Artists First

Artists First was originally founded as Principato-Young Entertainment by veteran talent manager Peter Principato, who built the company into one of the most respected management firms in Hollywood. The company's early success came from representing talented comedians and comedy writers, establishing strong relationships with networks and studios throughout the 2000s and 2010s. In 2018, the company underwent a significant rebranding and became Artists First, reflecting its evolution and expanded scope beyond its comedy roots. This rebrand coincided with the company becoming part of Electus, which provided additional resources and infrastructure. The transition to Artists First marked a strategic shift toward representing a broader range of talent while maintaining the boutique, personalized service that built the company's reputation. Throughout its evolution, Artists First has maintained its commitment to developing long-term careers rather than chasing quick deals.

Today, Artists First operates with approximately 22 managers across offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, giving the company a meaningful bi-coastal and Midwest presence. The company represents actors for film and television, comedians, screenwriters, television writers, directors, and producers across all major studios, networks, and streaming platforms. Artists First occupies a respected position in the management landscape, known for its talent development approach and strong industry relationships built over decades. The company's affiliation with Electus provides backing and resources while allowing Artists First to maintain its boutique culture and personalized client service. Artists First serves talent at various career stages, from emerging artists with significant potential to established professionals with substantial credits. The company's multi-city presence allows them to maintain relationships with buyers and decision-makers across all major entertainment markets.

Artists First evaluates potential clients based on talent, professional commitment, career trajectory, and alignment with the company's culture and expertise. Industry referrals from casting directors, producers, entertainment attorneys, and other trusted professionals are the most effective pathway to consideration. The company also discovers talent through film festivals, comedy showcases, theater productions, and industry screenings. For writers, having spec scripts, writing samples, or produced credits significantly increases the likelihood of representation. For actors, having training from respected programs, professional-quality materials, and meaningful credits demonstrates readiness for management. The company values professionalism, work ethic, and a collaborative spirit in potential clients. Artists First looks for talent that is ready to build a career, not just seeking quick bookings.

Artists First provides comprehensive career management services including strategic career planning, project selection guidance, deal negotiation, brand development, and coordination with agents, publicists, and attorneys. The company's managers maintain active relationships with casting directors, producers, showrunners, studio executives, and network decision-makers throughout the industry. Artists First's approach emphasizes long-term career development over short-term opportunities, helping clients make strategic choices that build sustainable careers. The company coordinates closely with clients' theatrical agents to ensure all representation is aligned and working toward common goals. Artists First's manageable roster size ensures that each client receives meaningful individual attention and strategic career guidance. Managers are known for being accessible, responsive, and genuinely invested in their clients' success. The company's multi-departmental structure allows clients to benefit from expertise across film, television, comedy, and literary representation.

Artists First represents talent across a range of career levels and disciplines, with a particular strength in comedy, television writing, and character actors who bring unique qualities to their work. The company's actor clients range from emerging talent building momentum to established working professionals with substantial film and television credits. SAG-AFTRA membership is expected for working actor clients. The comedy roster includes stand-up comedians, sketch performers, and improvisers making the transition to film and television. The company's writer clients include television writers at all levels from staff writers to showrunners, as well as screenwriters working in features. Artists First's success stories include clients who have booked series regular roles on network and streaming shows, sold television projects to major platforms, and advanced from supporting to leading roles in film and television.

Artists First operates on the standard management commission structure, typically charging 10-15% of client earnings depending on services provided and career stage. There are no upfront fees or costs associated with representation. The company is transparent about its fee structure and business practices during the signing process. Commission is earned only on booked, compensated work that the manager was involved in securing or negotiating. Artists First works collaboratively with agents, attorneys, and publicists, and understands the importance of keeping total representation costs within industry norms. For talent at the right career stage with professional credits and clear career goals, Artists First offers meaningful value through strategic guidance, industry access, and dedicated career development. The company's longevity and track record demonstrate its effectiveness at building sustainable careers.

Artists First is ideal for actors, writers, directors, and comedians who value personalized attention, strategic career development, and a collaborative relationship with their management. The company is particularly well-suited for talent with comedy skills or sensibilities, though it effectively represents dramatic actors as well. Professionals who are ready for management representation, have meaningful credits or training, and are committed to building long-term careers will find Artists First's approach effective. The company works well for talent who want managers that are accessible and genuinely invested in their success. Artists First is less appropriate for talent at the very beginning of their careers with no professional credits or training. If you require a large management company with maximum industry-wide leverage and international reach, bigger firms may better serve those priorities. Talent seeking specialized services like extensive brand partnerships or digital media strategy should look for companies with those dedicated departments.

To get noticed by Artists First, build a foundation of professional credits, training, and materials that demonstrate your talent and career potential. A referral from a casting director, producer, entertainment attorney, or industry professional connected to the company is the most effective approach. For actors, perform in quality theater productions, independent films, or comedy showcases that industry professionals attend. For writers, create strong spec scripts or develop produced web content that demonstrates your voice. Demonstrate professionalism, strategic thinking about your career, and an understanding of the business side of entertainment. Present polished materials including headshots, reels, writing samples, or performance footage that showcase your best work. Artists First can serve as a productive long-term management partner that helps build a sustainable career in entertainment. The ideal time to approach is when you have meaningful credits, clear career goals, and are ready for the level of strategic guidance and career development that professional management provides.