Kaplan Stahler Agency

Kaplan Stahler Agency was founded in 1981 by Perry Kaplan and Elliot Stahler, two industry professionals who recognized an opportunity to create a boutique agency focused on writers, directors, producers, and select on-camera talent. The agency's founding came during a period of growth in the Hollywood agency landscape, when there was space for independent firms that could provide personalized service while maintaining strong industry relationships. From its inception, Kaplan Stahler built its reputation on quality representation and deep relationships with studios, networks, and production companies throughout the entertainment industry. The agency has maintained its independence for over four decades, a testament to its business model and effectiveness in representing talent. Kaplan Stahler established its offices at 1875 Century Park East, positioning itself in the heart of Century City near major studios and agencies. The agency's longevity and stability have made it a respected institution in Hollywood, surviving multiple industry transformations and continuing to serve its clients effectively.

Today, Kaplan Stahler Agency operates as an established boutique agency representing writers, directors, producers, and on-camera talent across film, television, and streaming platforms. The agency is affiliated with DGA (Directors Guild of America), WGA (Writers Guild of America), and SAG-AFTRA, demonstrating its commitment to union standards and its standing within the industry. Kaplan Stahler's market position is that of a respected independent agency that competes effectively for quality clients and projects while maintaining the personalized service associated with boutique representation. The agency maintains long-standing relationships with development executives, producers, casting directors, and decision-makers throughout the entertainment industry. Kaplan Stahler's client base includes working professionals with meaningful credits who value the agency's experience, stability, and commitment to career development. The agency's four decades of operation have resulted in deep institutional knowledge and relationships that benefit its clients.

Kaplan Stahler Agency does not accept unsolicited submissions, requiring referrals from industry professionals for consideration of new clients. Industry referrals from entertainment attorneys, managers, producers, or existing clients are the pathways to getting meetings with the agency. The agency evaluates potential clients based on professional credits, training, skill level, and career trajectory. For writers, having writing samples, spec scripts, or produced credits is essential for consideration. For directors, having a reel that demonstrates directorial vision and technical competence is important. For actors, having SAG-AFTRA membership or eligibility, professional training, and meaningful credits demonstrates readiness for agency representation. Kaplan Stahler looks for talent that is professional, career-focused, and at a stage where agency representation can meaningfully advance their work opportunities. The agency's no-unsolicited-submissions policy reflects its focus on quality over quantity and its reliance on industry relationships for client sourcing.

Kaplan Stahler Agency provides traditional agency services including submission for roles and writing assignments, negotiation of deals, career guidance, and coordination with managers and attorneys. The agency's agents maintain active relationships with casting directors for on-camera talent, development executives for writers, and producers for directors. Kaplan Stahler's approach emphasizes consistent submissions, strategic career development, and long-term client relationships. The agency works within union guidelines and ensures clients receive fair representation under DGA, WGA, and SAG-AFTRA regulations. Kaplan Stahler coordinates with clients' managers when clients have management representation, ensuring all representatives are working together effectively. The agency's boutique structure allows for more personalized attention than larger agencies can typically provide. Agents are known for being accessible and responsive to their clients, maintaining regular communication about submissions, auditions, meetings, and career strategy.

Kaplan Stahler Agency represents writers working in television and film, directors working across multiple genres and platforms, producers developing content for studios and networks, and on-camera talent including actors at various career stages. The agency's writer clients work on staff positions for television series, sell specs and pitches, and work on studio writing assignments. The director clients helm episodes of television series, direct independent films, and work on studio projects. The on-camera talent includes character actors, supporting players, and series regular-level actors working consistently in the industry. SAG-AFTRA membership or eligibility is expected for acting clients. The agency's clients have worked on major network television series, streaming platform content, independent films, and studio projects. Kaplan Stahler's track record demonstrates its ability to maintain working careers for its clients across multiple decades and industry shifts.

Kaplan Stahler Agency operates on the standard agency commission of 10% for work booked through the agency, in accordance with union regulations. There are no upfront fees or costs associated with representation. The agency is transparent about its fee structure and business practices. Commission is earned only on booked, paid work that the agency submitted the client for or negotiated. Kaplan Stahler works collaboratively with managers and attorneys when clients have additional representation, understanding the importance of coordinated career management. For writers, directors, producers, and actors at the appropriate career stage with professional credits and union membership, Kaplan Stahler offers solid value through experienced representation, industry relationships, and committed career support. The agency's four-decade track record demonstrates its stability and effectiveness at maintaining careers through changing industry conditions.

Kaplan Stahler Agency is ideal for writers, directors, producers, and actors who value experienced, stable representation from a boutique agency with deep industry relationships. The agency is well-suited for working professionals with meaningful credits who want personalized attention and committed career support. Writers working in television and film, directors with reels demonstrating their abilities, and actors with SAG-AFTRA membership and professional credits will find Kaplan Stahler's services valuable. The agency works effectively for talent who prefer the accessibility and personal relationships of boutique representation over the resources but potential anonymity of major agencies. Kaplan Stahler is not appropriate for talent at the very beginning of their careers without professional credits or union membership. If you don't have industry connections for referrals, you won't be able to access the agency. Talent seeking maximum industry prestige or the extensive resources of major agencies may find larger firms more suitable.

To get noticed by Kaplan Stahler Agency, build professional credits and union membership that demonstrate your readiness for agency representation. Develop relationships with entertainment attorneys, managers, or industry professionals who can make referrals to the agency. For writers, create strong writing samples and spec scripts that showcase your abilities. For directors, develop a reel that demonstrates your directorial vision. For actors, build meaningful credits through independent films, theater, or television that show your range and ability. Demonstrate professionalism, career focus, and an understanding of the business of entertainment. Work with a manager who has relationships with Kaplan Stahler if possible, as manager referrals are particularly effective. Present polished materials including reels, writing samples, headshots, and resumes that represent your professional level. Kaplan Stahler can serve as a stable, long-term agency partner that provides experienced representation and committed career support. The ideal time to seek representation is when you have professional credits, union membership or eligibility, and are at a career stage where agency representation can meaningfully advance your opportunities.