Related Stories
“Was My Tape Fake?
Barrett said the revelations had left him angry and heartbroken.
The happiness and success of our clients continue to be paramount, the company said.
Luc Chaudhary, founder of International Artists Management.Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images
Ten of the unrequested tapes were not seen by casting directors.
IAM said it did not financially benefit from the practice.
The actor said he was not made aware by IAM that he was recording the 24 unsolicited self-tapes.
Netflix series ‘The Gentlemen’Kevin Baker/Netflix
Ex-workers said written records and a digital spreadsheet were used to keep track of the tapes.
IAM said it had updated its contracts since joining the PMA.
IAMs claims to represent high-profile stars have also come under scrutiny.
But the momentum stalled and Barrett emailed IAM last June to say that he was disheartened with his progress.
IAM senior agent Helen Kelly replied reassuring her talented client and praising his auditions.
Weeks after his submission, Barrett attended a self-tape workshop led byShelterdirector Scott Vickers.
During the workshop, Barrett mentioned hisShelteraudition, leaving Vickers perplexed.
Barrett said he was floored by the revelation.
Vickers agreed: I saw over 50 people for that role and no one was really a fit.
Had Mark not attended the workshop, we would never have seen his tape.
In February, Barrett contacted Orla OConnor Casting to thank the team for the opportunity.
IAM has reviewed its practices, looking particularly at when it confirms to clients that tapes have been submitted.
In reality, Dan Hubbard Casting had made no such request.
Barrett submitted his audition and Kelly confirmed she was happy to send this across.
Dan Hubbard Casting later confirmed that it had no record of receiving his audition.
The agency said Dan Hubbard Casting declined to see Barretts tape, meaning it was never submitted.
As with other examples, IAM argued that it was acting in Barretts best interests.
IAM said it attempted to submit Barretts tapes forKinandThe Ark, but casting directors declined to watch.
In a tearful interview with Deadline, Barrett said he felt professionally and personally burned by IAM.
Its so f***ing sore, it actually hurts my heart.
This is why Im doing this [interview] because I dont want another person to go through this.
Barrett added: I was caring for my dying father when I was receiving tapes from IAM.
He will be spinning in his grave knowing that my career was in such manipulative hands.
The moments of hope shared with him over auditions cant be for nothing.
IAM believes that the practice of sending unsolicited tapes is a way of opening doors with casting directors.
The company argued that it sent Barrett misleading audition invites intending to secure him work.
Our focus has always been to get our clients as much work as possible through these unprecedented times.
But questions have been raised about whether IAM has observed best practice.
Deadline has reviewed the contract of a former client, who wished to remain anonymous.
The agreement stated that they must give one months notice in writing.
Chaudhary explicitly enforced this notice period in an email to the ex-client in spring 2023.
Since publication, IAM has made clear that this was before it joined the PMA last December.
Barretts rolling contract also stated that he must give a months notice.
IAMs claims about its client list have also been subject to scrutiny.
IAMs website was updated to remove Lohan and Madsen after Deadline contacted the agency for comment.
IAM said it represents other actors on this basis, includingPolice Academystar Guttenberg.
A rep for Zane said the actor is not associated with IAM.
