ABOUT US: The Choice of Hawaii's Professionals for over 40 years!
ADR Productions, Inc. began in 1983 with three creative forces, partners Amos Kotomori, Doug Kaya and Ray Sasaki, Jr. The trio produced fashion shows and extravaganzas across the State and on the mainland U.S. Their productions quickly became the standard and as the business grew, their formation into an agency was an obvious progression. The trio disbanded the business as their creative goals led them in various directions. Ray Sasaki remained the sole owner and led ADR into a period of significant growth.
Having been primarily a modeling agency, ADR Productions, Inc. (DBA) the ADR Model & Talent Agency, became a licensed agent with the Screen Actors Guild in 1989. With the ability to represent both union and non union actors, ADR’s expansion into all aspects of the modeling and film industry was evident.
Many incredible agents and professionals frequented the ADR offices. Some of the early models and talent would recognize the names of Lolly Totero, Miles Taniguchi, Yvonne Yanagihara, Nazarene Anderson and many more talented professionals that helped ADR make its mark in the industry.
In 1991, ADR took a risk with a young model/actor who was more interested in what was happening behind the scenes versus what was in front of the camera: Ryan Brown. He joined Sasaki and for the next 5 years, ADR’s growth surged. ADR’s model and talent divisions were tremendously successful, booking local, state, and nationwide work for hundreds of its models/talent. New divisions focusing on promotional modeling, event staffing, spokespersons, ambassador modeling and more had then opened new areas of business. All along, ADR would continue its production coordination division servicing some of the largest events in Honolulu, Seattle, Portland, Washington D.C., Hong Kong and more.
Brown later purchased the agency from Sasaki in 1998, a bittersweet transition as it ended a very successful collaboration. Brown re-branded the ADR Model & Talent Agency to the ADR Agency. With continued growth, ADR expanded to open other agency offices under the ADR’s corporate umbrella. Rebecca Stewart Model Agency and School in 2001 and the Wilhelmina Hawaii agency in 2004. Wilhelmina Hawaii was the first time a Hawaii agent would collaborate in providing a global powerhouse brand like Wilhelmina to the Hawaii market. Both operations gained their own success, and after many years, those operations closed to accommodate the present, more boutique style operation.
Today, ADR Agency continues to reach tremendous success in both the modeling and talent fields. ADR’s network of clientele and partnerships, which now spans over 35 years in business, is unmatched. Representing models and actors in Hawaii, California, Portland, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Florida and New York. ADR’s scope of work is global.
Agency FAQ: Don't skip this! Read it!
Is it guaranteed that will be accepted into the ADR Agency?
Unfortunately, ADR cannot accept every inquiry. We carefully evaluate each photo submission to determine whether our agency can successfully represent each person. Those who we feel we can successfully represent we invite them to attend a video webinar. This helps them to better understand who is the ADR Agency, what they can expect from us and what we expect from them. If then they are accepted, we extend a contract for representation. Those who we unfortunately cannot accept are notified accordingly.
Can anyone join the ADR Agency?
Yes. Our roster represents models/talent from toddlers to seniors, our oldest talent is 83 years old! Every person may not be right for every job, but there is work for everyone and the ADR Agency will help you position yourself to take advantage of all opportunities right for you!
How can I submit myself to your agency?
Backspace to the home page of our website and scroll down to the bottom form. Complete this form and upload a simple snapshot. Our staff will contact you with additional information regarding our boarding process.
Does it cost anything to join the ADR Agency?
No, like most reputable agencies, the ADR Agency is commission based. We deduct a percentage of your bookings-when you work, we all get paid! If you do not work, then no one gets paid.
However, as with any industry, there are reasonable expenses that are assessed so that you may have the tools necessary to leverage your success. These are outlined in our new faces orientation and additional questions and scenarios may be explained at that time.
Do you require your models and talent to sign a contract?
Yes, there needs to be clear terms of our working relationship. ADR has the most 'model and talent friendly' agreement in our industry. Non Union models and talent signs a simple service agreement.
Union members are required to sign both the agency service agreement and a SAG/AFTRA agent’s contract.
Will we conduct a interview before being allowed to the agency?
There is an onboarding process that will allow you to learn about the agency so you feel comfortable about what you are getting into. Part of this process includes a virtual group Open Call session that will be scheduled with you and at your convenience.
How many auditions or castings can I expect to go on in a month?
It is extremely difficult to anticipate how many castings or auditions a person will have. An agent may be able to provide someone with an average or estimate, based on recent history of your type. Anyone who guarantees you a certain number of castings or auditions is either an inexperienced agent or is trying to deceive you.
If I join ADR and already have photos, do I need to re-shoot?
If you join ADR and have current, professional composites and/or head shots you will not need to re shoot. The exception to this rule would be if an agent feels strongly that your images are not reflective of your current look, are inadequate for maximum promotion or does not meet the agency’s professional standards or expectations.
If I join ADR, is it required that I take a course with ADR?
Absolutely not, like we stated above, a model/talent should shop around and consider all options when seeking instruction. There are many qualified professionals that can assist with instruction and development. ADR can provide you with referrals so that you can make a very informed decision. How many commercial actors does ADR represent? Am I just going to be another file or number? ADR prides itself on its very selective new faces process. We will only accept a model/talent if we sincerely feel we can get that person work. On an average, we receive approximately 60+ inquiries per month. Of these new inquiries, we will approve an appointment to meet approximately 50% and eventually offer a contract to approximately 30% of those who initially inquired. This process allows us to properly consider the potential of each person’s submission. We try to limit the number of those we represent in any one category to 5 talent. This assures that you do not become a number.
I am shopping around for agency representation, do you have any suggestions?
1) Do your homework! Most people when purchasing a car would do research, visit a number of different establishments to compare products, services and of course price. There should be no difference to the process when considering an agency.
2) Agents with your best interest in mind do not sell you a bag of dreams, be careful for those who might promise to “make you a star!”, especially if it requires you to spend unreasonable amounts of money.
3) Follow your gut, in most cases one’s instinct is a great sounding board and is usually correct.
ADR Agency - SAG/AFTRA DISCLAIMER
SAG-AFTRA rules require that your participation in any third party business venture be ENTIRELY VOLUNTARY, and your non-participation CANNOT affect our representation of you or any obligation we have toward you as your agent. Participation in modeling, coaching or dramatic schools/workshops affiliated with this Agency, either directly or indirectly, shall be entirely optional to any interested performer. The quality of your representation by our Agency and our on-going fiduciary obligations to the professional performing community as a SAG-AFTRA franchised agency shall not be affected in any way if you choose not to explore any modeling, coaching or dramatic schools/workshops with which we are affiliated. If the Agency violates these regulations, you should immediately report this to your Hawaii branch. The ADR Agency recognizes any breach of these requirements shall be considered a violation of SAG-AFTRA’s Agency Regulations and should be immediately reported to the Hawaii Branch Office of the Screen Actors Guild by calling 1-808-596-0388.