INDUSTRY Q & A

The first step that a new actor should take is to find a reputable agent that can guide them in the right direction. A reputable agent will make commission off of the jobs you land as an actor thus they are invested in giving you proper industry information and guiding you to choose the right training workshops, headshot photographers etc. A reputable agent will not charge you any money to manage and guide you…if they see potential in you then they will manage you free of charge in hopes of making commission from the work you do. It is up to the actor to provide the agency with proper headshots.

Please refer to the ACTRA website in order to learn the EIC Industry Codes in order to determine a legitimate agent from a fraud.

No. A new actor can be submitted, experience free, to principal acting roles and print. Sometimes it comes down to having the right look and charisma.

AS AN ACTOR YOU ARE SELF EMPLOYED. You are responsible for paying for any training that you decide to take and any materials you decide to purchase. Most agents require new actors to have at least one reputable actor’s workshop under their belt. All agents require proper industry headshots to be able to submit you. Headshot rates are usually between $400-$500 depending on the package. This rate should include your studio time, hair and makeup, final prints, 100-200 shots, and a formatted disk for the agency. Principal agents will not accept Mickey Mouse shots and no resume as it makes it virtually impossible to get you pulled in. It is most important for a new actor to have very strong headshots in order to peek the casting director’s interest and cause them to give you a chance.

HEADSHOTS MUST BE A TRUE REPRESENTATION OF THE ACTOR. They should not be airbrushed, they are not fashion shots, when they expire they must be updated. Children must reshoot frequently and adults must reshoot if they drastically alter their hair or look.

Workshop rates vary from $150-thousands depending on the frequency and course you want to take.

An actor must be able to transport themselves to auditions.

In Canada the three major filming markets are Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto.

Casting houses prefer to work regular 9-5 hours. Call times can vary throughout the day and can go over time and on weekends during the busier seasons.

The EIC (Entertainment Industry Coalition) was formed in early 1996 to combat unethical talent agents. Their work grew from the experience of AMIS (The Acting and Modelling Information Service), established in 1995 by entertainment and fashion industry professionals to define and promote standards of ethical behaviour among talent agencies.

The EIC promotes a code of conduct for talent and modelling agents who want to run their businesses in an ethical manner. Please see below link to the full Code of Ethics.