EXCLUSIVE: Arise Artists Agency, headquartered in Los Angeles, is officially becoming bicoastal. The agency is expanding to New York with the launch of an East Coast office and the addition of agents Ken Melamed, Zach Marlin, and Angelina Barberia.

The move marks a significant expansion for the agency, which launched in 2024 and has quickly built divisions spanning film, television, digital media, voiceover, commercials, branding, celebrity endorsements, and now theater.

Leading the New York expansion is Melamed, who joins Arise after spending the last 20 years as an owner at Bret Adams Ltd. Melamed began his career at the Monty Silver Agency and Actor’s Group and also assisted casting on three studio films early in his career.

Joining Melamed are fellow Bret Adams agents Marlin and Barberia.

Marlin has served as an agent at Bret Adams since 2022 after beginning there as an assistant in 2020. His client work has spanned film, television, and theater, with dealmaking credits that include major television series, Broadway productions, and national tours.

Barberia joined Bret Adams in 2023 as assistant to the acting department before being promoted to agent in 2024, focusing on theater, television, and film talent. 

“Our goal has always been to build a modern, forward-thinking agency that reflects where entertainment and representation are headed,” said Arise Artists Agency CEO Brian Cho. “Establishing a presence in New York allows us to serve our clients across all areas of entertainment while continuing to scale strategically.” 

Founded in 2024, Arise Artists Agency has rapidly expanded across film, television, digital media, voiceover, and commercial and branded partnerships.