LATATA Files Suit to Shut Down Unlicensed Talent Agencies

  CHATSWORTH, Calif.—Richard Lloyd Sherman, an attorney representing the Licensed Adult Talent Agents Trade Association (LATATA) has filed a complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court against eight named talent representatives doing business in Los Angeles and Florida, claiming they are working without the necessary license and bond and seeking an injunction prohibiting their continued alleged illegal operations. "It's something that makes us all look bad, and we are seeking the court's assistance to try to stop it," said Shy Love, owner of Adult Talent Managers, a LATATA member. "We LATATA members play by the rules. We're licensed and bonded and accountable to the State just like any other talent representation agency or professional entity that is required to obtain requisite licensing. These operations are not following the fiscal and legal responsibility rules, and we will ask the court to issue an injunction to stop them." The complaint alleges that the unlicensed talent representatives are acting as agents, procuring work for their clients in violation of Section 1700 of the California Labor Code, which requires licensing and bonding, and sets rates for talent representation. LATATA is seeking monetary damages from the unlicensed talent representatives and an injunction preventing them from doing business without proper licensing. LATATA has reached a settlement with two of the defendants: Michael Jay dba Studio City Casting & Public Relations and Jason Giordano dba JG Models and GenX Models. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, Michael Jay and Jason Giordano have agreed to cease doing business unless and until they become properly licensed through Dept. of Labor and Standards in Sacramento, the governing authority for talent agencies in California. Sherman stated that he intends to file a dismissal as to the two defendants once he confirms that they have ceased their illegal operations. Kevin O'Neil of Type 9 Models stated that the filing of the Complaint "is a positive step for the industry as a whole. There should be no unlicensed talent agencies and LATATA has been working hard to raise the standard for the industry, and this is an important step in that direction." The complaint was filed July 23 and court action is pending. For more information contact Shy Love at shy@atmla.com.