Arise Artists Agency is opening an East Coast office in New York, deepening its footprint just months after launching in 2024. The Los Angeles-based firm says the move will let it represent clients across coast-to-coast markets and expand into theatrical work while maintaining its existing film, TV and digital divisions.
The New York expansion centers on three hires from Bret Adams Ltd., signaling a targeted push into talent and theatrical representation. Industry observers see the additions as a step toward competing more directly with established multi‑city agencies and improving access to Broadway, East Coast casting and streaming production pipelines.
Who’s coming aboard
Arise has added the following agents to lead its New York operation:
- Ken Melamed — joins after roughly 20 years as an owner at Bret Adams Ltd.; began his industry career at the Monty Silver Agency and the Actor’s Group and has early experience assisting casting on studio films.
- Zach Marlin — rose from assistant to agent at Bret Adams, handling clients across film, television and theater, with credits that include TV series, Broadway productions and national tours.
- Angelina Barberia — moved up into an agent role after serving as an assistant in an acting department, focusing on theater as well as screen work.
Arise’s chief executive, Brian Cho, framed the expansion as part of a deliberate growth plan. He said the New York office will let the agency “serve clients across all areas of entertainment” while scaling operations strategically.
What this changes for talent and clients
For performers and content creators, a bicoastal agency can shorten response times for auditions, broaden opportunities for stage and screen, and offer more synchronized dealmaking between Hollywood and New York buyers. For Arise, the move helps diversify its services beyond on‑screen work into live theater and branded partnerships.
Recruiting established agents from an existing Los Angeles rival also brings institutional relationships and transactional experience to the new office — a practical advantage when negotiating cross‑market contracts and national tours.
Where Arise stands now
Founded in 2024, Arise has rapidly assembled divisions for film, television, digital content, voiceover, commercials and branded endorsements. The New York office is the agency’s first permanent outpost outside Los Angeles and represents its most visible geographic expansion to date.
Industry impact will depend on how quickly the New York team builds local client lists and integrates with Arise’s LA operations. Talent reps, casting directors and producers will be watching whether the new office becomes a consistent source of theater and television bookings, or functions mainly as a liaison for existing clients.
Key takeaways
- Arise is now bicoastal with a new New York office, expanding services into theater.
- Three agents from Bret Adams Ltd. — Melamed, Marlin and Barberia — will staff the East Coast effort.
- The move aims to improve coast‑to‑coast representation and strengthen access to Broadway, TV and streaming opportunities.
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Hello, I’m Declan. I share my film reviews and discoveries with you to enrich your moviegoing experience.