DDO Artists Agency Commercial
A New York talent agency with an active commercial representation division
Overview
DDO Artists Agency is a New York-based talent agency with divisions covering theatrical, commercial, voiceover, and hosting. Their commercial division represents actors for TV commercials, print ads, and digital campaigns.
Commercial agents at DDO submit talent for a wide range of campaigns from national television spots to regional digital content. They maintain strong relationships with New York's commercial casting community.
How It Works
The agency has built a solid reputation in the New York market for developing commercial talent and securing consistent audition flow. Their multi-division structure allows talent to be submitted across categories.
Prospective talent can submit headshots and resumes through the agency's website or through industry referrals. Standard commission rates apply to all commercial bookings.
Who Uses It
A solid choice for New York-based actors seeking dedicated commercial representation. Having separate commercial and theatrical agents allows for focused career development in each area.
Pricing & Plans
DDO Artists Agency operates on the standard talent agency commission model, charging 10% commission on SAG-AFTRA commercial bookings and up to 20% on non-union work. There are no upfront registration fees, portfolio charges, or mandatory class requirements — the agency earns exclusively through commissions on booked work, which is the mark of a legitimate talent representation firm. DDO is a SAG-AFTRA franchised agency, ensuring compliance with union guidelines on commission structures and contract terms. The commercial division handles all negotiation, contracting, and payment collection, deducting its commission before disbursing earnings to talent. Talent may occasionally invest in updated headshots, self-tape equipment, or commercial classes at their own discretion, but these are standard career maintenance costs rather than agency requirements. The agency's multi-division structure means that actors signed to the commercial department may also be considered for the agency's voiceover or hosting divisions, potentially expanding earning opportunities without additional commission obligations.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
DDO's strong presence in the New York commercial market means their agents have deep, established relationships with the casting directors and advertising agencies that drive commercial casting in the city, providing represented talent with access to audition opportunities that are not available through self-submission platforms. The agency's dedicated commercial division ensures that your commercial career receives focused attention from agents who specialize in this specific category rather than being an afterthought within a primarily theatrical agency. DDO's multi-division structure creates cross-submission potential where your commercial agent can coordinate with the voiceover and hosting divisions to maximize your visibility across different booking categories without requiring separate agency relationships. The New York commercial market is one of the largest and most active in the country, and having established agency representation in this market significantly increases your audition volume and access to national campaigns cast through New York offices. DDO's willingness to develop emerging talent alongside established professionals provides a pathway for newer commercial actors who may not yet qualify for the most competitive agencies but demonstrate clear potential. The agency's location in New York's entertainment district provides convenient access for in-person meetings, last-minute auditions, and the kind of spontaneous opportunities that arise when you are physically present in the market.
What Could Be Better
DDO's primary strength in the New York market means that actors based in Los Angeles or other markets may not benefit as significantly from representation, as the agency's strongest casting relationships and submission activity are concentrated in the New York commercial ecosystem. The agency's roster size means competition among signed talent for the same commercial breakdowns is inevitable, and newer or less established actors may find themselves submitted less frequently than colleagues with proven booking histories. Commercial representation at any agency does not guarantee consistent auditions — the volume of submissions you receive depends on how well your type matches current casting needs, and some periods may be significantly quieter than others regardless of your agent's efforts. DDO's multi-division approach, while offering cross-submission potential, means that the agency's overall attention and resources are spread across multiple departments rather than being entirely focused on commercial representation. The New York commercial market, while large, faces increasing competition from self-tape submissions that allow out-of-market actors to access New York castings without local representation, potentially diluting some of the advantage of having a New York-based commercial agent. Some actors find that mid-sized agencies like DDO, while providing solid representation, lack the raw submission power and industry dominance of larger agencies like CESD or the personal intimacy of smaller boutique operations.
Our Recommendation
DDO Artists Agency is recommended for New York-based commercial actors who want dedicated, professional commercial representation from an established agency with strong local market relationships. The agency is particularly well-suited for actors who want the benefits of a multi-division agency where commercial representation can potentially expand into voiceover and hosting opportunities through internal referrals. If you are primarily based in Los Angeles and seeking commercial representation, a LA-based agency with stronger West Coast connections will likely serve you better, though DDO can complement LA representation for actors working in both markets. Newer commercial actors with solid training and professional materials should consider DDO as a realistic target that may be more accessible than the largest bicoastal agencies while still providing meaningful audition access. Commercial actors who already have strong theatrical representation at another agency should feel comfortable pursuing DDO's commercial division separately, as the industry norm in New York is to have distinct commercial and theatrical agents.
Pro Tips
Submit a strong commercial headshot that captures your warmth, approachability, and versatility — your headshot is the most important element of any agency submission and should accurately represent how you look on your best day, not a heavily retouched or outdated image. Include a commercial reel if you have one, as footage of your work demonstrates your on-camera presence and commercial instincts more effectively than any resume can describe. Research DDO's current roster to understand the types of talent they represent and identify where your unique qualities might fill a gap, as agencies are constantly looking for types they do not currently have adequate coverage for. If you have connections to DDO through other industry professionals — casting directors, coaches, or fellow actors represented by the agency — a warm introduction or referral carries significantly more weight than a cold submission. Maintain your own commercial audition activity through self-submission platforms even while pursuing agency representation, as agencies want to sign talent who are already actively working and demonstrating market viability rather than passive candidates waiting for an agent to launch their career.