Championing the Crew: How Andrew Toth and ABL Agency Are Revolutionizing Representation for Below-the-Line Talent

In an industry that often places the spotlight above the line, Andrew Toth is shifting the narrative—one crew member at a time. As the founder of Above Below the Line (ABL Agency), Toth is pioneering a new kind of talent representation dedicated exclusively to below-the-line professionals in film, television, streaming, and commercial production. With over 14 years of hands-on experience in production and camera departments, Toth saw a glaring gap in the industry: skilled crew members lacked the advocacy and career guidance afforded to on-screen talent. Launched in 2021, ABL is the first agency of its kind in the U.S., and it's already redefining what it means to support behind-the-scenes artists—building careers that last and celebrating the vital people who bring stories to life.

PH: What inspired you to launch ABL Agency, and what unique gap in the industry were you trying to fill?

Andrew Toth: Most talent agencies focus on representing actors, directors/writers, and while some larger agencies may handle a select few key crew members, there's a gap when it comes to specialized crew professionals like camera teams or others. (DP, AC and Cam Op, 1st/2nd ADs, intimacy coordinators, makeup artists, Costume, production designers, PAs etc). Many people spend so much time searching for crew and negotiating for rates when there is a better, more streamlined approach that could be taken without taking away the creative energy toward fulfilling the project they are currently on.

Above Below The Line or ABL Agency acts as connectors, matching crew professionals with specific project needs. For example, a highly experienced DP may be looking for an AC or a specialized Camera Operator for a project. A Producer is looking for a production designer for a period film, or a director looking for a trustworthy intimacy coordinator for a special project. Even a post supervisor/DP looking for the perfect colorist to finish a film/tv series.

As a crew talent agency, we offer mentorship, career coaching, and opportunities to develop new skills or move into more senior roles within a specific department (e.g., a camera assistant moving up to a cinematographer)

Another very important topic is ensuring diversity and inclusion in the crew. Behind the camera, certain roles are often dominated by specific demographics. Our agency actively recruits and supports underrepresented groups in technical and creative crew roles.

Our agency is in a unique position to keep a roster of highly qualified professional, vetted crew members, with specialized skills and experience, making it easier for production companies to find the right people right away with us. No need to waste time and effort trying to track positions down.

PH: For clients who may not be familiar with how agents work in the production space, can you explain the key benefits of working with an agency like yours?

Andrew Toth: Totally it’s a bit of a learning curve for some, but we act very similar to a talent agency. In short,  our agency helps connect skilled professionals with the right projects, ensuring fair compensation and representation and advancing the careers of crew members who often don’t receive the same recognition as on-screen talent.

For many crew members, contract negotiation is often handled by the producer or production company. A crew agency ensures crew members get fair compensation and rights, handling contract negotiations on their behalf and ensuring they are compensated fairly based on experience, scope of the project, and industry standards.

Although we handle a lot of work and hustle for our clients, it’s a long-term relationship, and our clients need to do the work as well. We open doors, make introductions, and get you in the room... but once you're there, it's the crew’s talent, work ethic, and professionalism that keep them in the room and get the job.

PH: What are the biggest mistakes agencies and productions make when hiring below-the-line professionals, and how can working with ABL help them avoid these pitfalls?

Andrew Toth: Basically, without going through an agency, production companies may fail to thoroughly vet candidates for roles, especially crew positions. ABL has a rigorous screening process, checking for experience, qualifications, and references. When hiring independently, there’s a risk that the individual might not have the necessary skills or work ethic for the job. Each one of our clients has the personality and drive for a long-term career. They treat all jobs the same, no matter the budget or tier.

One of the major industry advantages of hiring through an agency is the standardization of compensation, which helps ensure that industry norms are met. Without an agency involved, production companies might either underpay or overpay crew members due to a lack of familiarity with the market rates for specific positions.

Lastly, without the intermediary of an agency, production companies may not prioritize cultural fit when hiring crew members. There is more than just credits to look at with an individual. Agencies often consider a candidate's personality, work style, and how they’ll mesh with the existing team. Who will work well with who, and who has the skill set that makes them a perfect fit for this individual project. It’s easy to accidentally overlook important skills or experience, especially when working with new or independent crew members. We play sort of matchmakers with every project.

PH: Are there any emerging trends in crew hiring, such as specific skill sets or specialties that are becoming more in demand?

Andrew Toth: With the industry ever-changing and AI technology evolving, it’s super important to not only stand out, but also understand a variety of skillsets to adapt. Especially when it comes to the indie film market, which seems to be trending towards the norm nowadays. There's a growing need for crew members who can manage multiple roles or have cross-disciplinary expertise.

Almost all of our clients have an expertise level in many aspects of the filmmaking experience or have been through the ranks. Even if they are not directly working with the skills, they have an understanding of lots of roles and what each person is doing. This gives them respect from everyone on the team. All of our agents at ABL have the same background and diverse portfolio to help relate to all of our clients directly.

The trends reflect the changing landscape of the film industry, where technological innovation, evolving production techniques, and a focus on inclusivity and well-being are reshaping the roles and skills needed on set. Crew members today must be flexible, tech-savvy, and capable of adapting to new tools and demands, making a multidisciplinary skill set increasingly essential for success.

PH: From your experience, what are some of the biggest challenges that below-the-line professionals face in today’s production industry, and how does ABL help them navigate these?

Andrew Toth: One of the major concerns that is still an ongoing challenge for below the line crew is Physical/Mental health and safety concerns. The high-stress environment of film and TV production can take a toll on mental health, with long hours, pressure to perform, and the emotional strain of creative work. Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout are increasingly being recognized as problems within the industry.

When budgets get lower and lower, pay gets lower as well. However, as the hours stay the same or get higher and higher, safety protocols can sometimes be overlooked in the rush to meet deadlines, leading to injuries. It’s very important to know when to say no and always okay to ask more questions.

As the industry continues to evolve, agencies, crew members and productions must work together and address these challenges through better management, support systems, and industry reforms to create a more sustainable and equitable work environment. Our agency is trying to help create a well-balanced personal and work-life balance without giving up on one or the other.

PH: What would you say to a production that is debating whether to go through an agent versus hiring directly? How does your agency balance cost with ensuring the best talent for a project?

Andrew Toth: Going through an agency for all forms of productions can offer several advantages that could potentially save money and provide other benefits. Agencies have a pool of pre-vetted crew members who are ready to work. Instead of spending time and resources on recruitment, screening, and interviewing candidates, you can rely on the agency to handle those steps.

Having an extensive network of professionals with various skill sets, means productions are more likely to find the right person for the job rather than hunting and wasting time finding the right fit and going through the usual Rolodex of contacts. An experienced and trustworthy crew provided by an agency is likely to be more efficient and knowledgeable, reducing the chances of costly mistakes or delays. Whether it's handling technical challenges or staying on schedule, having seasoned professionals on set can lead to better results in less time

PH: Can you share a specific example of how ABL has helped a production find and work with below-the-line talent that transformed the final product?

Andrew Toth: Over the years, we've successfully connected numerous productions with the ideal crew members for their specific needs. A recent highlight includes placing an outstanding local 1st AC from Albuquerque on a studio feature filming in that area. This success demonstrates both the strength of our agency's network and our ability to facilitate connections in diverse filming locations. Our reach extends to national and international clients, allowing us to tap into a broad talent pool.

In this instance, the DP was unfamiliar with the New Mexico crew, and we were able to make an introduction. Despite the project's challenges, the DP and 1st AC bonded and formed a strong working relationship. We believe this connection will lead to future opportunities and a lasting friendship.

At ABL, we prioritize supporting not just the immediate needs of a film or project, but also fostering relationships and building a strong community. After all, people are the heart of our industry.