Casting agencies form lobby group

Members of the public are misled by fly-by-night agencies, says NACA, and unethical practices tarnish the entire industry. Industry leaders have indicated the need for a regulatory body for all agents not affiliated to National Association of Model Agencies (NAMA) or the Personal Managers Association (PMA).

With the support and backing of Casting Directors, Coco van Oppen and Gaelene Lithgow, about 40 independent casting agents met in December to re-establish NACA. At the meeting, issues - such as taxation, code of conduct, grading of artistes. The formation of a committee was raised.

To accomplish the goals of the new NACA with a membership of 20 casting agents representing some 30 000 film extras, Vanita Jajbhay was nominated as the Secretary and the following members as committee members with their respective portfolios: Joint Chairpersons - Janice Meyer (Chameleon Casting) and Julian Wilkinson (DJ's), New Memberships - Sharon Prangley (Jay Bee Casting), Finance - Janice Meyer (Chameleon Casting) and Elizabeth Molefu (Thenga Casting Agency), Public Relations - Wendy Venter (Wendy's Model & Talent Agency) and Cindy Schoeman (Rave Europe Models), Complaints and Investigations - Arri Mayet (N'Sync)and Hector Lelimo (Thenga Casting Agency).

It is the goal of the NACA to prove its value by offering support and guidance to its members, a list of professional and ethical agencies to the industry and a sense of security to the general public. Contact: Vanita on +27 +11 786 0007.