Frequently Asked Questions
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Q:
Do I have to pay an agency?A:
No, the agency earns its commission when the talent it represents book jobs.Q:
What is expected from Talent?A:
Basically, all talent signed with our agency represents the agency at all go-sees, auditions and bookings. So, professional behavior is expected. All represented talent must supply us with professional photos and resumes to submit to our clients. All children must submit a size update at least once a month, have a current work permit and if needed obtain a Coogan account. Talent must "book out" when not available and provide adequate phone contacts to reach talent at a moment's notice. Q:
What are the labor laws for children?A:
The State of California has strict child labor laws that all employers must abide by. Please be aware that a certified studio teacher must always be on the set (including evening, weekends and holidays). Children can be hired between 5am – 10pm, for a maximum number of hours each day. A majority of those hours are allotted for work, with the remainder set aside for schooling, rest and relaxation. A parent/guardian must accompany a minor and be present while the minor is employed. Parents/guardians have the right to be within sight and sound of their children, and have the right to say no to any activity, stunt or action that they feel may place their children in physical or emotional jeopardy. No minor may be forced to work or be intimidated.Q:
What is an Entertainment Work Permit?A:
Parents must apply for an entertainment work permit and renew it every six months! The State of California forbids children under 18 years old to work in the entertainment industry without an entertainment work permit. The permit allows minors to be absent from school to do paid modeling jobs, commercials and film work. Any child with unsatisfactory grades will not have an application signed by his/her school, and a work permit will not be issued. A child under school age must present a birth certificate or other legal documents displaying date and place of birth. Obtain an Entertainment Work Permit Application & Instructions from a local Labor Standards Enforcement office, you can find your local office at: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DLSE-Forms-CL.htm Take completed application to your nearest branch for processing. The certified permit will be mailed to you in about 1 week. Note: All minors must have a valid work permit with them on all jobs and the agency should have a copy of your permit. If a current work permit cannot be presented to the client, talent will not be allowed to work and may be fined for holding up the production crew.Q:
Does my child need a "Coogan Account?A:
The State of California requires a "Coogan Law Blocked Bank Account for Minors" to be established for all minors hired to work in the broadcast and film departments of the entertainment industry. This account should only be opened when a minor has been officially hired as a temporary employee for broadcast or film work. The Employer (not your agent) will directly deposit a mandatory 15% of a minor's gross earnings into this account. Funds in the account are blocked until the minor is 18 years old. Most major financial institutions will set one up and provide a Certification of Trustee as proof the account exists. Call your personal financial institution and make sure that they know this type of account is not a "Court Ordered" or "CUTMA" account.Q:
Do I need a portfolio to get started?A:
All models are advised to have a portfolio to professionally display their work. You should bring your portfolio to all auditions and go-sees. Your headshot, or composite should be on the first page, followed by tearsheets (the most current displayed first). Also, a supply of vouchers, current measurements, resume, map, and if a minor have your original work permit. Portfolios can be purchased from Models Inc Talent Agency.
