About us
Sainou {sey-noo}
Japanese Noun: Natural born talent; ability; the gifted.
Sainou means talent and that’s what we’re all about. Based in London’s West End, Sainou represent a select list of actors & creatives including industry award winners, household names and some of the finest young, emerging talent.
At Sainou we develop and nurture careers. We work across all media with a focus on Film, Television & Theatre both in the UK and Internationally.
Client List
We work as a close team and there are no individual client lists at Sainou. Everyone is jointly represented by David and Paul, assisted closely by Lucy and the rest of the team.
Fresh Approach
Our industry is steeped in tradition but right now is going through enormous change. At Sainou we offer our clients a fresh approach to finding work, not only in traditional areas, but also by innovating and embracing new, ever-emerging platforms.
Sainou are members of the Personal Managers’ Association.
The Sainou Team
David Marsden – Partner and Senior Agent
David trained and worked professionally as an actor for 18 years before becoming an agent in 2001 and creating a leading London agency. In 2010 he became co-chair of the Artists’ PMA. The PMA (Personal Managers’ Association) is the leading professional body for literary and theatrical agencies in the UK. Between them they manage the careers of almost all the UK’s dramatists and screenwriters, actors, directors and creatives both in the UK and abroad.
When not securing work for his clients, David can be found trekking through jungles, climbing mountains or exploring the worlds’ most exciting cities in search of a great photo opportunity.
Paul Martin – Partner and Senior Agent
Paul trained and worked professionally as an actor building a vast network of contacts and industry knowledge. He worked at two West End agencies, becoming a company director at the second & heading up their Film & TV department. With more than 10 years agenting experience he then went into partnership with David to set up Sainou. He also works closely with Equity on developing UK New Media deals for actors across the industry.
Paul is Sunderland AFC’s number one supporter and can often be found celebrating (or commiserating) at the Stadium of Light. After agenting, this would be his subject of choice on Mastermind.
Lucy O’Meara – Junior Agent
Lucy is a Londoner who studied at The Latymer School before reading English & Drama at Manchester University. She started her career as a TV researcher before her passion for film & musical theatre took her to agenting. She developed an expertise in managing the careers of very young talent at her previous agency, before joining the Sainou team in 2011.
When not running around after David & Paul, Lucy can be seen strutting her stuff in Lindy Hop classes although since re-discovering the craft of knitting, is rarely without her needles and a ball of wool.
Emma Harvey & Louise Miller – Voice Agents
Sainou enjoys a strong affiliation with Harvey Voices. Emma & Lou have the most diverse range of voiceover talent in London and can be contacted on 020 7952 4361 or info@harveyvoices.co.uk
MGR – Business Affairs & Accounting
One of the UK’s leading accountancy and financial management practices, Martin Greene Ravden LLP are specialists in the media and entertainment industry.
Mithra Harding – Bookkeeping
Originally from Iran, Mithra trained as a bookkeeper at Lewisham College and has more than fifteen years of professional experience.