The Vault Welcomes BMG to Talk All Things Talent Agency
Written by Clare Bodine
A rainy Wednesday night didn’t stop The Vault members from filling up a classroom in Grainger Hall to learn about the ins and outs of working for a talent agency. Ellie Samide and Neida Aguilar from BMG offered powerful insight, from the wins and challenges of their career to their day-in-the-life on the job.
It has been special for Ellie and Neida not only to work together but also to grow together. They met in photography class at Columbia College Chicago and now cheer each other on and learn from one another as they expand their careers. The speakers began by providing an overview of how an agency operates. Ellie and Neida explained that agencies work to organize projects and campaigns. BMG helps develop models and build their portfolios, while overall supporting career development.
Neida Aguilar was always very interested in photography and social media, and she earned a degree in creative industries with a minor in photography. Neida works as a talent manager for BMG, completing tasks such as handling contacts, overseeing new talent onboarding, sending out audition requests, etc.
These two BMG representatives have learned so much from working at an agency. A simple, but often forgotten point they made was stressing the importance of communication. One of their biggest challenges has been the communication between talent and agency, especially when it comes to auditions or new opportunities. “It is so important to speak up and advocate for yourself,” Neida said. The industry is cutthroat, and it is up to you to advocate for your ideas. Ellie and Neida also emphasized the importance of constantly networking, which I’m sure most college students are familiar with. Even if this means finding creative spaces and collaborating on topics that interest you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your peers.
Ellie Samide got started in the field by connecting and networking with other creatives. While she earned a degree in fashion studies and photography, she developed an eye for image creation and portfolio curation. Her interest in management also led her to explore the business side of creativity, encouraging students to engage with their wide variety of interests, like many in The Vault have. For BMG, Ellie works as a model talent manager and a fashion talent manager. As a talent manager, she works as an agent assistant, runs social media, develops new models as they enter the scene, and more.
Seeing their hard work pay off and their models get recognized is beyond rewarding. “It is so exciting to see our models be excited that they are in something,” Ellie said. A main part of the job is watching their talent develop and grow. They have also enjoyed getting to know how the industry works and connecting with international agencies.
The Vault members left the speaker meeting feeling inspired and informed. Whether interested in the talent agency field or looking to hear about the creative process, Neida and Ellie had something to offer for all those ready to listen.
