- Do I have to pay an agency?
- No, the agency earns its commission when the talent it represents book jobs.
- What is expected from Talent?
- 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 moments notice.
- What are the labor laws for children?
- 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.
- What is an Entertainment Work Permit?
- 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.
- Does my child need a "Coogan Account?
- 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.
- Do I need a portfolio to get started?
- 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 at any major art or office supply stores. Get one that zips
and has handles.
