Copyright © 2003. All Rights Reserved.
SHOW BUSINESS
TALENT & MODELS
HOW DOES SHOW BUSINESS WORK
Modeling, theatrical, commercial, specialty, and trade show agents present all types of talent to potential clients. Most areas are exclusive to one specific agent in one specific area. It is standard business practice to obtain
fees from the talent and clients. We receive money for the talent, take our commission and re-issue a check to talent.
From the U.S. Department of Labor Report from the Occupational Outlook Handbook dated August 1999 states that:
Page 6
T124C Demonstrators, Product Promoters and Models
2000-01 Occupational Outlook Handbook
Almost all Models work through agents. Agents provide a link between models and clients. An agency receives a portion of the model’s earnings in return for the agency’s services. Agents scout for new faces, advise and
train new models and promote them to clients. A typical modeling job lasts only one day, so modeling agencies differ from other employment agencies by maintaining an ongoing relationship with the model.
Agents find and maintain relationships with clients, and maintain relationships with clients, arrange auditions called "go sees," and book shoots if models are hired. They also provide bookkeeping and billing services
and may offer financial planning services.
Because models are self-employed, detailed records of income and tax-deductible expenses must be kept.
Page 10:
Because a model’s career depends on preservation of his or her physical characteristics, ect. Haircuts, pedicures, and manicures are necessary work-related expenses for models.
Pg 13:
Hourly earnings are relatively high, but models may not have work every day, and jobs may last only a few hours. Almost all models work with agents and pay 15 to 20 percent of their earnings to receive an agent’s
services. Models, like other self-employed workers, must provide their own health and retirement benefits. All of our bookings quote gross rate less commission.
FROM "MODEL" By Marie Anderson Boyd
Page 156
What it means to be self-employed? Your relationship with the modeling agency that represents you is that of an "independent contractor."
Page 156 second column
Agents Fees Webster’s Dictionary defines an agent as "one who acts for or in the place of another by authority from Him."
An agent resources, experience, and staff all have a price tag. A commission is paid on the monies you earn through his professional efforts. Commission percentages vary from agency to agency and from city to city. The
industry norm is 15 to 20 percent. One of the services your agent provides is to bill clients for your bookings and collect payment.
Taxes will not be deducted because you are not considered an employee of your agency. You are self-employed. Your agency merely facilitates your billing, collection, and promotional activities.
WILHELMINA GUIDE TO MODELING By Natasha Esch
Page 139-141
THE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
Once you have been accepted by an agency, and have booked your first assignment, you are considered an independent contractor.
THE AGENCY CONTRACT
An agent who believes in your potential will eventually want to sign a contract to prevent you from becoming associated with competing agents.
Under the Wilhelmina model’s contract, the model agrees to pay the agency 20 percent of all gross earnings. This is a standard percentage.
YOUR MODELING CAREER By Debbie and Skip Press
Page 85-87
ALL ABOUT AGENCIES Although there are no set rules or regulations for agencies, you’ll find that most of them operate in a similar manner.
WHAT DOES A MODELING AGENCY DO?
It is rare for a model to work on a freelance basis; successful career models work through agencies. An agency functions like an employment agency, obtaining work for models by providing models for clients. The agency
charges a fee for its services both to the model and the client. The industry standard is 20 percent from the model and 20 percent from the client.
THE MODEL MANUAL By Sandra Morris
Page 78-79
A MODEL AGENCY’S ROLE
Nearly all modeling work is booked via agencies, so it’s virtually impossible to model on a freelance basis. Agents are the experts. Once signed up, they will promote you, send you on castings organized assignments,
haggle over contracts and invoice clients on your behalf. And that’s just for starters! " There’s far more to it than meets the eye," explains Jose.
HOW AN AGENCY OPERATES
It is a model agent’s job to supple models to clients. In return for this service they take a commission (between 20 and 25 percent world wide except in Japan, where it’s 40-50 percent) from their model’s earnings.
MALE MODEL by Eric Perkins
Page 22
CHAPTER TWO
THE MODELING AGENCY
Many agencies work on what is known as a voucher system. With this system, you're paid the following week for any work that you do. Since the agency usually does not get paid that fast, they charge you an extra
percentage for the service. Most of the big New York agencies follow this system, and most models take advantage of it, since many clients do not pay before 90 days.
Page 24
Other fees that are likely to be charged to a model are for messengers, shipping and postage fees for shipping out portfolios or modeling cards, long distance telephone calls, or faxes.
THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO BEING A MODEL
Page 343
MONEY MANAGEMENT
When a model receives a check from her agency, however, no income or Social Security taxes have been deducted from the check. This is because the model is not an employee of the agency; she is an independent
contractor.
ACTORS WORKING THROUGH THEATRICAL OR COMMERCIAL AGENTS:
Casting Directors are paid by the production company. They work with all of the agents.
Personal Managers work for the actor look at them at Research and Development.
Agents work for the actor look at them as your marketing and sales department. They send you out on auditions, negotiate your contracts and receive 10% of the actors pay. Agents may subscribe to many trades and
breakdown services. We work as an exclusive representation to the actor as part of their team.
HOW TO ACT & EAT AT THE SAME TIME By Tom Logan
Page 61
Sign an Agent who is on the legit union’s agency list for your particular field. If you stick with that, you are protected from being ripped off.
The contract you sigh with a "legit" agent guarantees that he’ll make a percentage of your salary. The maximum an (theatrical, commercial) agent can take from your salary is ten percent, which is standard.
Page 63
When an agent receives your check from a production company, he’ll cash it at his bank, and write you a check for your ninety percent of the original amount.
Since managers are not franchised by the unions, they can’t legally negotiate contracts with employers, though frankly many of the do through a third part-agent, the actor himself, or an attorney-all who can legally negotiate
a contract.
Page 65
It is against all union rules to sign a contract with more than one agent at a time for a particular field. Obviously, having signed with two agents for the same field creates a confusing situation for the casting directors-and
could present you with "interesting" legal questions.
THE WORKING ACTOR By Katinka Matson
Page 146
Unlike agents, personal managers are not required to be licensed by the state, nor do they require a union franchise. Anyone can be a manager-your lawyer, your accountant your mother, There is however, an association
called the conference of Personal Managers which has drawn up a standard management contract for the use of the conference’s members. It contains the following sentence: "It is clearly understood that you are not an
employment agent or theatrical agent or artists’ manager; that you have not offered or attempted or promised to obtain, seek or procure employment or engagements for me, and that you are obligated to do so."
Lenz Note on Booking:
We book talent at a gross rate. Talent know what the client is paying. We take a commission from the Talent. All convention bookings are booked at talents rate LESS 20%. We do not quote net rates. Talent and Models
are independent contractors. Talent will receive a 1099.
All booking will have a talent confirmation detailing out the pay rate. All talent MUST have a talent voucher that is signed by the client.
HOW DOES SHOW BUSINESS WORK
Modeling, theatrical, commercial, specialty, and trade show agents present all types of talent to potential clients. Most areas are exclusive to one specific agent in one specific area. It is standard business practice to obtain
fees from the talent and clients. We receive money for the talent, take our commission and re-issue a check to talent.
From the U.S. Department of Labor Report from the Occupational Outlook Handbook dated August 1999 states that:
Page 6
T124C Demonstrators, Product Promoters and Models
2000-01 Occupational Outlook Handbook
Almost all Models work through agents. Agents provide a link between models and clients. An agency receives a portion of the model’s earnings in return for the agency’s services. Agents scout for new faces, advise and
train new models and promote them to clients. A typical modeling job lasts only one day, so modeling agencies differ from other employment agencies by maintaining an ongoing relationship with the model.
Agents find and maintain relationships with clients, and maintain relationships with clients, arrange auditions called "go sees," and book shoots if models are hired. They also provide bookkeeping and billing services
and may offer financial planning services.
Because models are self-employed, detailed records of income and tax-deductible expenses must be kept.
Page 10:
Because a model’s career depends on preservation of his or her physical characteristics, ect. Haircuts, pedicures, and manicures are necessary work-related expenses for models.
Pg 13:
Hourly earnings are relatively high, but models may not have work every day, and jobs may last only a few hours. Almost all models work with agents and pay 15 to 20 percent of their earnings to receive an agent’s
services. Models, like other self-employed workers, must provide their own health and retirement benefits. All of our bookings quote gross rate less commission.
FROM "MODEL" By Marie Anderson Boyd
Page 156
What it means to be self-employed? Your relationship with the modeling agency that represents you is that of an "independent contractor."
Page 156 second column
Agents Fees Webster’s Dictionary defines an agent as "one who acts for or in the place of another by authority from Him."
An agent resources, experience, and staff all have a price tag. A commission is paid on the monies you earn through his professional efforts. Commission percentages vary from agency to agency and from city to city. The
industry norm is 15 to 20 percent. One of the services your agent provides is to bill clients for your bookings and collect payment.
Taxes will not be deducted because you are not considered an employee of your agency. You are self-employed. Your agency merely facilitates your billing, collection, and promotional activities.
WILHELMINA GUIDE TO MODELING By Natasha Esch
Page 139-141
THE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
Once you have been accepted by an agency, and have booked your first assignment, you are considered an independent contractor.
THE AGENCY CONTRACT
An agent who believes in your potential will eventually want to sign a contract to prevent you from becoming associated with competing agents.
Under the Wilhelmina model’s contract, the model agrees to pay the agency 20 percent of all gross earnings. This is a standard percentage.
YOUR MODELING CAREER By Debbie and Skip Press
Page 85-87
ALL ABOUT AGENCIES Although there are no set rules or regulations for agencies, you’ll find that most of them operate in a similar manner.
WHAT DOES A MODELING AGENCY DO?
It is rare for a model to work on a freelance basis; successful career models work through agencies. An agency functions like an employment agency, obtaining work for models by providing models for clients. The agency
charges a fee for its services both to the model and the client. The industry standard is 20 percent from the model and 20 percent from the client.
THE MODEL MANUAL By Sandra Morris
Page 78-79
A MODEL AGENCY’S ROLE
Nearly all modeling work is booked via agencies, so it’s virtually impossible to model on a freelance basis. Agents are the experts. Once signed up, they will promote you, send you on castings organized assignments,
haggle over contracts and invoice clients on your behalf. And that’s just for starters! " There’s far more to it than meets the eye," explains Jose.
HOW AN AGENCY OPERATES
It is a model agent’s job to supple models to clients. In return for this service they take a commission (between 20 and 25 percent world wide except in Japan, where it’s 40-50 percent) from their model’s earnings.
MALE MODEL by Eric Perkins
Page 22
CHAPTER TWO
THE MODELING AGENCY
Many agencies work on what is known as a voucher system. With this system, you're paid the following week for any work that you do. Since the agency usually does not get paid that fast, they charge you an extra
percentage for the service. Most of the big New York agencies follow this system, and most models take advantage of it, since many clients do not pay before 90 days.
Page 24
Other fees that are likely to be charged to a model are for messengers, shipping and postage fees for shipping out portfolios or modeling cards, long distance telephone calls, or faxes.
THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO BEING A MODEL
Page 343
MONEY MANAGEMENT
When a model receives a check from her agency, however, no income or Social Security taxes have been deducted from the check. This is because the model is not an employee of the agency; she is an independent
contractor.
ACTORS WORKING THROUGH THEATRICAL OR COMMERCIAL AGENTS:
Casting Directors are paid by the production company. They work with all of the agents.
Personal Managers work for the actor look at them at Research and Development.
Agents work for the actor look at them as your marketing and sales department. They send you out on auditions, negotiate your contracts and receive 10% of the actors pay. Agents may subscribe to many trades and
breakdown services. We work as an exclusive representation to the actor as part of their team.
HOW TO ACT & EAT AT THE SAME TIME By Tom Logan
Page 61
Sign an Agent who is on the legit union’s agency list for your particular field. If you stick with that, you are protected from being ripped off.
The contract you sigh with a "legit" agent guarantees that he’ll make a percentage of your salary. The maximum an (theatrical, commercial) agent can take from your salary is ten percent, which is standard.
Page 63
When an agent receives your check from a production company, he’ll cash it at his bank, and write you a check for your ninety percent of the original amount.
Since managers are not franchised by the unions, they can’t legally negotiate contracts with employers, though frankly many of the do through a third part-agent, the actor himself, or an attorney-all who can legally negotiate
a contract.
Page 65
It is against all union rules to sign a contract with more than one agent at a time for a particular field. Obviously, having signed with two agents for the same field creates a confusing situation for the casting directors-and
could present you with "interesting" legal questions.
THE WORKING ACTOR By Katinka Matson
Page 146
Unlike agents, personal managers are not required to be licensed by the state, nor do they require a union franchise. Anyone can be a manager-your lawyer, your accountant your mother, There is however, an association
called the conference of Personal Managers which has drawn up a standard management contract for the use of the conference’s members. It contains the following sentence: "It is clearly understood that you are not an
employment agent or theatrical agent or artists’ manager; that you have not offered or attempted or promised to obtain, seek or procure employment or engagements for me, and that you are obligated to do so."
Lenz Note on Booking:
We book talent at a gross rate. Talent know what the client is paying. We take a commission from the Talent. All convention bookings are booked at talents rate LESS 20%. We do not quote net rates. Talent and Models
are independent contractors. Talent will receive a 1099.
All booking will have a talent confirmation detailing out the pay rate. All talent MUST have a talent voucher that is signed by the client.
ACTORS: Professional trained individuals. Actors pay their agents commissions. Actors are responsible for some of their marketing and all of their training. Think of it this way. Your agents gets a small commission. You as an actor get the majority of the money. Keep this in mind when you are doing marketing for
yourself. You as an actor would do most of the work.
AGENT: A person or company licensed by the state to represent clients and negotiate contracts on their behalf. Your agent is on your team and wants to see you get jobs. One agent in each geographical area and type. (Commercial and Theatrical Agent) A person responsible for the professional business dealings of an
actor, director, or other artist. An agent typically negotiates the contracts on behalf of the actor.
PERSONAL MANAGER Usually actors use personal managers to help with what type of classes to take, who should take pictures, decide on the type of actor you are, take care of investments. Personal managers do not do any billing. They are paid from the talent a percentage of their gross check. Personal Managers are
the research & development of your team. The agent is the sales & marketing.
CASTING DIRECTOR: A person PAID by the production company to filter through the thousands of submissions for a project. Principal Casting Directors NEVER take money from talent. They are paid by the production company. The CD or Casting Director must possess a vast knowledge of the actor pool and be able to
match a variety of actors with just the right role. Directors and producers rely on the Casting Director to assist them with assembling the perfect cast for their production. Casting Directors are also responsible for serving as the liaison between the director, & the actors & their agents. CDs negotiate the deals with AGENTS.
With regards to who does what in the entertainment industry; There is a guide line. Professionals that do not follow the guide lines set in Hollywood 100 years ago, creates pandemonium.
For example: If casting director acts as an agent, Cutting the actors agent out, taking a commission from the actor that creates a conflict of interest.
The casting director hired by the production companies negotiates rates 4 the production co. NOT THE ACTOR.
Production companies coming to Las Vegas expect a legitimate Casting Director to call all of the SAG Franchised Agents. To find all SAG agents go to: www.sag.org
Negotiating fair rates become impossible if you are dealing with a Casting director paid by the production company, who also acts on the part of talent.
Agents will not send talent to a Casting director that calls talent directly cutting out the agent.
If Los Angeles business standard are ignored, Production companies do not feel comfortable working in an unfamiliar environment.
Coogan Account: Before you work in CA you must have an Trust fund called Coogan Account
UNIONS:
AFTRA: American Federation of Television and Radio Artists www.aftra.org
EQUITY ACTORS: www.actorsequIity.org AEA Represents 45,000 stage actors and stage managers in the United States.
SAG: Screen Actors Guild. A theatrical union. WWW.SAG.ORG
http://www.actorsinfobooth.com/category/tips/how-to-write-a-resume/
http://www.backstage.com/bso/career_advice/promoting/resumes.jsp
http://www.backstage.com/bso/career_advice/index.jsp
Put your kid in showbiz by Lea Rapp, Acting in the million dollar minute by Tom Logan, Now Casting- to see more resources and rates go to www.lenztalent.com go to links.
Do not call a busy agent and ask them how to anything!
How do I get work! HOW DOES THIS WORK!!!!!!
You do not call a doctor/lawyer at his office during business hours and ask how do you become a doctor/lawyer. We are busy. WE are not a school. Our
speciality is Actors from the Strip shows with extensive resumes. We realize that is a interesting career choice. Read Its a freeway out there. Be
respectful of our valuable time.
1. Have a Great Attitude.
2. Do your home work. i.e. Read Suggested reading Below. Take Classes
3. Be Available.
4. Be the specific size/Type the clients requested.
5. Show up on time and do your job.
6. Have a great professional recent picture.
7. For the Theatrical invite us to a showcase or the show you are currently in.
8. Strike one you are out of the agency.
9. Industry professional recommendation is a must.
Suggested Reading
"The Models workbook" by William Squire & Laura Boulay See links www.modelsworkbook.com
"How to Eat and Act at the Same Time the Sequel" by Tom Logan
"Working in the million dollar minute the Sequel" by Tom Logan
"Its a freeway out there" By Judy Belshe ( a book for actors by top casting Director) www.ItsAFreewayOutThere.com
A MUST READ FOR CHILDREN AND PARENTS, If you are new to acting. I will NOT see you unless you have read this
book. If you have experience in LA/NY please send a resume and photo to lenznewfaces@gmail.com We only see people
twice a year.
Coloring book and "Its a free way out there" for children by Judy Belshe on Amazon
Make up by Sy www.syclark-makeupartist.com
How do I get work! HOW DOES THIS WORK!!!!!!
You do not call a doctor/lawyer at his office during business hours and ask how do you become a doctor/lawyer. We are busy. WE are not a school. Our
speciality is Actors from the Strip shows with extensive resumes. We realize that is a interesting career choice. Read Its a freeway out there. Be
respectful of our valuable time.
1. Have a Great Attitude.
2. Do your home work. i.e. Read Suggested reading Below. Take Classes
3. Be Available.
4. Be the specific size/Type the clients requested.
5. Show up on time and do your job.
6. Have a great professional recent picture.
7. For the Theatrical invite us to a showcase or the show you are currently in.
8. Strike one you are out of the agency.
9. Industry professional recommendation is a must.
Suggested Reading
"The Models workbook" by William Squire & Laura Boulay See links www.modelsworkbook.com
"How to Eat and Act at the Same Time the Sequel" by Tom Logan
"Working in the million dollar minute the Sequel" by Tom Logan
"Its a freeway out there" By Judy Belshe ( a book for actors by top casting Director) www.ItsAFreewayOutThere.com
A MUST READ FOR CHILDREN AND PARENTS, If you are new to acting. I will NOT see you unless you have read this
book. If you have experience in LA/NY please send a resume and photo to lenznewfaces@gmail.com We only see people
twice a year.
Coloring book and "Its a free way out there" for children by Judy Belshe on Amazon
Make up by Sy www.syclark-makeupartist.com