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Making the right steps into a career in Film, TV and Stage is not always a solid step forward. There are lots of thing to consider and we hope these guidelines are useful.
The first and main point is to find a Drama School that suits you. There are hundreds of schools that cater for a whole host of talents - from Stage to Screen.
Have a search on the internet to see what’s about. There are companies the length and breath of the county so it doesn't mean that you have to travel to London.
Most companies will have a List of Agents or Will represent their members themselves. But if not search around again for the best agent or Manager to suit you.
Equity and BECTU or the Agents Association will have a list of all good agents. The Stage Newspaper usually list some too, but always ask the right questions when choosing - don’t sign up if you are unsure. Do not sign any contracts if you do not understand the content, there are legal advisers that you can contact that will be happy [at a small fee] to read through them with you.
There are many contracts - most are written in houses so again be sure of the clauses regarding work you can take and the hiccups of work offered to you out of contract terms.
You shouldn’t have to pay to be signed up with a manager or agent - so always ask what the fees are for if there are any. These fees are usually for promotion and administration, but you need to know this if there are fees involved. Always check out the web sites and ask to see a copy of the recent promotional book.
Your CV should list:
When you submit your photograph to a client or agency, it is helpful to submit your CV (“Curriculum Vitae”) at the same time.
If you have not had any experience, do say so in the form of a letter or in your email but try to include some of the information below:
Here are suggestions of what a CV should contain:
- Your Name
- Agency (if any)
- Address and phone (or)
- (If you don't have an agent or manager)
- Measurements: height, bust/chest, waist, hips, dress size, inside/leg, collar, suit size, hat, shoe size, hair, and eye colour.
- Training: Drama Schools, Acting Training, Dance, private tuition. Etc.
- Your work Experience In: Televisions, Film, Theatre,
- Then list separately your commercials, corporate videos, pop promos, etc.
- Your special sills,
- On your headshot, or repro; Always put your name on the back of any pictures (LIGHTLY).
- Attach your CV to your photograph.
- Always write your name on the back of your photo.
- If you are freelancing, or you are working without an agent, be sure to include your contact information on the CV.
- (Girls beware! do not put your phone numbers on the back of your photographs)
- List your age range.
- List your date of birth.
Don't lie about anything! It will always come back to haunt you.
Questions you ask the Agent:
- How would you market me?
- Do you work in Television, Film, and Commercials, and photographic?
- Do you think I need to change my image?
- How much money will I have to invest immediately and in the long term?
- If they ask for monies up front, ask what for it’s for?
- How much commission do you take?
- How do I get paid? How often do you pay out monies to artists?
- i.e.: BACS (Bank Automated Credit System) or Cheque
- Under the law this should always within 10 days of receipt
- What are the rates? i.e.: do you work to the union agreements.
- Do I need an Equity Card?
Since 1991 government legislation made "Union closed shops" illegal (i.e. you cannot dictate that only union members can work on a specific job), you no longer need to be a member of Equity to work in front of camera or on stage. However, there are still benefits in membership. Equity offer advice and legal assistance if you come into dispute with a production company, and membership allows you access to Equity resources such as The Actor's Centre.
- Can you help me get my Equity card?
- Do you require exclusive or non-exclusive contracts? How long is registration term?
- Do you do a casting Directory? How Much? How long does it go out for?
- Is there any other hidden cost other than your commission?
- Do you take my photos for me? How Much? Do I own my images?
Your agent or manager should work on your behalf by promoting your details to the industry. So make sure your CV excels ‘You’ and your promotional shots capture perfection:
Finding Photographers:
Some agencies do their own photographs for their artists. This allows them to give the client the most unto date image of you.
The typical neighbourhood photographer, hired to put together a portfolio, is not normally in touch with what actors need for the best promotion. The photographers working in the acting industry know exactly what clients are looking for and how to work with the actor to produce the best results.
The whole idea is to capture you at your best. The actor/photographer relationship is crucial in producing the best result. Agencies can provide you with professional photographers at your request, or you can find your own. Here are some questions you need to ask before you shoot with them:
Search for a good photographer that deals in promotional shots as these are far different from family snap shots. The Stage News Paper lists lots of photographers that work within the industry.
Always check the price of your shoot first and check what you will get for the price. Do not come away with just the index sheets, make sure you have some prints for your money too. But remember all photos are copyright to the person who has taken them so you must tell then what they are for. See if you can get a buy out clause for the photos.
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