Burns Agency Atlanta

Burns Agency was a well-established Atlanta-based talent agency that operated for approximately 25 years in the Southeast entertainment market, building a strong reputation particularly in voiceover, animation, commercial, narration, promo, trailer, on-camera, film, and television representation. The agency was led by president Rona L. Burns and was previously located at 900 Legacy Park Drive in Lawrenceville, Georgia, serving the greater Atlanta production community during a period of extraordinary growth for the Georgia entertainment industry. Burns Agency held SAG-AFTRA franchise status throughout much of its operation, providing the professional credentials and regulatory oversight that production clients and casting directors expected from a premier representation firm. The agency built its reputation on strong relationships between its talent and the casting community, with agents who understood the specific dynamics and demands of the Atlanta production market. It is important to note that the agency surrendered its SAG-AFTRA franchise on December 31, 2023, and actors should verify the agency's current operational status before pursuing representation.

During its years of active operation, Burns Agency carved out a particularly strong niche in voiceover and animation representation, disciplines that require specialized knowledge and industry relationships distinct from the on-camera acting market. The agency's voiceover expertise was especially valuable in the Atlanta market, where the growing entertainment industry created increasing demand for voice talent across animation projects, commercial advertising, corporate narration, audiobook production, promos, trailers, and emerging digital media formats. The animation market in particular has seen significant growth as studios expand their operations in the Southeast, and Burns Agency was well-positioned to serve this demand with a roster of trained, professional voice actors. The agency also represented on-camera talent for film, television, and commercial work, providing comprehensive coverage of the opportunities available in the Georgia market during the sustained production boom driven by the state's entertainment tax incentives. Burns Agency's quarter-century of operation in the Atlanta market meant that its casting director relationships spanned the full range of production companies and studios working in the Southeast.

During its active operation, actors seeking representation with Burns Agency could submit through the agency's website with professional headshots, a resume, and a demo reel for on-camera submissions, with voiceover demos required for the VO division. The agency reviewed new talent on a regular basis and looked for performers who were committed to their craft and ready to work at a professional level in the demanding Atlanta production environment. Industry referrals and recommendations from casting directors, coaches, and other professionals enhanced submission materials and helped prospective clients stand out during the review process. The agency was selective in its roster management, ensuring that represented talent met the professional standards that its production clients expected. Given the agency's surrender of its SAG-AFTRA franchise in late 2023, actors should research the current status of the agency's operations, as the franchise surrender may indicate changes to its operational model, representation capabilities, or active status.

During its years of operation, working with Burns Agency provided actors access to a broad range of production opportunities across the Georgia market, with particular strength in voiceover and animation categories alongside traditional on-camera film, television, and commercial representation. The agency's experienced team managed all business aspects of the representation relationship, handling submissions, scheduling, contract negotiations, and booking logistics with professionalism and efficiency. The agency maintained productive relationships with both local Atlanta casting directors and out-of-state casting directors casting Georgia projects from Los Angeles and New York offices, ensuring that represented talent were considered for both locally originated and visiting productions. The commercial division provided consistent audition opportunities that kept talent active between larger theatrical bookings. The voiceover division connected talent with the growing market for voice work in animation, commercial advertising, corporate narration, and the digital media categories that have expanded significantly as content production has multiplied across platforms.

Burns Agency's roster during its operational years encompassed voiceover artists, animation voice actors, on-camera performers, and commercial talent across the range of ages, types, and experience levels needed to serve the diverse production requirements of the Georgia market. The voiceover division attracted performers with specific skills in character voice, commercial delivery, narration, and the technical disciplines required for animation and promo work. The on-camera roster included actors pursuing both theatrical and commercial careers in the Atlanta market. Both SAG-AFTRA members and non-union performers were represented during the agency's period as a SAG-AFTRA franchised agency. The actors who succeeded through Burns Agency were those who combined professional preparation with consistent reliability, delivering quality work in auditions and bookings that built the trust necessary for ongoing representation and increasingly strong submission activity.

Burns Agency operated on the standard commission-only model during its years of active representation, with no upfront fees, registration costs, required classes, or ongoing charges to represented talent. Commission rates followed SAG-AFTRA franchise guidelines and standard industry practices during the period when the agency maintained its franchise status. The commission-only structure ensured that the agency's financial success was directly tied to the success of its talent. Given the surrender of the SAG-AFTRA franchise in December 2023, the current business terms and operational model of the agency may have changed, and actors should verify all terms directly with the agency if it continues to operate in any capacity. Any talent agency representation arrangement should be based on the commission-only model regardless of franchise status, and actors should be wary of any agency that requires upfront payments.

Actors interested in Burns Agency should verify the agency's current operational status before pursuing representation, given the SAG-AFTRA franchise surrender in late 2023. If the agency is operating in a reduced capacity or under a different model, actors should evaluate whether the representation available meets their needs and complies with industry standards. For voiceover talent in the Atlanta market, several alternatives with strong VO divisions exist, including Houghton Talent, Arlene Wilson Management, and other established agencies that maintain current franchise status or professional credentials. The Atlanta market's abundance of agency options means that actors can find well-credentialed representation even if their first-choice agency is no longer operational. If Burns Agency has resumed or restructured its operations, the 25 years of casting relationships and market knowledge it built could still provide value, but due diligence is essential before entering any representation agreement.

Before committing to representation with any agency, verify its current franchise status, operational model, and reputation within the casting community by checking the SAG-AFTRA website, consulting with trusted industry professionals, and researching current client experiences. If you were previously represented by Burns Agency and are now seeking new representation, leverage your existing credits and relationships to secure representation with one of Atlanta's other well-established agencies. For voiceover talent specifically, invest in a professionally produced demo that showcases your range across commercial, narration, character, and specialty categories, as this is your primary marketing tool regardless of which agency represents you. Stay connected to the Atlanta VO community through workshops, networking events, and professional organizations that provide ongoing training and relationship-building opportunities. The Atlanta market continues to grow and offer exceptional opportunities for voice and on-camera talent, so focus your energy on finding the representation that best serves your current needs and career goals.