

Here’s to 2022!

Best wishes,

Sarah xx

Sarah Collins

Actress, BTA®

"Ryan has been incredibly supportive since day 1. He’s professional, approachable and friendly. Always on call when needed and has provided me constant support, encouragement and guidance.

Very fortunate to have such a kind, hardworking and knowledgeable agent, that I can also have a great laugh with and call my friend.

Thank you for generating such wonderful opportunities for me and your continued support, guidance and friendship."

Alexander King

Actor, BTA®

Hey Ryan,

Just wanted to send a quick email to thank you for everything... I know you've done everything possible in very difficult circumstances and the communication has been greatly appreciated.

Speak to you soon,

Alex

Alexander McLintock

Actor, BTA®

Dear Ryan,

It’s been the strangest year for starting a new era with a new agent, however you’ve kept us troops entertained and motivated us throughout the year! ...I raise a virtual glass to you and hope you enjoy the festive season!

P.s an Amazon package should have arrived today, as a thank you for the hard work - enjoy!

Alistair

Alistair Robertson

Actor, BTA®

"Dear Ryan,

Just wanted to say Happy Easter and thanks for the check-in messages on WhatsApp. I am so grateful to have an agent that is so attentive and thoughtful - it's such a blessing in this industry and especially during this time.

Let me know if there's anything I can be doing during quarantine that would be helpful for putting me forward for more work when this is all over... Hope you're staying healthy, safe, and sane!

Best,

Franziska"

Franziska Harms

Actress, BTA®

"Hi Ryan,
just letting you know that I have just sent the casting tapes off to Huawei,

I also just wanted to say a massive thank you for all of your support and effort, during quarantine and continuously!
it is great to know that you believe in me and I am so grateful for your encouragement and advice!

I feel privileged to be a part of BTA!

Thanks Again! 🙂 x"

Georgina Galley

Actress, BTA®

the industry concurs

"You are the best. So hard working."

ANNE STONE

Casting Director & Producer, Anne Stone Casting

"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."

GABI BLOOR

Producer, Rapport Group

"Legend! 😊 ...thank you Ryan, you’ve sent in some ace groups ❤ ... thanks so much for these fab tapes so quickly xx... ...You da best! X"

Bex Reynolds

Casting Associate, ET Casting

"Great - you are the only agent who invoiced correctly"

ILISA RICHTER

Casting Director, Ilisa Richter Casting