F.A.Q.
What is ACTRA?
- ACTRA is our guild that helps actors in making sure they are being treated fairly on set along with trying to get more work to come to our city.
Are their fees to join ACTRA?
- Yes like any other business you have to pay for permits if you are a non-union actor who has been chosen for a union commercial or film. After the Apprentice Program you are then asked to give union dues every year along with dues taken out of every job.
Are their fees to join an agency?
- Being a business we are able to charge an ADMIN fee which generally is around (allowed by the EIC CODE OF ETHICS that agents follow given by ACTRA) to be $10.00/Month that helps with any courier costs, long distance calls, admin, and break down services that they agency is part of to get you auditions.
Does it cost to go for an evaluation/consultation at an Agency?
- ABSOLUTELY NOT, these appointments are only there to see if we are the right fit for you and vice versa.
How often does an actor/model work?
- It all depends on the season that we are in, such as the summer season being the busiest in the city.
- It also depends on your look, your resume, and your personality.
- There is no way of figuring this question out because you the ACTOR / MODEL are responsible for landing the job, we the agent can only get you the audition.
How often can I get an audition?
- Depends on your look and what our clients/casting directors asking for in their breakdowns.
Can I have more then one principle agency representing me?
- It’s usually a big NO because, if both agencies submit you for the same job and you land it then both agencies will fight for the commission.
- Usually you can have an agent who specializes in Commercial / Print and another agent who specializes in Film / Television, but it’s not often done.
What does an agent do?
- An agent can only submit you for work within the entertainment industry; they cannot guarantee an audition or a job. Their job is simply to submit to the client, and go over all the contracts and regulations and make sure YOU the model /talent are getting the best deal and contract.
Are agents allowed to guarantee work?
- ABSOLUETLY NOT, we are the middle men, all we can do is submit you for work if you hear anything else it is false. NO SUGAR coating is allowed either such as :
- “I really feel you can get work I just know it!”
- “You are gorgeous and can get work”
If you are under 18 years of age are you able to go to an interview and or sign with an agency?
- ABSOLUTELY NOT, this is highly unethical and illegal, a parent or guardian has to always accompany a minor.
How much commission does an agent make?
- Generally the Agency commission should be:
- 15% for Film / T.V. / Corporate Videos / & Theatre
- 15% - 20% for Commercial / Print / Catalogue.
Are Modeling courses needed?
- ABSOLUTELY NOT… The Canadian Modeling industry is extremely small and who ever has “potential” is leaving the country for NEW YORK or MILAN. Spending money for Modeling courses, yet doing free fashion shows in the city does not make sense and/or a wise decision.
Are acting courses needed?
- Depends on how far you would like to get into acting, generally seeing that Toronto is HOLLYWOOD NORTH, we tend to have a lot of talent wanting to work in the Film/T.V. industry. Though acting comes from within brushing up on these skills is essential, but NOT mandatory
- Always research your instructor make sure that they are currently working either if they are CASTING DIRECTOR or ACTOR.
How much does a Photo shoot cost?
- This question has been the most controversial question in the business, although the horror stories in the business do not make sense. What you need to use is “COMMON SENSE” generally photo shoots are $300 – $600 now also depending on the photographer the work and what they are offering with the shoot, such as Hair Stylist / Make-up Artist / Wardrobe etc… ALWAYS RESEARCH
THE INTERNET IS A GREAT WAY TO RESEARCH BUT DO NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ ON THE INTERNET BECAUSE COMPETITORS CAN ALWAYS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT AND WRITE FALSE INFORMATION
***Take your time and go to agents meet them one on one and then decide what’s best for you***