Any legal minds out there?

Question

I found out yesterday that my agent (acting) have gone bust and ceased trading. When I signed up with them they insisted that I had an entry in the Spotlight Actresses Directory citing them as my contact for all acting work which cost around £200. Although this money was not paid to the agents I feel that they owe me as there is now no way for casting directors to contact me with any auditions and I have been left out of pocket. The directory is published this month so it is too late to get the contact details changed and I only found out yesterday evening that my agent was ceasing trading. Can I take legal action against my agent for this? I feel like they have been extremely unprofessional and that I have been mislead. Legal advice needed.

Thanks.

Answer 1

If he has filed for bankruptcy its not worth pursuing. Sorry.

Answer 2

Hmmm tricky.

You could technically make a claim against the creditors of the agency you used although as correctly stated earlier by another posted the chances would be the wrong side of slim.

I would try and talk to the creditors to see what will happen to mail sent to the old business address - presumably they will cheque it periodically for monies owing and received - cheques etc that might come in, they have a legal duty to. You could then come to some form of arrangement with them that they forward anything relating to you on. To find out who the creditors are send a letter addressed to the creditors/executors at the old firms address.

If it is via email then they will probably want to have an out of office on the email for a period which you maybe able to get something added to.

Apart from that I agree that you should use one of the larger more reputable firms with an established client base. There is a good one on Golden Square, Soho, W1, it is opposite Caffe Nero (if you need more help email me at [e-mail])

Good Luck.

Answer 3

let me get this straight
they haven't been paid yet you want to sue the agent?
what for
you haven't lost anything tangible, yes you may not get bookings but you dont know that and probably cannot quantify that.
you havent paid anything
the agent has ceased trading, depends on how they have ceased trading
>if they've gone bust then you are chucking momey down the drain) theiretically the administrators of the agency could demand you pay the £200 as they have fullfilled their role - got your name in a book) even if you were to win your case (and its doubtfull the chances of you gettign any money after your legal fess were paid is probably nil (you may not get anything back but still have to pay lawyers - write it off to expirience
>if they simply decided not to continue trading (ie the propriator has retired then Id of thought the business would have been sold - there must be soem residual value int he agency.

in any evevnt re-register with a new agent.

Answer 4

You probably could but think about whether it is worth it. You may get your 200 quid back or a touch more, but you may then damage your reputation in what is a small industry. Also, these guys will likely as not stay in the business and possibly one day be offering you a job (or not). Unless there is huge financial gain, I would cut my losses and speak with another agent. Don't risk making a bad name for yourself (even if you are right)

Answer 5

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Answer 6

You can sue the agency for breach of contract. Take them to small claims court in the county where they did business.

But if they have gone into bankruptcy, or if they were a corporation that has now dissolved, your chance of recovering your money is practically nil.

It sounds like they were a substandard or non--reputable agency. Use a better one in the future.

Answer 7

...anyone can take legal action and sue anyone...doesn't mean they will win...i would advice consulting a good attorney...good luck with your career...