(From left) James Reid and Liza Soberano. Image: Instagram/@lizasoberano
Careless Music CEO James Reid confirmed that Liza Soberano herself decided to leave the agency, citing that it was due to the actress deciding on a differing career track with its management.
Reid addressed Soberano’s departure from the label in an interview on ABS-CBN News’ YouTube channel uploaded on Tuesday, Sept. 17, saying all Careless artists have a termination for convenience clause in their contracts.
“Decision niya (It’s her decision). In all contracts and agreements I have with my artists, there’s a termination for convenience [clause where you can leave]. You can leave as long as I agree, and nag-agree naman ako (I agreed to it),” he said.
“We decided to make a statement [about her departure] because there were a lot of rumors na hindi na siya (that she’s not part of) Careless. So we decided to release the statement just to confirm it so there wouldn’t be any confusion,” he said.
Careless’ statement confirming Soberano’s departure from Careless. Image: Instagram/@carelessph
Reid pointed out that Soberano leaving the agency was due to the actress and agency having different “career paths.” He also pointed out that Careless is more focused on its activities in the Philippines, while the “Forevermore” star is eyeing a career in Hollywood.
“We have different, I guess, career paths. She’s more focused on her US career and going Hollywood, all of that. And mas focused kami sa Pilipinas (We’re more focused in the Philippines), music, and local [activities],” he said.
“We’re really focused here in the Philippines… Well, I did help her a lot with the initial meetings with her co-management in the US, even with that first film (Lisa Frankenstein). I introduced the director, but everything after that was really her,” he further explained.
The “Randomantic” singer also stressed that neither he nor Careless made Soberano famous. It was due to the actress’ own merits, which explained her “flexible” agreements with the label.
“Actually, our agreement from the beginning was very loose… I didn’t make her famous. She was Liza Soberano already when she came on board, which is why I was so flexible. Her plan from the very first time we talked was in Hollywood talaga,” he said.
Liza’s ‘clear’ plan to enter Hollywood
Despite Soberano’s departure, Reid vouched for the actress’ “proactive” nature as an artist, noting how firm she is in what she wanted to accomplish in her career. “Liza has been very proactive with her career ever since she joined Careless. She has a very clear idea of where she wants to go with her career and everything.”
“Towards the end, basically, minamanage niya ang sarili niya (she’s managing herself),” he continued. “And you know, now that she’s in the US, it makes sense that Careless is no longer in the picture, which I’m okay with.”
The singer also pointed out that he’s a manager who helped Soberano by providing her with proper resources and a team. “Very collaborative. I don’t want to see myself as her boss. It’s more [of me as an artist] managing myself and I was helping her with my resources and with my team to help her manage her own career.”
“So I never really felt like I was making decisions for her. Ever since the beginning, I asked her, what is it that you want to do? Because that’s how I treated my career,” Reid further explained. “Just more of dealings, resources, negotiations. Especially with the supporting staff, the Careless staff who I’ve been working with for years. Actually, a lot of them are my friends I’ve known for a long time. Really on the support and resources.”
When asked if Reid is aware of Soberano’s career plans post-Careless, he shared that the actress is managing herself with the help of US-based entertainment agency Transparent Arts.
“Now that she’s no longer with Careless, I know she has a co-management sa US, that’s Transparent Arts. And as far as I know, that’s it… I believe that she’s getting into production for her own series. I think, film as well. She’s still auditioning for the projects in the US,” he said.
Careless founder James Reid and Liza Sobrano. Image: Instagram/@carelessph
The singer-actor wishes Soberano the best in her endeavors while assuring her that Careless will “always be here for her” despite her departure.
“We’ve been clear from the start [with Liza] that we try our best and we hope that it works out. We’re very grateful and proud of her that she lucked in with her first film, and it’s a great starting point. We hope that great things will come from there,” he said. “It’s been great working with her. And we wish her all of the best for her plans in the US and her career. Even though she’s no longer managed by us, may babalikan siya dito sa Pilipinas (she still has a family to return to in the Philippines) especially with the Careless team. We’ll always be here for her.”
Soberano has yet to address her departure from the agency, as of press time. According to Careless, she left the label on July 29 of this year.
The “Lisa Frankenstein” star was announced as a talent of Careless at a trade event in June 2022.