Frequently Asked Questions
Click on each of the question to see the answer.
1. Why must I submit a photo first?
The first step is to determine if you are photogenic. Photography is the primary medium in which we conduct business.
2. Can I submit my photo by e-mail?
No. Our process requires a hard copy, non-returnable photograph with specified information printed on the back of the photo so it cannot become detached in processing. No email submissions will be accepted.
3. What are you looking for in an applicant?
Marketability. Note: Marketability changes with seasons, trends, and client needs. Generally, agents and clients are looking for children who are outgoing and animated, with good personalities, a good attention span, who are able to follow instructions well. Children who are normally shy and cling to their parents are not good candidates. Your child must be the one interested in pursuing this - NOT you. If a child is not interested in modeling or acting, professionals in the industry will detect this immediately.
4. Can I call to see if you received my photo or selected me?
No. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of submissions we receive, we simply don't have the time to personally address everyone.
5. You didn't accept my child. Why?
There may be many reasons why your child was not accepted. However in most cases, we likely have enough talent in your category to meet our current booking needs.
6. What is our relationship?
Initially, you're approaching us to establish an unofficial partnership. After determining that your child is marketable and meeting all our requirements, then we will enter into a business partnership together. You will be our talent, and we will be your booking agent, advising you and acting on your behalf. You will be an independent contractor as defined by the Internal Revenue Service in publication 15, "Circular E, and Employer’s Tax Guide". We will not be your employer, nor will you be our employee.
7. Do I need a portfolio?
Most times not. However, some talent, in certain specific categories, may be more marketable with a portfolio. If we feel this applies to you, we will discuss this individually. However, you will need either a composite card or headshot.
8. What expenses will I incur?
As in any business, there are start-up costs you are responsible for. As an independent contractor, you are responsible for knowing the "business of the business" and for providing us with the tools of the trade. You will be required to supply us with composite cards, headshots, resumes or demo reels, as appropriate to your experience level and skill set. You are required to take the necessary classes needed to prefect your craft.
9. Why doesn't the agency front my expenses if you think I am marketable?
It would be impossible for any agency to absorb the expense of creating all the marketing materials for all their talent. There are no guarantees to the agency that you will not relocate outside our market, not be flexible or become disabled or disinterested. If you believe in yourself, you must invest in yourself.
10. Are there any guarantees?
There are NO guarantees in this business. Our clients select the talent to be included in their ads from our talent pool. We expose you to our clients when they are booking talent in your category. Having an outstanding composite card, headshot, performing well on auditions, and being easy to work with makes you more appealing to the clients. Agents cannot guarantee that a client will ever work. The agency has an extensive client database, and the only guarantee they can make is that when a client requests talent with your child's look, age, size, etc., they will present your child's picture(s) to that client for consideration. Talent is strongly needed in this business; beauty does not always get you the JOB!
11. Do I need training?
YES. Quality and reputable acting training is always recommended. We are not a school, but we can direct you to appropriate resources commensurate with your experience and skill set.
12. How much will I earn?
It varies. Your rates will increase with experience, exposure, and good performance. Suggestion: don't quit your day job just yet. While talent income can be substantial, it is also unpredictable.
13. What hours would my child have to be available?
Work hours for this industry are normally Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm - NOT ON WEEKENDS OR EVENINGS. There are some exceptions, but not often. Meaning…if your child is selected for a job or audition, you will have to check them out of school. Seldom does a client take into consideration a child's schedule. You must work on the client's schedule. School will be provided on the set for School Aged Children.
14. Can you recommend a test photographer?
Not yet. A talent's marketability determines the type of photographer best suited to test that particular talent. Therefore, we cannot recommend a photographer for talent that we have not interviewed.
15. I know a professional photographer. Can they take my pictures?
Probably not. Fashion photography is a specialized trade. Talent photos are shot to fulfill a specific purpose, and must project the look that we are marketing. Your photo will be submitted with other talent photos and it is crucial that they be outstanding to attract the eye of an advertising art director. And, since it will bear our logo, your composite photography must meet or exceed our standards.
16. Do you require an exclusive contract?
Yes. However, an exception may be made for previously working professional talent on a case-by-case basis.
17. How much does it cost to get started in Modeling and Acting?
Prices varies.
18. I print my own model cards?
Most modeling and talent agencies have a design format that makes them recognizable and competitive in the marketplace. Therefore, model cards are trademarked and printed through a professional printing company, that the clients will immediately recognize an agency model card.
19. Can your client be listed with another agency in Atlanta/California/New York or any other state?
No. Clients tend to recognize Models/Actors and their agency affiliation and do not want to have to choose one agency over the other when booking talent.
20. How much does talent make in the industry?
That depends on numerous factors.
21. How much commission is taken from my child's earnings?
iSUBMIT TALENT deducts 10% for Union and 20% Non-Union .
22. Will I receive much notice prior to talent assignments or auditions?
Because studios receive layouts and model requirements with very little notice, sometimes we have only a few hours or days in which to place all of the requested talent. This is where being available and flexible as a parent is appreciated by the agents who are working very hard to obtain as many modeling assignments and auditions as they can for their contracted talent. Many of our parents have extended family willing to help with driving a child talent to an assignment, and this assures the agents that the booked talent will be available.
23. Does iSUBMIT TALENT have open calls?
Occasionally we will hold open calls for special projects for immediate bookings. Submissions are done by mail.