<h1>By Beka Ashley and Paris Williamson</h1>
Talent managers are critically essential to the careers of their clients, serving as their trusted advisors, advocates, and client representatives. Tirelessly, Managers work to ensure their client&rsquo;s success in the entertainment industry. With countless streaming services, fierce competition, varying client expectations, industry politics, and multiple clients to manage &ndash; talent managers have their work cut out for them.
Because talent managers are rarely off-the-clock, they need a tool that allows them to remain primarily focused on the success of clients while sourcing new and upcoming talent. tap., an app that connects everyone in entertainment, can help talent managers stay organized, prioritize tasks, recruit new talent, and maintain clear boundaries between clients, agents, other managers, and productions.&nbsp;
Nevin Dolcefino is the Executive Vice President at<a href="https://innovativeartists.com/"> Innovative Artists</a>, a top-tier Hollywood talent agency that provides incomparable, personalized management services which prioritize the interest of their clients first and foremost. Through "sharply focused representation", Innovative Artists ensure success during all stages of their client's careers. Additionally, Dolcefino is also an investor and advisor for tap. He is passionate about tap.&rsquo;s ability to help talent managers grow and scale their careers.
<h2>A Changing Industry Has Talent Managers Seeking New Solutions</h2>
Talent Managers guide entertainers through their careers, assisting in project decisions, producing original content, and sometimes personal life choices. They provide encouragement to entertainers and have a unique opportunity to help blossoming talent find their niche and grow.&nbsp;
Top managers in the industry, like Rick Yorn (manager of A-List actors Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio), are successful because they see a client's potential and push them toward greatness. However, the last several years have seen massive shifts within the industry, challenging managers&rsquo; instincts and autonomy and causing them to leave the field in droves.&nbsp;
According to Lucas Shaw of<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2022-10-30/for-hollywood-talent-managers-booking-gigs-is-no-longer-enough"> Bloomberg</a>, manager jobs are becoming more complicated. Talent managers feel financial pressure from celebrities becoming entrepreneurs and independent social media stars &ndash; attracting investors' attention without a manager&rsquo;s involvement. Therefore, agents and managers must consider goals for their financial futures as their clients source deals online without Managers.
This pressure to build clientele and secure a financial future means managers in Hollywood are constantly seeking new talent to represent. tap.&rsquo;s Access Feed connects those in the industry seeking guidance from managers who can support them.
David Waltzer, manager of hip-hop artist Mike WiLL Made-It and rapper 24kGoldn, looks for self-starters in the industry. Clients (and managers!) who are self-starters are more likely to be successful in their fields. He told<a href="https://variety.com/lists/hollywoods-new-leaders-of-2022/lexi-todd/"> Variety</a> that respect is the secret to his success: &ldquo;You never know where someone will end up. This industry is a marathon, not a sprint, and that mindset has helped me succeed.&rdquo;&nbsp;
<h2>Is a Code of Ethics Needed For Talent Managers?&nbsp;</h2>
Involvement in associations is important in talent management. The Screen Actors Guild: American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is the most well-known and respectable organization for directors, producers, journalists, and entertainment professionals. These organizations' talent managers are at the forefront of their category and the ones who regulate industry standards. However, some recent changes in SAG-AFTRA are having talent managers reconsider their union affiliation.
In 2013, SAG-AFTRA introduced a voluntary<a href="https://www.sagaftra.org/managers"> Code of Ethics</a> for managers stipulating that there are time limitations if a manager uses a written contract. This code includes contract duration limitations, auto-renewal clauses, and the inability to use a photographer or acting coach, for example, if the manager has a financial interest.
Notably, under this code of ethics, managers cannot solicit or procure services for the actors they represent. According to Jonathan Handel of<a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sag-aftra-introduces-voluntary-regulation-685773/"> The Hollywood Reporter</a>, many SAG-AFTRA-associated talent managers are opposed to the restrictions enacted by the code.
Gerry Pass, producer, and president of Chrome Artists Management, told Handel, "I was excited about the prospect of a &lsquo;Code,&rsquo; if it would bring greater cooperation between SAG-AFTRA and personal managers. But the final document&hellip;doesn&rsquo;t do that; just the opposite, if adhered to, it makes it almost impossible for a personal manager to effectively represent the union&rsquo;s members. It has turned my enthusiasm relevant to this potential into the disappointment of its realities, and I cannot support and will not consider signing.&rdquo;
tap.&rsquo;s Deal Message Thread (DMT) offers an alternative for talent managers seeking a way to be held accountable to their clients without being bound by SAG-AFTRA&rsquo;s code of ethics. Vetted talent managers can utilize the DMT for secure communications with agencies, organizing schedules, portfolio upkeep, general e-mails, and document-keeping.&nbsp;
<h1>Connecting Talent Managers with Everyone in Entertainment on tap.</h1>
tap. helps talent managers communicate directly with actors, producers, directors, and the people that matter in entertainment. The app&rsquo;s software enables them to manage their networks and connections, save money, secure clients, maintain accountability, and advance their careers. tap. is on a mission to help film, TV, music, radio, and publishing professionals connect, network, bookwork, and manage their entire entertainment career; this includes showrunners. Headquartered in Playa Vista, CA,&nbsp; tap. is for everyone working in the global media and entertainment industry. For more information, visit<a href="http://www.tap.ec/"> www.tap.ec</a>. and follow the company on Instagram @tap.ec.&nbsp;
Available for download now on the<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tap-ec/id1612065417"> App Store</a> and<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.akt.tap"> Google Play</a>.&nbsp;
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About Beka Ashley:&nbsp;
Beka is tap.&rsquo;s Senior Communications Editorial Assistant. She manages the growing publication strategy for tap., including writing for the website&rsquo;s blog and editing other interns&rsquo; current industry research. In addition to this role, she works as a freelance writer and critical care nurse. Connect with her on<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bekaashleyrn/"> LinkedIn</a> or see more of what she&rsquo;s written<a href="https://www.clippings.me/bekaashley"> here</a>.
About Paris Williamson:
Paris is tap.&rsquo;s Talent Manager Research Assistant. Paris created the company&rsquo;s Talent Manager Default System in Entertainment, a thorough and robust guide on all things Talent Manager related, including how to break into entertainment as a Talent Manager. Connect with her on<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/paris-williamson-a0b521253/"> LinkedIn</a>.

Successful Talent Managers Need tap. to Compete in the New Talent Market

<h1>By Beka Ashley and Aran Gutierrez</h1>
Filmmaking is a constantly evolving art form, and it takes a lot of hard work, creativity, and determination to make a great movie. With so many filmmakers vying for attention in a crowded industry, standing out from the crowd can be challenging. But, anyone can make better movies with the right approach and expert advice.&nbsp;
Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned pro, tap. will provide you with resources to plan your film, secure financing, and connect with seasoned professionals. Here are five ways filmmakers can improve their craft, with insights and advice from one of the masters of modern filmmaking: Spike Lee.&nbsp;
<h3>1. Filmmakers need to have a plan</h3>
A well-thought-out plan can help ensure production runs smoothly and efficiently. This includes creating a detailed shot list, scheduling rehearsals and shoots, and coordinating the various departments and crew members necessary to make a movie. For instance, filmmaker Spike Lee says in his <a href="https://www.masterclass.com/articles/spike-lees-tips-for-shooting-on-location">Masterclass</a> for new directors: &ldquo;If you don't have a cover set...for everyday shooting, you might find yourself needing to tell your film crew to go home." Filmmakers need a backup plan to prepare for the unexpected. tap.&rsquo;s Artiste Avail calendar feature helps ensure artists are on the same page as clients in terms of schedules and logistics and to eliminate any gray areas in production. This allows everything to run smoothly in the filming process.
<h3>2. Stay organized</h3>
Keeping organized on set can help ensure that production runs smoothly and efficiently. For example, you must maintain a clear communication chain, keep track of equipment, and ensure everything is properly labeled and stored while on set. In addition to that, keeping digital documents organized is essential so you can easily access them when needed. These might include scripts, shot lists, contracts, and other important records. The Deal Message Thread on tap. allows industry professionals to keep all of this information conveniently located in one secure location.
<h3>3. Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate</h3>
Building a strong team of professionals who can collaborate effectively is crucial to the success of a film. Encourage open communication and teamwork to ensure everyone on the project is on the same page and working towards a common goal. Similarly, successful collaboration also includes making compromises and being flexible. No matter how well you plan, there will always be unexpected challenges and problems that arise on set. For example, crew members, talent, or location could fall through. A strong filmmaker needs to be able to take these changes in stride. Be prepared to think on your feet and develop creative solutions to keep the production moving forward. Thankfully, tap.&rsquo;s Art Geo feature makes it easy to find vetted professionals to collaborate with no matter where you are in the world. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://tap-blog.s3.amazonaws.com/media/640f622dc1c3f4001b143de2-Frame%20283%202023-01-23%20-%20For%20CEA%20-%205%20Production%20Tips%20for%20Filmmakers%20to%20Make%20Better%20Movies%20%282%29%20-%20PUBLICATION%20-%20Br%20Aw%20-%20Prod%20%28Camera%20Operator%29%20%2B%20Mob%20App%20%28New%20Prod%20Added%29.jpg" alt="" width="627" height="418" /> 
<h3>4. Elevate your marketing through vetted professionals</h3>
Within the film industry, an emerging problem plaguing smaller productions is an immediate lack of star power that would facilitate the film&rsquo;s global publicity. However, tap.&rsquo;s features&ndash;Vetted Entertainment Professionals and Artiste Avail&ndash;enable filmmakers to streamline and elevate the promotion of their films. tap. offers newer or independent filmmakers access to a global network of industry professionals and Hollywood celebrities who can all be reached through tap&rsquo;s network. For example, WarnerBrothers utilized this strategy through their marketing for &ldquo;Black Adam&rdquo;, according to Gregg Katzman of CBR.com. By booking A-list celebrity Dwayne Johnson, WarnerBrothers could promote their film through little investment beyond his employment. This is a feat that all users of tap. can achieve with the right marketing strategy &ndash; and, most importantly, the right connections! Marc Weinstock, president of marketing for Paramount Pictures, shared with Variety readers how they could do this for &ldquo;The Lost City&rdquo;. Through &ldquo;capitalizing on the humor and immense star power [of Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, and Brad Pitt] to reach underserved audiences&rdquo;, &ldquo;The Lost City&rdquo; was a roaring success among fans.
<h3>5. Master the art of storytelling</h3>
There is no award-winning film without an award-winning story. As a filmmaker, you breathe life into a screenplay for viewers. Think about how you can connect viewers to the message and characters of the film &ndash; and run with it. tap. can connect you to excellent screenwriters, editors, and more who can help your visions succeed. Propel your career forward and set yourself apart in the industry by mastering the art of storytelling.
<h2>Connect with everyone in entertainment with tap.</h2>
tap. is the central professional network for everyone who works in the global media and entertainment industry. Headquartered in Playa Vista, CA, tap. is on a mission to help professionals in film, TV, music, radio, and publishing connect, network, book work, and manage their entire entertainment career. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.tap.ec/">www.tap.ec</a>. and follow the company on Instagram @tap.ec.&nbsp;
Available for download now on the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tap-ec/id1612065417">App Store</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.akt.tap">Google Play</a>.&nbsp;
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About Beka Ashley:&nbsp;
Beka is tap.&rsquo;s Senior Communications Editorial Assistant. She manages the growing publication strategy for tap., including writing for the website&rsquo;s blog and editing other interns&rsquo; current industry research. In addition to this role, she works as a freelance writer and critical care nurse. You can connect with her on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bekaashleyrn/">LinkedIn</a> or see more of what she&rsquo;s written <a href="https://www.clippings.me/bekaashley">here</a>.
About Aran Gutierrez:
​​Aran is a California State University Fullerton Communications major. He lives in Los Angeles, California. As a member of the tap. Research and Development team, his role was to conduct industry research concerning screenwriting, marketing, and finances. You can contact him on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aran-gutierrez-7aa376197?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bq5QFnVDKTzCFIGy%2FXfWLBw%3D%3D">LinkedIn</a>.

Here Are 5 Production Tips For Filmmakers To Make Better Movies

<h1>by Beka Ashley and Jack Spyra</h1>
Directors seeking to launch a new film have their work cut out for them - from finding talent, financing, securing locations, and film promotion. <a href="../">tap.</a>, a networking app for entertainment professionals, alleviates these challenges as a one-stop shop for filmmakers to get the people, money, and location in one place. The mobile app boasts as the single source to find anyone and everything in entertainment.
Matt Reeves, the film director best known for the Batman and Planet of the Apes franchises, understands directors' struggles. &ldquo;If you want to be a filmmaker,&rdquo; he told <a href="https://filmschoolrejects.com/filmmaking-tips-matt-reeves/">Filmschool Rejects</a>, &ldquo;you need to find a story that you have to tell&hellip;and tell it any way you can.&rdquo;&nbsp;
<h2>tap. Helps Directors Bring Stories to Life</h2>
In the film industry, directors face considerable challenges making it tough to bring stories to life. tap. offers a solution where industry professionals and those in entertainment can network, promote themselves, find work, book each other, and get paid &ndash; all in one app.&nbsp;
George Miller, the filmmaker known for Three Thousand Years of Longing and Mad Max: Fury Road, discusses the challenges behind every new film. He told Chris Gardner of <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/george-miller-three-thousand-years-of-longing-furiosa-1235153131/">The Hollywood Reporter</a>, &ldquo;Each film is like playing an NBA basketball game. You have to be prepared for every surprise. You don&rsquo;t know where the ball is going to bounce or when the defense is going to attack. You have to avoid injury and constantly have to adjust and remain agile to win the game.&rdquo; 
<h2>tap. Offers Film Promotion Opportunities For Directors</h2>
The Access Feed, tap.&rsquo;s central hub for everything new in the industry, helps directors gain recognition from the people who matter the most. For traction, directors can post new deals, productions, casting calls, events, and film promotional info. Interested talent or studio executives can view the director&rsquo;s Media 360 Profile from the Access Feed. They can talk directly with the director through the app&rsquo;s secure messaging thread feature, the Deal Message Thread.
Reed Morano, Emmy and Directors Guild Award winner known for The Handmaid's Tale, talks about the importance of directors having a wide breadth of contacts. She shared with <a href="https://musicbed.com/blog/filmmaking/directing/the-best-good-advice-9-filmmakers-weigh-in">Music Bed</a> that the secret to success is &ldquo;taking every experience that comes your way in the beginning&hellip;.beggars can&rsquo;t be choosers. The most important thing is expanding your contacts and building your reel&hellip;be easy to work with, easy to get along with; be proactive; and be somebody people want to be around. Skill is almost second to the kind of person you are. The skill will come and will improve with each job.&rdquo;
Filmmakers, including screenwriters, photographers, and composers, can build a rich network of contacts through tap. to make their moviemaking dreams come true even faster. 
<h2>tap. Helps Directors Put New Films In Front of Viewers</h2>
Denis Villeneuve, director, and filmmaker of the critically acclaimed film Dune, shared with <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/03/denis-villeneuve-on-how-dune-survived-the-upheaval-of-hollywood">Vanity Fair</a> how word of mouth helped to expand his film&rsquo;s success. Dune was originally going to be shown solely in theaters, but at the last minute was announced that HBO Max would debut it simultaneously.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I appreciate streaming because it allows us to revisit films that we loved or to go back in film history. It&rsquo;s fantastic for archives. But movies dreamed and made for the big screen must be born on the big screen. Cinema is an art form that needs an audience,&rdquo; Villeneuve wrote.&nbsp;
However, all hope wasn&rsquo;t lost for Villeneuve: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s still difficult for me to process that Dune was released on TV at the same time that it debuted in theaters. We still did good numbers theatrically, but what saved us was that the word of mouth was strong, and people were tired of being at home. We are not meant to be isolated; we are meant to be together.&rdquo;
tap.&rsquo;s extensive entertainment network acts as virtual word-of-mouth for films like Dune &ndash; expanding the reach of a film&rsquo;s production.
<h2>tap.&rsquo;s Features Protect Directors and Filmmakers</h2>
tap.&rsquo;s direct messaging platform, the Deal Message Thread, offers a secure location to discuss and negotiate contracts, payment details, and logistics. Both parties can even sign contracts securely on the app, which remains organized and easily accessible.
Having these features in one place will make the filmmaker's life easier and more streamlined and protect their time, assets, and production.
tap. is available for download now on the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tap-ec/id1612065417">App Store</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.akt.tap">Google Play</a>.&nbsp;
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About Beka Ashley:&nbsp;
Beka is tap.&rsquo;s Senior Communications Editorial Assistant. She manages the growing publication strategy for tap., including writing for the website&rsquo;s blog and editing other interns&rsquo; current industry research. In addition to this role, she works as a freelance writer and critical care nurse. You can connect with her on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bekaashleyrn/">LinkedIn</a> or see more of what she&rsquo;s written <a href="https://www.clippings.me/bekaashley">here</a>.
About Jack Spyra
Jack is an aspiring screenplay writer, film director, and actor. He is currently attending Ohio University, where he studies media arts. One day, he hopes to make films that inspire people to make the world a better place. He is a research assistant advising tap. about film directors and their role in the entertainment industry. You can connect with him on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-spyra">LinkedIn</a>.

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Entertainment Networking App tap. Helps Directors Launch New Films