EXCLUSIVE: Eris Talent Agency is expanding its footprint in the vertical content universe, with the launch of a specialized division representing talent in the micro-drama space.
The agency formalized the Vertical Department last year with three dedicated agents and a roster of approximately 75 vertical actors. It is now adding writers, producers, and directors who specialize in vertical content (designed for viewing on mobile devices).
“We’ve been working with actors in verticals for the past three years, watching the space grow and evolve. We’re watching as more and more big companies jump on board. We’ve been closely following the trends and really understand the market,” said agency co-founder Tina Randolph Contogenis, who works on the development side of the department and acts as a bridge to Eris Entertainment. “It made sense to add other creatives to this Vertical Department.”
The department is led by agents Anita Vasquez McKorn, Tareena Woods, and Contogenis, who all work in the theatrical space as well.
The department operates differently than traditional theatrical divisions, the agency says. While it functions as its own entity, talent signed to the Vertical Department can take advantage of theatrical or commercial opportunities when they arise. “Our vertical stars are actually working in both traditional and vertical spaces,” McKorn explained.
The roster spans three areas: approximately 75 experienced vertical actors; vertical writers who are actively working with platforms on projects; and top producers and directors in the space. “This is a completely different space, and you have to learn how to do this,” Woods said of vertical writing. “It is not easy to hit beats every one and a half to two minutes.”
Additionally, along with sister company, Eris Entertainment, the agency is developing original in-house projects, with a slate of five to seven full-length verticals.
“We’re not just sending our clients out for projects—we’re creating them,” Contogenis said.
The agency works closely with a wide network of casting directors and producers in the space, giving its roster direct access to high-quality opportunities, the agency says.
“From talent representation to writer development to production partnerships, we’re positioned at every level of the vertical content ecosystem,” Contogenis said.
Eris Talent Agency is a full-service talent agency representing actors, writers, producers, and directors across traditional and emerging media formats.
