TIAUNA JACKSON

Talent and Literary Agent
The Jackson Agency
tj@tja.agency

Interview

• Where are you originally from?

  Phoenix, Arizona

• Where do you currently reside?

  Phoenix, Arizona
  

• What prompted you to get into the sports/entertainment industry?

  Let me first start with my qualifications: Chapman University degree in Communications, UCLA Professional Program in Producing, UCLA Professional Program in Screenwriting. Over a decade as a staff accountant, and tax preparer; combined with military service. Somehow, I still wasn't qualified for a single mailroom nor invited to sit a desk. I had shopped scripts, attended classes at Film Independent, really studied the business yet I still wasn't good enough. So what truly prompted me to start something for myself were the repeated rejections I received trying to get an entry-level position at talent agencies. It took me ten years to realize that the only way I would be able to break-in would be to create my own path.
  

• Please outline the services you provide for clients and any specialties.

  I am a talent and literary agent, I get my acting clients auditions and direct bookings, and for my writing clients, I get them staffing gigs and open writing assignments. For all clients, I also review contracts and make sure they aren't being taken advantage of. You'd be surprised how many bad people are still out there praying on artists.
  

• What type of clients do you typically represent? What factors do you consider when deciding which clients to take on?

  I represent clients of all backgrounds for either acting or writing, not both. Having been denied entry into the industry, I understand how hard it is to get credits to build your resume and to get opportunities to prove your worth. I have a set criterion that I use to determine if I can actually help a client get their career started. One of the main things I look for is coachability and respect of my skillset and experience. If a client won't heed my advice, then there's no reason for me to begin to invest funds in their career. Everyone forgets that money must be spent on you before money comes in for you.
  

• What is one thing people would be surprised to know about your profession? What is one of the biggest misconceptions?

  A lot of people that I meet think that everyone in entertainment is wealthy. They don't know that these days most projects only pay between $125-700 dollars at scale. The biggest misconception I've found is that they think everyone is working and that it's so glamorous. They don't know that my clients work three jobs just to pay rent. Then on the flip side, I've been speaking with a lot of executives about diversity and inclusion and they don't understand that their qualifications for entrance into their elite organizations and clubs deter diversity and inclusion from happening. I often pose the question of, "How can you expect diversity hires to come with three network shows under their belt, when the agencies you work with deliberately kept them from being clients for the last 50 years?" Their response, "Who are you?" So the biggest misconception for me right now is the notion that diversity and inclusion is actually happening in all facets of entertainment. What we are being spoon-fed are just a few more Black faces in the press, but behind the scenes, it has not begun to integrate.
  

• What are some challenges or obstacles you have faced as an African-American in this profession?

  Not surprisingly, the blatant racism. I've received voicemails and e-mails from people I do not know telling me how they really feel. Right now, I'm in a very challenging space where literally my biggest obstacle is impressing Black Executives. I just had a phone meeting with an executive who asked me why I should be considered under Diversity and Inclusion. Apparently, being the only Black woman who outright owns her franchised agency with a diverse roster of over 160 actors and two award-winning writers wasn't enough of a qualification.

  
  

• What do you think can be done to improve diversity with regards to representation?

  I've spent six years fighting for diversity and what I can tell you unequivocally is that diversity will not happen until the A-list actors, directors, and producers demand to work with agents of color. Lakeith Stanfield publicly called out The Breakfast Club for being anti-Black while hugging his white manager. Let that sink in.
  

• What advice would you have for other African-Americans looking to enter this profession?

  Go to YouTube and play every monologue and scene with Eli Pope. Eli Pope literally told you that you had to be twice as good and no one listened. Everyone should listen to Eli. In all seriousness, because I am an opinionated jokester as you can see, all the things they tell us about being only as successful as your circle are true. Especially in this industry. You need to align yourself with like-minded people, yes your circle will change over time, but stay focused and ALWAYS trust your gut.
  

• What is the best way for people to get in touch with you?

  TJ@TJA.AGENCY