Montana Artists Agency
Montana Artists Agency (2001–2004)
Below-the-Line Agent | Commercials & Music Videos
As a Below-the-Line Agent at Montana Artists Agency, I represented Directors of Photography, Production Designers, Editors, Stylists, Costume Designers, and Makeup Artists working in commercials and music videos.
In the early 2000s, talent reels were still distributed on ¾” and VHS tapes, messengered across Los Angeles for every job consideration. I championed the shift to DVD and was an early adopter of using the web for portfolio promotion—laying the groundwork for what would become industry-standard digital workflows.
To promote my clients, I visited sets and captured behind-the-scenes photos—some of my favorites include Terry Tate, Office Linebacker for Reebok (Production Design by Fred Andrews) and OutKast’s Hey Ya! (Production Design by Eric Beauchamp, winner of an MVPA Award). I regularly attended and hosted industry events, and volunteered with both the Music Video Production Association (MVPA) and the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP).
I also introduced tech-forward systems to our agency operations:
Built a custom CRM using FileMaker Pro
Created Outlook mailing lists and early email marketing campaigns
Persuaded my boss to adopt an emerging email SaaS platform, launching monthly newsletters
Represented a web developer and graphic designer who created DVDs and websites for our talent roster
Even then, I was merging creativity, technology, and community to help artists get discovered in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
“Erika is smart, persistent, funny and innovative, always questioning the status quo and asking isn’t there a better way to do this? To make that happen? A rising business star and a continually growing human being who sincerely cares about all people as well as all other living organisms on the planet. Watch her go!”