Joanna Jones and BananaFish Management
What is your business?
We are Bananafish Management and we are a Liverpool based TV and Film Casting Agency running alongside an Entertainments Agency. I concentrate on the Casting Agency, where we have actors, extras, models and children, and in the Entertainments Division, as well as hiring out celebrities for personal appearances, we also have a variety of acts including bands, stilt walkers, living statues, fire eaters, after dinner speakers, musicians, look-a-likes, tribute acts, free runners... The list is endless really - all weird and wonderful entertainers... we can provide!
Why did you start it?
I'd been working for Lime Pictures (formerly Mersey TV) for the last 10 years, and although I loved it and I loved the people, the challenge had somewhat waned slightly, I needed something new and exciting. I'd been working in the casting department for so long and the topic that used to crop up most was how Liverpool was crying out for a good, solid reliable agency.
What did you do before?
I grew up at Mersey TV. I started as 16 year old kid and worked my way up - I started at the very bottom of the ladder. I suppose that's why it was such a wrench to leave. For ten years that had been my life - I hadn't known any different... for ten years - which I think's a long time!!!
What makes you unique?
I do feel having worked in the TV industry for so long gives me a distinct advantage. I've worked in the casting department, and worked with the casting agencies for a long time. I know what a dasting department looks for and what they expect from people.
I'm also aware that agencies charge people to be on their websites and that is not something we practice - people who are on our books don't pay a penny. I have a good relationship with every single person we represent, I speak to all of them personally and enjoy the day to day banter I get with them.
What are your plans to make the most of the Capital of Culture?
Mainly just to get involved - the city is buzzing at the moment so we want to enjoy it. We're also having our official launch party this Saturday 26th January. The company started nearly 6 months ago and so around October I began thinking about having a launch party but decided to wait until 2008. People are coming from all over for this bash and the invite clearly tells them to "Kick off the New Year in the Capital of Culture".
We also have plans to do various charity events this year, where people will be invited from far and wide, and I really feel with Liverpool on the up at the moment, it gives them the added incentive to join in. I'm born and bred Scouser and immensley proud of that, so to launch a new business in 2008, while Liverpool is in it's prime, is a dream come true for me.
Any tips for the members? 
I just think at the end of the day, this isn't a dress rehearsal - you only get one crack at this life and I think the most important thing is to enjoy it. When things got slightly mundane at Mersey TV, I didn't hesitate in leaving. It's a great place to work and the people are brilliant, but you've got to enjoy it, there's got to be a challenge. It's hard when you get set in your ways and are scared to leave because the security is there, there's regular money coming in, but there is life outside of that. You've just got to take the risk - and I think there's got to be an element of risk involved. If it was certain to be successful, if it was easy, wouldn't everyone be doing it? I'll happily look back and know I gave it a go, rather than wondering, 'What if..."
