BMG Atlanta

BMG Models & Talent was founded in 1993 by Don and Joanna Underwood, who launched the agency after their own experience navigating the industry as parents of an aspiring model and recognized the need for professional, ethical representation in regional markets. What began as a Chicago-based modeling agency expanded steadily over the following decades, adding a dedicated talent division in 2006 to represent actors for film, television, commercial, and voiceover work alongside the established modeling and print divisions. The Atlanta office was established to serve the Southeast's rapidly growing production market, giving BMG a strategic presence in one of America's busiest filming hubs alongside their Chicago headquarters. The agency grew into a multi-market operation with offices in seven cities including Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, and New York, providing nationwide reach that few regional agencies can match.

In the current landscape, BMG Atlanta operates as a full-service talent agency representing actors, models, and performers for commercial, print, film, television, industrial, and voiceover work across the Southeast. The agency holds ATA (Association of Talent Agents) membership and has maintained strong industry credentials throughout its three-decade history, though it should be noted that BMG Talent Group surrendered its SAG agency franchise — a development actors should discuss directly with the agency to understand current union-project handling. What distinguishes BMG from purely local Atlanta agencies is the multi-market infrastructure that allows talent to be submitted for opportunities across multiple cities and regions simultaneously. The agency represents a diverse roster spanning women, men, trans and nonbinary talent, children, and dedicated voiceover artists in both union and non-union categories.

Getting started with BMG Atlanta involves submitting through their website at bmgmodels.com, where you can specify your interest in the Atlanta market specifically or indicate openness to multiple markets within the BMG network. Submissions should include current professional headshots that reflect your casting types, a detailed resume highlighting training and credits, and any relevant demo reels or voiceover samples that showcase your range. The agency reviews submissions on a rolling basis and evaluates potential clients based on marketability, professionalism, training background, and how well they complement the existing roster without creating excessive internal competition. Responses typically come within several weeks, and the agency may request an in-person or virtual meeting before extending representation offers.

Once signed, BMG Atlanta talent gain access to the agency's established relationships with casting directors, advertising agencies, and production companies throughout the Southeast and, through the multi-market network, across the country. The agency's submission process leverages industry-standard casting platforms alongside direct relationships with key decision-makers in the Atlanta production community. Talent are expected to maintain current materials, respond promptly to audition notifications, and keep their availability calendar updated so agents can submit them efficiently. The multi-office structure occasionally creates opportunities for cross-market bookings — an Atlanta-based actor might be submitted for a Chicago commercial or an Orlando industrial project through the network, expanding their earning potential beyond what a single-market agency could provide.

BMG Atlanta's roster includes actors and models at various career stages, from newcomers building their first professional credits to experienced performers with extensive film and television resumes who value the agency's multi-market reach. The commercial and print divisions are particularly active, attracting talent who book consistently in advertising campaigns for regional and national brands. The agency's acquisition of established Atlanta agencies like BNB Atlanta into its network demonstrates a growth strategy focused on absorbing proven talent rosters and relationships. Bilingual talent and performers with distinctive commercial types find the agency's broad market access particularly valuable, as advertisers increasingly seek authentic, diverse representation in campaigns targeting multiple demographics and geographic regions.

BMG Atlanta operates on a standard commission-based model with no upfront fees, registration charges, or mandatory class requirements — the agency earns only when their talent books paid work. Commission rates follow industry standards, typically 10% for SAG-AFTRA theatrical and commercial work and 20% for non-union projects, though specific rates should be confirmed during the contract discussion as multi-market agreements may have nuanced terms. There are no fees for maintaining your profile in the agency's system, attending agency-hosted events, or being included in submissions to casting directors. The multi-market structure does not change the commission model for individual talent — you pay the same percentage regardless of which BMG office facilitates the booking. Compared to agencies that charge for headshot sessions, workshops, or portfolio development, BMG's commission-only approach aligns their financial incentives directly with your booking success.

BMG Atlanta is a strong fit for actors and models who want the reach of a multi-market agency without relocating to Los Angeles or New York, particularly those whose commercial types and skill sets translate well across multiple regional markets. The agency is especially well-suited for bilingual performers, commercial actors with broad appeal, and models who can cross over into on-camera work — talent types that benefit most from being submitted across multiple cities simultaneously. If your primary focus is high-end theatrical work on union projects, you should clarify the agency's current SAG-AFTRA status and capabilities before committing, as the franchise surrender may affect union project access. Actors who prioritize deep personal relationships with their agent and want to be a top priority on a small roster may find boutique Atlanta agencies like People Store/FORMATION or Houghton Talent better suited to their needs. For performers who value breadth of opportunity and multi-market reach, BMG's infrastructure provides genuine advantages that justify the trade-offs.

When submitting to BMG Atlanta, research which specific division and market best fits your primary casting type and lead with that focus rather than presenting yourself as a generalist who wants to do everything — agents respond better to talent who understand their own marketability. Ask detailed questions during the interview process about how cross-market submissions actually work in practice, including how often Atlanta talent are realistically submitted in other cities and what the booking conversion rate looks like for cross-market opportunities. Maintain separate, market-appropriate headshot looks that work for both the Atlanta Southeast market and any additional cities where you might be submitted, as casting aesthetics can vary significantly by region. Build relationships with the specific agents in the Atlanta office who handle your primary division rather than assuming the multi-office structure automatically works on your behalf — proactive communication with your day-to-day agent is still essential. Keep your availability calendar meticulously updated across all markets, as nothing damages an agent-talent relationship faster than being submitted for and winning an audition you cannot actually attend.