Thank you for visiting the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission’s Talent Information Page. We are pleased to assist you in making the right decision that will best suit your career development. Below you will find some invaluable information about how to choose a talent agency as well as links to help get you started on your way to becoming an industry professional. We cannot give advice regarding the legitimacy of a specific company, however we can provide you with the tools necessary to make an educated choice.
 

Tips for getting into the commercial and film business and how to avoid con artists:

LEAVE if the talent agent asks for any money up front and/or makes it a pre-requisite or condition to shoot your head shot or model composite with their agency. If they do offer photographic services ask to look at their work. If you like the work, it is your choice to use the agencies services or another photographic company. Talent agent’s work on commission therefore a registration fee should not be charged.

Call  Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) prior to calling a Talent Agency to make sure an agency is licensed and to check for complaints. Verify a License online by visiting the DBPR website at http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/pro/talent/tal_index.shtml or call the DBPR Talent Division at 850.487.1395.

Choosing a Union or Non Union Talent Agency- As a right-to-work state, Florida provides employers with a substantial degree of flexibility. While Florida should not be considered a non-union state, by state law employers have the right to hire anyone they choose, whether that person belongs to a union or not. At the same time, amembership in a union cannot be a requirement for employment. The decision whether or not to join a union is up to individual employees. Union leaders eagerly support production and are known to be very flexible with visiting production companies. Production companies may hire, at their discretion, both union and non-union employees for the same production. Union members have the right to work as non union employees and many times will do so - but employers may still be asked to negotiate a contract with the union.

Union: Union agencies may not advertise.

SAG: The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is a national labor union representing actors. With 20 branches nationwide, SAG represents nearly 120,000 actors in film, television, industrials, commercials and music videos. The Guild exists to enhance actors’ working conditions, compensation and benefits and to be a powerful, unified voice on behalf of artists’ rights. Please call the SAG South Region Office-305.670.7677 or visit www.sag.com (choose Resources-Agent Information) for more information.

AFTRA: The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) is a national labor union representing over 70,000 performers, journalists and other artists working in the entertainment and news media. Please visit www.aftra.com for more information.
 
Non Union:  Talent Agencies may advertise and have a different commission structure than SAG and AFTRA agencies. Most SAG agencies have a Non Union Division.
     
Actors and Models Actors need a 8 x 10 black and white or color head shot. Models will be advised by an agent what photographs will be needed depending on if you are a plus size model, a parts model (hands, legs, etc.), a runway model and/or print model. Don’t use “glamour” pictures.
 
Research your choices when selecting talent representation as they’re different agencies for the numerous industry careers. Some agencies only deal with models, some with both models and actors. Some even get more specific in specialty-type talent and only accept children or plus size models. Some agencies have a separate division for all of your choices; print, commercials, children's, film entertainment, children's parties’ events, etc.
 
Children, toddlers, and infants only require a snapshot with the following information on the back: Child's name, D.O.B., eye color, hair color, size, parent’s names and phone numbers. You may choose to shoot professional pictures at your agent’s suggestion. (All entities working with children should be fingerprinted).
 
Extras only need snapshots. If your interest is to gain experience as an Extra Talent to then progress to a commercial actor you may choose to have professional photos taken.
 
Remember, modeling and acting are full-time jobs. Make sure before you attend a casting that you inquire about the Call Back Date and the Shoot Date. No sense in going to the casting if you cannot, upon being chosen, attend the call back or perform the job on the shoot date.
 
For more information on what Talent & Modeling Agency practices are required and prohibited by law please visit the State Film Office at www.filminflorida.com/ela/tma.asp.
 

SOURCE: Florida Motion Picture and Television Association; Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission; interviews with industry experts.
 

Industry Links

	The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Web: aftra.com
	Directors Guild of America Web: dga.org
	The Florida Motion Picture & Television Association Web: fmpta.org
	The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Pictures Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada Web: iatseintl.org
	Screen Actors Guild Web:sag.com
	Writers Guild of America – East Represents writers in the motion picture, broadcast, cable and new media industries East of the Mississippi Web: wgaeast.org
	Writers Guild of America – West Represents writers in the motion picture, broadcast, cable and new media industries West of the Mississippi Web: wga.org
Click Here for WGAw Script Registry Infomation
Palm Beach County Model and Talent Links
	Starz of the Future Starz of the Future is a program during the South Florida Fair (January 16 - February 1, 2004) that showcases aspiring, non-professional talent in three age categories and in three classifications from surrounding counties competing for prizes and recognition. Visit their website for participation information. Web: Starz of the Future
Palm Beach County Educational Links
	The Actors Rep provides education and training in the theatre arts and developing theatrical productions using primarily local talent. Web: actorsrep.org
	The Burt Reynolds and Friends Museum offers educational classes in Master Acting, an Outreach Program for disadvantaged young actors and a class on documentary filmmaking. Web: burtreynoldsmuseum.org
	Palm Beach Acting School At Palm Beach Acting School we believe that acting is spontaneous and instinctual; connecting with your partner, and living truthfully under the imaginary circumstances, moment to unanticipated moment! We take the position that everyone holds the key to his or her own success. The goal of the artist is to supply truthful feelings under given circumstances, and to translate dialogue into behavior and action!
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is offering new Online Services where you now have to information on licensed talent agencies and other professionals 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. The public can now search online for licensees and license complaints. In addition, licensed professionals can now renew their license online, as well as pay fees and change their address.
Miami Models