At MLA, partnership is not a transaction — it’s a shared journey. We believe in exclusive representation rooted in deep collaboration, mutual trust, and a long-term commitment to artistic growth.
For over five decades, we’ve stood with our talent — not just managing careers but helping shape their personal and professional vision with intention, integrity, and purpose. Our approach is tailored, human, and future-focused: we nurture bold, globally minded creatives ready to lead in a fast-changing industry.
We’ve built enduring relationships with top casting directors, producers, writers, and directors across South Africa and the world. These trusted connections — coupled with our instinct for pairing the right talent with the right opportunity — allow us to navigate an increasingly competitive landscape with clarity and confidence.
Our HistoryMoonyeenn Lee started MLA in 1974 and dedicated her life to finding, representing and promoting South African actors locally as well as internationally. She was a fierce defender of the performing arts and built many careers that are household names, too many to mention. She became one of the most influential industry captains of her time. Moonyeenn was also one of the most prolific South African casting directors. Amongst her many accolades, Moonyeenn cast for films such as Blood Diamond, Disgrace, Life Above All, Hotel Rwanda, Black Panther, It’s not a Burial, it’s a Resurrection, the foreign-language Oscar winner, Tsotsi and Oscar nominated Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom, amongst others.
She was the first South African to be made a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Television Academy.
Moonyeenn passed away on the 18th of July 2020 at the age of 76.
Continuing The LegacyMLA has been led by Nina Morris Lee since 2020 — a dynamic force in the creative, business, and strategic arena. One of South Africa’s most respected advertising professionals, Nina spent over three decades building some of the country’s most iconic brands, including Discovery, Wimpy, Southern Sun, Debonairs Pizza, and kulula.com. After selling her agency in 2014, she transitioned to the NGO sector, launching bold public health campaigns, such as "We The Brave" for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Bringing her vision, agility, and deep creative instincts to MLA, Nina has expanded the agency’s reach and ambition. Under her leadership, MLA now represents not only actors but also directors, writers, and emerging talent through initiatives like MLA Moonrise and Call for Cast — opening doors for first-time performers and shaping the next generation of African storytellers.
In 2022, MLA expanded its physical footprint with a larger presence in Cape Town and forged new global partnerships. By early 2024, MLA Moonrise formally launched, representing talent between the ages of 13 and 18 — a reflection of the agency’s commitment to mentorship and long-term growth.
Today, MLA represents more than 200 multilingual artists across film, television, theatre, commercial, voice, and digital platforms.
MLA are proud members of the PMA (Professional Managers Association) and patrons of SAGA (South African Guild of Actors).
