Visionary Talent Agency Empowers Artists

Visionary Talent Agency (VTA), a Los Angeles based talent agency, owned and operated by Betsy Magee, recently held its launch party at the South by Southwest Film and Music Festival (SXSW) on March 14th in Austin, Texas. Magee discussed the mission and plans for VTA in a recent interview. Magee states, "Our mission is in our name. Being a visionary is all about embracing change and the endless exciting possibilities that the future holds. We have to remember we are creating art. We must empower our artists to tell the stories that come from a truthful place; stories that our artists are passionate about telling because these are the stories that we all can connect to as individuals.” Continuing, “The spirit of collaboration is so important in our field, and VTA is putting the power back in the artists' hands so that they can use their voices, and the broad spectrum of their unique thoughts, experiences, and talent to create work that resonates with them. The best art challenges us to grow and expand to our full potential. It doesn't limit us to the status quo.”

VTA held their launch party at SXSW to show support for writer Zack Ford for his film “Watcher.”“Watcher” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and was featured at SXSW as well. “Watcher is a female-fronted thriller which brings to light the harrowing experience of stalking and gas lighting, feeling alone and isolated when others don’t believe or see the abuse you are suffering, and features a stunning lead performance by Maika Monroe,” states Erika Smith, talent at VTA. “Zack Ford and his ingenious script featured well thought out setups and pay-offs that still managed to shock and surprise the audience,” states Smith. The launch party for VTA at SXSW was organized and sponsored by Ben Pitts in collaboration with Sheep Meadow Films. It featured a step and repeat, fashion show, networking and karaoke, and VTA even discovered and signed an exciting new music artist and model, Leyna Larue Wallace.

Signed talent, Erika Smith is an actress known for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe, as well as additional roles in film, television and stage. Smith is also a recording artist who will soon release her first record, “Calendar Girl.”According to music producer Calvin Gaines, Erika Smith is forging new territory as an artist whose music is best referred to as purecore. Artist Smith defines her genre as an evolution of pure music, stating, “Pure music is music for its own sake - concerned only with structure, melody, harmony and rhythm. Purecore music is a fusion genre combining elements of soul, pop, funk, folk, classical, jazz, disco, rock and r&b.”

Smith states, “VTA plans to have a lot more collaboration which will allow us as talent to choose what kind of roles we want to audition for and the stories we want to be a part of telling.” Continuing, “The industry is changing, it’s no longer just all the power in a small number of people’s hands, it’s time for the power to be spread out more equally.” Simply put, “No one at this agency will be pigeonholed or put into a tight box so to speak. People are complex and VTA embraces that because they know that is where the best art comes from.” Smith concludes, “I’m so excited to release my upcoming multimedia project and album, “Calendar Girl.” “Calendar Girl” integrates my work in music, acting and modeling. I’m proud of the creative way it all came together and I hope it entertains, provokes thought and inspires people.” Smith is in pre-production currently for a film titled, “Companion” which she describes as exciting and compelling. Smith has multiple fight scenes, and is currently working with a fight choreographer and trainer.

A representative from VTA states, “VTA sees and supports the authentic artist. We love diamonds in the rough. We encourage artists to be true to themselves because that is what audiences can relate to and want to see, and this is what will help us all to evolve and reach our full potential.”
Agency owner Betsy Magee’s background includes performing as a trained dancer and working for years as a performer, bringing forth a relevant perspective. Magee became a booking agent for live events all over the world, sponsoring races and sporting events in Northern Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Magee states, "VTA dedicates itself to keeping the artists best interests at heart and the opportunity (and right) for growth in mind. VTA respects audiences as well, and art for its original intent, to provoke thought, mirror reality, entertain in a positive way, inspire and bring people together.”

VTA also reps Carson Higgins ("American Idiot,") who has a breakout role in Damien Chazelle's Brad Pitt/Margot Robbie film, "Babylon," set to release in the fall of 2022. Jeena Bloom is signed with VTA, as she currently tours her standup comedy nationwide, having recently performed at the Hollywood Improv. Bloom is repped by VTA's Literary department as well. Rachel Frost, actress and producer, whose films include "Out Of Order" and "The Wedding, and Cullen Dean Moss (The Righteous Gemstones, True Detective, The Walking Dead), and Daniel Hall (Young and the Restless, Mad Men), have signed with VTA, as well Paige Tudyk Gomez ("Unknown Caller", "Transplants").

Visionary Talent Agency will consider unsolicited submissions through their website and social media channels, but they will give priority to submissions that come from referrals.