NorthOne Management
About NorthOne
As a proud member of the CPMA, an organisation dedicated to representing actors’ co-operative agencies in the UK, NorthOne is committed to fostering diverse client lists. We collaborate closely with Casting Directors to ensure casting opportunities reflect a broad spectrum of diversity; and wholeheartedly endorse Equity’s manifesto for a thriving performing arts and entertainment industry.
In 1986, a group of actors operating a London-based theatre company decided that the next step in their careers was to establish a co-operative agency.
They set up an office at the Metropolitan Workshops in North London, and needing a name, they founded NorthOne Management (N1).
This photo of the building was taken for us by a founding member Marc Zakian
What We Do
What is a Co-Operative Agency?
It’s a dedicated group of actors who also operate as agents. Actors’ co-operative agencies have access to the same casting information as traditional agents, primarily utilising platforms like Spotlight.
Similar to traditional agents, an actor’s co-op:
- Submits actors for available roles.
- Negotiates contracts and fees.
- Manages invoicing.
- Takes commission.
- Provides career advice to clients.
- Attends shows to support clients and scout potential talent.
However, in NorthOne agency, every actor leads a dual role.
As actors, we:
- rely on knowledgeable peers to submit us for roles suitable to our skill sets;
- benefit from a supportive community of fellow actors;
- continuously update our industry knowledge, enhancing our own careers;
- enjoy exclusive NorthOne perks, like specialised workshops and access to office facilities for self-taping, and rehearsals outside of regular hours.
As agents, we:
- receive professional training on client representation, contract negotiation, and industry software usage;
- dedicate 2-3 days per month to office duties, accommodating our performance schedules;
- participate in monthly meetings to review all agency operations and strategies.
How Do the Finances Work?
A co-operative operates as a not-for-profit organization, where all funds are reinvested into business operations. This ensures that no surplus money is retained, and there are no fixed salaries for members, except for our Lead Agent, who takes on the additional workload.
At NorthOne, we primarily function as actors throughout the month and dedicate two-three days to agent duties.
Similar to any business, we require funds for office rent, equipment, and industry software. Our revenue comes from two main sources:
- NorthOne earns a 15% commission on roles secured by our actors.
- Members contribute a monthly subscription fee, which currently stands at £15. This fee fluctuates based on the agency’s workload; historically, it has been lower, or even waived during periods of significant earnings.
As shareholders in the agency, we collectively own its assets. This ownership allows us to utilise office facilities outside of regular hours for activities such as self-taping, rehearsals, and script printing.
Additionally, there is a one-time training fee for new members. This training spans three days, scheduled according to the client’s availability, and incurs a nominal charge of £25 per day to cover NorthOne’s time investment. Recognising the financial challenges actors often face, we offer flexible payment options for the training fee, including instalment plans.
Why NorthOne Management?
As a member of our longstanding and reputable co-operative, you will enjoy the same benefits as those offered by traditional agents.
This includes access to exclusive breakdowns from Spotlight, extensive connections with casting directors and industry professionals, and expert management of contracts and invoices. However, our co-operative offers much more than this.
You are represented by individuals who truly understand your talents and are dedicated to submitting you for roles that align with your skills. Moreover, you gain insight into the industry from both perspectives, alternating between being represented and acting as an agent for two-three days each month. Their commission rate is 15% for all types of work, whether it’s for film, television, stage, or commercials.
In exchange for your commitment to the agency, you receive personalised and attentive representation. NorthOne conduct regular one-on-one marketing sessions, meticulously reviewing elements like headshots, showreels, and Spotlight profiles. And we also organise customised workshops with casting directors, exclusively for our members.
Additionally, actors are submitted for roles tailored to their strengths, accompanied by targeted comments. You’ll never find yourself at an audition that doesn’t suit your preferences, such as a vegan actor auditioning for a meat commercial.
Furthermore, you’ll never hear a NorthOne member complain about incomplete information from their agent at castings.
In summary, we prioritise thoughtfulness, empathy, and professionalism in all our interactions.
Are You Intrigued by What We Offer?
If you’re someone who excels in a collaborative setting, contributing to the agency’s success through dedicated work as both an agent and an actor, then do explore the Join N1 page.
We Work With
Our Core Values
We are committed to being inclusive and diverse and will work hard to achieve this.
We treat all people with dignity and respect and will highlight and, if necessary, call out behaviours that fall short of this.
We consistently work to represent our clients as they would want to be represented themselves on their Agent of the Day days.
NorthOne Management
0204 592 1100
actors@northone.co.uk
We work mostly remotely, so email is the preferred method to communicate
