IS BARBIZON AN AGENCY OR A SCHOOL?

Barbizon Agency is a full-service Model & Talent Agency. We represent a diverse roster of professional models and talent and new faces who are industry ready.Our mission is to guide and nurture every career toward success.We pride ourselves on establishing long-standing relationships with our clients, and we provide the highest standard of service on every project, partnership, and collaboration.There is only one Barbizon Agency and we are located in New York City.(Training is not offered by the agency. If you are a newcomer to the industry and believe that training might be necessary, please contact a nearby Barbizon Training Center for more information.)

IS THERE A FEE TO JOIN BARBIZON AGENCY?

There are no fees to join Barbizon Agency.
We only make a commission-based percentage if we book you for work.

DOES BARBIZON AGENCY REPRESENT ALL AGES?

Barbizon Agency represents all ages and sizes and for all areas of the industry, including print, runway, showroom, fit, tradeshows, promotions, commercials, TV, film, and theatre.

HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH BARBIZON AGENCY?

If you are interested in representation with Barbizon Agency, there are a few things you should keep in mind when getting started and working with us.

  • Building a relationship with us takes time and it begins with communication. It is important that we can reach you quickly and as needed to confirm castings and bookings.

  • Your photos and all Marketing Materials must be current and up to date. This includes notifying us of any changes to your appearance—hair style, hair color, braces, height/weight, clothing size, contact information, and availability.

  • Barbizon Agency is a non-exclusive agency which means you can work with other non-exclusive agencies. We do not take commission from any work you book on your own or through another agency.

  • We encourage you to be pro-active in the development of your career —stay involved, join the casting sites, and continue your training.

  • We love to hear of your progress, and we are working for you on our end too, in every way we can!

  • Barbizon Agency is based in New York City and most of our castings and bookings are in the NY market. If you reside outside of NY or NJ, we will have fewer opportunities for you.

  • Barbizon Agency cannot make any promises of work. No agency can.

📍TIP! Do not check in with your agent looking for work. Instead, check in with updates about how you have been developing your career.

DO I NEED A CHILD PERFORMER PERMIT?

If you are a minor (under 18), you MUST have a NY Child Performer Permit to work in NY state. You cannot be hired without your permit.Each state has different labor laws. Your NY permit is valid in NY state only. If you work in CA, you must have a CA permit for that state.For more information about the labor laws and permit requirements in your state, please visit the DOL Child Entertainment Laws ⇨ here.

NY CHILD PERFOMER PERMIT
ONLINE RENEWAL

If you are under the age of 18, you must have a Trust Account and NY Child Performer Permit to work in the state of New York.Below are instructions for online permit renewal—You can also learn more by visiting the New Your State Department of Labor website ⇨ here

12-MONTH PERMIT RENEWAL
STEP 1
Please complete the School Form and Health Form, only. All other information should already be on file with the DOL.Click on each form to open and download.School Form
Health Form

STEP 2
Once you have completed the forms, please click ⇨ here.
You will be redirected to the Child Performer website.
When the page loads, scroll down, look for 12-MONTH PERMIT and select that box.(Do NOT select 15-Day Permit)

STEP 3
If this is the first time you are renewing online, you will be required to create a NY.Gov Account to access the online portal (See Ref Image).Create the account in the parent's name (this is just for log in purposes), then proceed to apply for the permit in your child's name.

Ref Image

STEP 4Once the account is created and you are logged in, you can upload the necessary forms and any supporting documents to complete the permit renewal.

The DOL will notify you by email when your child's permit has been processed. It usually takes 2-3 business days. If you do not receive an email within this time frame, log into your NY.Gov Account and check for any messages. If your permit was approved and processed, a copy will be on file.Permits are valid for 12 months and should be renewed each year before they expire.There are no fees to renew your permit.

NY CHILD PERFOMER PERMIT APPLICATION

If you are under the age of 18, you must have a Trust Account and NY Child Performer Permit to work in the state of New York.Please CAREFULLY READ the following instructions—You can also learn more by visiting the New Your State Department of Labor website ⇨ here

TRUST ACCOUNT
Visit your bank and request to open a trust account in your child's name.
The account must be one of the following types:
1) UTMA
2) UGMA
3) Blocked TrustBe sure to print a copy of the Trust Account Form from the FORMS LIST below and bring to the bank so they can complete and stamp it while you are there. Also, bring your child's I.D. in case it is needed by the bank for verification.

12-MONTH PERMIT
STEP 1
If you are applying for your child's permit for the first time, please download and complete all FORMS from the list, below.If you are renewing your child's permit, please complete the School Form and Health Form, only. All other information should already be on file with the DOL.FORMS LIST
Click on each form to open and download.Application Form
School Form
Health Form
Trust Account Form
Emergency Contact Form

STEP 2
Once you have completed the forms, please click ⇨ here.
You will be redirected to the Child Performer website.
When the page loads, scroll down, look for 12-MONTH PERMIT and select that box.(Do NOT select 15-Day Permit)

STEP 3
If this is the first time you are applying for your child's permit, you will be required to create a NY.Gov Account for online access (See Ref Image).Create the account in the parent's name (this is just for log in purposes), then proceed to apply for the permit in your child's name.If you are renewing your child's permit and already created an online account, skip this step and LOG IN.

Ref Image

STEP 4Once the account is created and/or you have logged in, you can upload the necessary forms and any supporting documents to complete the permit application or renewal.The DOL will notify you by email when your child's permit has been processed. It usually takes 2-3 business days. If you do not receive an email within this time frame, log into your NY.Gov Account and check for any messages. If your permit was approved and processed, a copy will be on file.Permits are valid for 12 months and should be renewed each year before they expire.There are no fees to obtain a permit.Applications and renewals may also be sent by regular mail although processing times can be lengthy. Please refer to the Department of Labor website for further information ⇨ here

15-DAY TEMPORARY WORK PERMITThe 15-day temporary work permit is good for one time use only and valid for 15 days from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed or reused. This means, if you apply for it today your child's permit will be valid for the next 15 days, then it will expire.Therefore, please do not apply for the 15-day permit until you have a confirmed booking and no sooner than 2 days before the booking date.The application for the 15-day permit can be obtained online at the link below.15-Day Permit ApplicationAfter your 15-day permit has expired, if you wish to continue working in the industry, you will be required to apply for a 12-month permit. We recommend starting the application process now so your child is ready for ongoing opportunities.

For more information about the NY Child Performer Permits please visit the NY State Department of Labor ⇨ here

NY CHILD PERFOMER PERMIT APPLICATION

If you are under the age of 18, you must have a Trust Account and NY Child Performer Permit to work in the state of New York.Please CAREFULLY READ the following instructions—You can also learn more by visiting the New Your State Department of Labor website ⇨ here

TRUST ACCOUNT
Visit your bank and request to open a trust account in your child's name.
The account must be one of the following types:
1) UTMA
2) UGMA
3) Blocked TrustBe sure to print a copy of the Trust Account Form from the FORMS LIST below and bring to the bank so they can complete and stamp it while you are there. Also, bring your child's I.D. in case it is needed by the bank for verification.

12-MONTH PERMIT
STEP 1
If you are applying for your child's permit for the first time, please download and complete all FORMS from the list, below.If you are renewing your child's permit, please complete the School Form and Health Form, only. All other information should already be on file with the DOL.FORMS LIST
Click on each form to open and download.Application Form
School Form
Health Form
Trust Account Form
Emergency Contact Form

STEP 2
Once you have completed the forms, please click ⇨ here.
You will be redirected to the Child Performer website.
When the page loads, scroll down, look for 12-MONTH PERMIT and select that box.(Do NOT select 15-Day Permit)

STEP 3
If this is the first time you are applying for your child's permit, you will be required to create a NY.Gov Account for online access (See Ref Image).Create the account in the parent's name (this is just for log in purposes), then proceed to apply for the permit in your child's name.If you are renewing your child's permit and already created an online account, skip this step and LOG IN.

Ref Image

STEP 4Once the account is created and/or you have logged in, you can upload the necessary forms and any supporting documents to complete the permit application or renewal.The DOL will notify you by email when your child's permit has been processed. It usually takes 2-3 business days. If you do not receive an email within this time frame, log into your NY.Gov Account and check for any messages. If your permit was approved and processed, a copy will be on file.Permits are valid for 12 months and should be renewed each year before they expire.There are no fees to obtain a permit.Applications and renewals may also be sent by regular mail although processing times can be lengthy. Please refer to the Department of Labor website for further information ⇨ here

15-DAY TEMPORARY WORK PERMITThe 15-day temporary work permit is good for one time use only and valid for 15 days from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed or reused. This means, if you apply for it today your child's permit will be valid for the next 15 days, then it will expire.Therefore, please do not apply for the 15-day permit until you have a confirmed booking and no sooner than 2 days before the booking date.The application for the 15-day permit can be obtained online at the link below.15-Day Permit ApplicationAfter your 15-day permit has expired, if you wish to continue working in the industry, you will be required to apply for a 12-month permit. We recommend starting the application process now so your child is ready for ongoing opportunities.

For more information about the NY Child Performer Permits please visit the NY State Department of Labor ⇨ here

WHAT DOES INDUSTRY READY MEAN?

Industry ready means you are prepared for the expectations of agents, managers, casting directors, and other industry professionals. If you can check each box below, you are industry ready and will have a greater chance of achieving career success.

  • I have modeling, acting, singing, dancing or other related performance-based training/experience.

  • I have a passion for the entertainment industry.

  • I have professional Marketing Materials.

  • I am fully available Monday–Friday for castings and bookings, as needed, including weekends.

  • I am pro-active and continuously seeking career development.

In addition to the above, IF UNDER THE AGE OF 18

  • I have a valid Child Performer Permit for the state I reside or wish to work in.

  • My parent/legal guardian is readily available to accompany me on castings and bookings.

WHAT MARKETING MATERIALS DO I NEED?

It is the responsibility of all models and talent to provide us with their marketing materials.
We do not service any materials, but we are happy to guide you in the professional direction to obtain them.📍TIP! Other agencies/managers may have different requirements. Please always provide them with the materials they need to represent you.

HEADSHOTS
All models and talent must have at least one professional headshot.
(Snapshot photos are fine for babies and toddlers.)

RESUME
A resume is a requirement for TV, Film, and Theater castings and auditions.

PORTFOLIO
Models should have three or more professional full-length portfolio photos, in addition to a headshot or a beauty shot.Digital photos are also often necessary for castings and agency submissions.

COMP CARDS
If you are pursuing a career as a fashion model, we recommend professional comp cards for any in-person casting calls you attend.Commercial print models and minors do NOT need comp cards—your headshot/resume is acceptable. A comp card is optional.

DEMO REELS
Slates, self-tapes, voice-over recordings, and video footage of any runway or other professional performance work you have done are important for career development, progress and success.

INSTAGRAM
It is optional to have an Instagram page although we recommend creating one for your career to increase exposure and collaboration opportunities. If you are a minor, a parent/guardian MUST monitor your page.

DO I NEED A COMP CARD?

If you are pursuing a career as a fashion model, we recommend professional comp cards for any in-person castings and auditions you attend.Commercial print models and minors do not need comp cards—your headshot/resume is acceptable. A comp card is optional.

COMP CARD LAYOUTSThere are many different layouts to consider for your comp card. When choosing a layout, it will depend on how many photos you have.

👉 COMP CARD LAYOUT #1👉 COMP CARD LAYOUT #2👉 COMP CARD LAYOUT #3👉 COMP CARD LAYOUT #4

PROFESSIONAL PRINTINGYour comp card will stand out at a casting if it is designed and printed by a professional comp card company. There are several online sites to choose from, as well as local printers specializing in comp card design.
Order the minimum number of cards—usually 25. You can re-order more, as needed, and update with any new photos at the same time.📍TIP! Photo shoots and comp cards are generally separate services and should never be purchased as an all-inclusive package.

DO-IT-YOURSELF COMP CARDSIf you are new to the industry and just getting started, Canva and Microsoft Word are two simple apps you can use to create a temporary card for your first couple of castings.

👉 HOW TO CREATE A COMP CARD AT HOME

COMP CARD TIPSWhenever creating a comp card at home or having it printed professionally, there are a few important tips to remember:1) Select only your best, most professional photos
(do not include selfies or snapshots)2) Less is always more—choose quality over quantity
(we recommend 2-5 photos)3) NEVER duplicate an outfit
(each photo should be a different look)4) Follow the standard comp card size and layout
(card measurement 8.5'' x 5.5'' with headshot on front/full length on back)5) Include your name on the front and back of your comp card.
(it is common for models to use their first names only)

STATS & INFOIn addition to your photos, you must include your stats and contact info on the back of your comp card.

WOMEN
Height | Bust | Waist | Hips | Dress Size | Shoe Size | Contact Info

MEN
Height | Neck/Sleeve | Waist | Inseam | Suit Size | Shoe Size | Contact Info

GIRLS
Height | Weight | Clothing Size | Shoe Size | Contact Info

BOYS
Height | Weight | Clothing Size | Shoe Size | Contact Info

COMP CARD LAYOUT #1

One of the most popular comp card layouts and ideal for models who have had several photo shoots.

COMP CARD LAYOUT #2

Most traditional comp card and recommended for models who have had more than one professional photo shoot.

COMP CARD LAYOUT #3

Our favorite layout for models who are just getting started and have had at least one professional photo shoot.

COMP CARD LAYOUT #4

Most suitable for models who are new to the industry and have very few photos. It is also an easy card to create at home.


HOW TO CREATE A COMP CARD AT HOMETo create a basic comp card at home, open a blank page in Canva, Microsoft Word, or any other design app that you use. Your page should be 8.5" X 11.5" in size and set to 'landscape' layout.Insert headshot photo and crop/position on the left side of the page.
Then choose a full length photo and position on the right side.Add your name, stats, and contact info.Print. Fold in half. Done!📍When printed, it should look like Comp Card Layout #4 above. Fold in half, and voilà, you have a front side and back side!

WHAT MAKES A GREAT HEADSHOT?

A great headshot needs to be professional and look like YOU!When investing in your headshot, we strongly recommend working with an experienced industry photographer. Importance should be placed on wardrobe and hair.

👉 HEADSHOT #1👉 HEADSHOT #2

Some things to consider when preparing for your headshot session—

  • Hair should be styled natural and how you wear it most days.

  • Makeup is acceptable for ages 16 and older but it should be fresh and natural (no heavy eye shadows/liners, false lashes, or dark lipsticks, etc.)

  • If you are under 16, face should be clean with NO makeup.

  • Wardrobe should enhance your appearance, not distract or overpower. Choose solid colors, in jewel tones, no busy stripes or patterns, no ruffles or other ornamental necklines, no logos, no crop tops, no hair accessories, no jewelry.

📍TIP! Get plenty of rest the night before!

There are 2 primary headshots that actors need—Commercial and Theatrical (also known as Legit). Below is an overview of both.

COMMERCIAL HEADSHOT
A good commercial headshot has high energy and big smiles. The lighting is bright, hair is natural, makeup is fresh, and wardrobe is casual. These headshots are perfect for commercial and lifestyle print castings/submissions.

THEATRICAL (LEGIT) HEADSHOT
A theatrical headshot is generally more dramatic in contrast to your commercial headshot, with a subtle but noticeable difference in lighting, hair/makeup, and wardrobe. Your energy is more contained and your smile is softer. These headshots are ideal for TV, film, and theatrical castings/submissions.

ARCHETYPE HEADSHOTS
Archetype headshots are entirely optional. For actors interested in exploring this further, please google for additional info.

PRINTINGProfessional headshots are printed 8" x 10" in size with your first and last name on the front. It is optional to have a white border or "bleed" over the edge. These are personal choices you or the printer can make.

CASTINGSWhen attending an in-person casting, your resume should always be stapled to the back of your headshot, face up, and cut to the same size—8" x 10" (with no paper overhang).

HEADSHOT #1

Below is a commercial headshot with a traditional vertical set-up, also known as portrait, and a white border. First and last name on front.

HEADSHOT #2

Below is a theatrical headshot with a horizontal set-up, also known as landscape, and a white border. First and last name on front.

The same headshot but with a vertical set-up and white border.

The same headshot with a horizontal set-up, bleeding over the edge (no white border).

DO I NEED A BEAUTY SHOT?

Beauty shots, also known as glamour shots, tend to be more flattering and captivating than headshots and are ideal for model comp cards and portfolios. Beauty shots require a photographer who is skilled in lighting and does not use camera filters or heavy photo editing. Focus is on the model's facial attributes such as eyes, lips, complexions, and hair, etc.📍TIP! Beauty shots are most suitable for models over 18 only.

DO I NEED A PORTFOLIO?

If you are pursuing a career as a fashion or commercial print model, you should have three or more professional full-length portfolio photos, in addition to a headshot or a beauty shot.We recommend a mix of studio and outdoor shots to create more diversity.The purpose of your portfolio is to showcase different wardrobe/looks which might encourage or inspire a brand to book you.For minors, we recommend portfolio photos in casual wear, athletic wear, trendy wear, back-to-school fashion, and special occasion.For adults, we recommend any wardrobe looks suitable for your type and age range. Keywords when choosing outfits are—simple, fashionable, approachable, stylish, trendy, lifestyle, athletic, leisure, and business.
PORTFOLIO BOOKAll fashion models must have a portfolio book with their 10 best photos (no more)—test shoots with photographers, print work you have done, and any professional runway photos can be included. NEVER put selfies or snapshots in your portfolio (save them for your Instagram page).When attending in-person castings, it is recommended to have an iPad portfolio or a traditional portfolio book.Please NEVER show your portfolio or Instagram on your cell phone at a casting or during an agency interview.

DO I NEED AN INSTAGRAM PAGE?

Instagram has become one of the most important marketing tools in the modeling and acting industry. We encourage you to create a page to showcase yourself and increase exposure and collaboration opportunities.Post as often as you like and at least once every 2-3 weeks to keep your grid active.Having an Instagram page is not a requirement for representation with Barbizon Agency. Please use your discretion when creating an account for yourself or your child's career.If you are a minor, your page MUST be monitored by a parent/guardian.Please note: Barbizon Agency is not an influencer agency and we do not focus on follower count or number of likes. Never put that kind of pressure on yourself! We are specifically looking for content that might be useful to us when considering you for projects.Acceptable photos or videos to consider posting on your page can include any/all the following:

  • Professional photos such as headshots, beauty shots, and portfolio photos, etc.

  • Sports or other activities you like to do—skateboarding, gymnastics, running, drawing, etc., and anything you might include under Special Skills on your resume.

  • Career progress, such as stage rehearsals, classes/training, castings, or auditions you have attended.

  • Live industry events, showcases, performances, and career-related outings that you attend—look for logos, event signs, or step and repeat to feature in your post.

  • Inspirational quotes or images that personally resonate with you.

  • A random day in the life of you!

  • Shout outs to other industry people.

WHAT SHOULD I PUT ON MY RESUME?

Your resume should highlight any professional experience, training, skills/interests/hobbies, and additional languages that you have. Ideally, you want to grab the attention and interest of an agent, manager, casting director, or brand.When attending an in-person casting, your resume should always be stapled to the back of your headshot, face up, and cut to size—8" x 10" (with no paper overhang).

👉 RESUME TEMPLATE

Things you should INCLUDE on your resume:

  • First and Last Name

  • Contact Number

  • Email Address

  • Union Status (SAG-AFTRA, AEA, if applicable to you)

  • Height and Weight

  • Hair and Eye Color

  • Vocal Range (if you sing)

  • Profile photo (optional)

  • Industry Experience (Commercial, TV, Film, Theater, and other performance-related work)

  • Training

  • Special Skills

Things you should NOT include on your resume:

  • Full body measurements

  • DOB, Age, or Age range

  • Objectives

  • Public School, College, or University education (unless related to performing arts)

  • Other unrelated employment experience

RESUME TEMPLATE

Be sure to format your resume to industry standards—pay attention to headings and alignment, and always spell check for typos.

WHAT IS A DEMO REEL?

A demo reel is an edited compilation and highlight of your professional work, typically 3-4 minutes long.Demo reels can be created for:
Acting
Modeling
Singing
Dancing
Voiceover

WHAT IS A SLATE?

Your slate is a brief introduction of yourself and often the first impression you make at an in-person casting or for a self-tape audition.The secret to a great slate is to be friendly, upbeat, and confident.
Your voice should project loudly and clearly.

IN-PERSON SLATEAlways slate directly to camera at an in-person casting.
📍TIP! If there is no camera at the casting, find a focal point on the wall in front of you. NEVER look directly at casting directors when slating.

VIDEO SLATEIf you are recording a video slate at home, all you need is your cell phone, a plain wall, and good lighting. Please follow the instructions below when recording your self-tape.Your video slate should be approximately 10-12 seconds long (unless you are asked to include a short bio about yourself or read lines).

⁕ Stand against a plain wall with no distracting objects behind you.
⁕ Choose an area with good lighting (natural lighting is always best, whenever possible).
⁕ Please hold your cell phone horizontal when recording; see Ref Image below.
⁕ Frame waist up (not full length); see Ref Image below.
⁕ Slate direct to camera
⁕ If you have been given a script, read the lines with your eyes slightly off-camera
⁕ SAVE your video as an MP4 file
⁕ DONE!
⁕ Most video recordings are too large to send by regular mail. Instead, send via WeTransfer.

IMPORTANT!
Do NOT shoot full length or too close-up.
Do NOT press record until your phone is horizontal, otherwise the video will record and save sideways.

📍TIP! The above is the standard info for in-person castings and video slates, however some casting directors have other preferences. Always follow any direction you have been given if different from the above.

HOW DO I SELF-TAPE AN AUDITION?

Your slate and self-tape are a very important part of the audition process.
Please follow the 7 steps below.

📍TIP! These instructions are standard for the industry and should be followed for every self-tape audition unless other direction is provided.

STEP 1 - Camera Prep

You can use your cell phone to record your self-tape or a professional video camera if you have one. Position horizontally so you record your self-tape for landscape view and set to high resolution for best quality.

STEP 2 - Location Prep

Find a quiet area in your house or other location with a blank neutral-colored wall. The area should be well-lit, preferably with natural lighting or a ring light.
Clear the wall of pictures, mirrors, or other distracting objects, and pick a spot without light switches or blemishes on the wall that might be visible in the background of your self-tape.

STEP 3 - Wardrobe Prep

Your wardrobe should enhance your appearance and not distract or overpower. Choose a solid-colored top in a jewel tone. NO busy stripes or patterns, no ruffles or other ornamental necklines.
NO logos, no crop tops, no hair accessories, no jewelry.

STEP 4 - Hair & Makeup Prep

Hair should be styled natural and how you wear it most days.Face should be clean.
Light makeup for females, ages 16+ only.IMPORTANT! If the self-tape is for a request casting based on your headshot submission, your appearance MUST look like your headshot.

STEP 5 - Record Prep

Stand a few inches in front of the wall so you are not touching or leaning against it.
Your posture should be straight with your shoulders pulled back.
Face to camera with your body in frame waist up.
Position horizontally so you record your self-tape for landscape view—see diagram below.

Do NOT shoot full length or too close-up.
Do NOT press record until your phone is horizontal, otherwise the video will record and save sideways.

STEP 6 - SLATE

IMPORTANT!
Please ALWAYS follow any other slate instructions that have been provided in the audition request, if different from below.

Look directly into the camera when slating.
Smile. Be confident.
Your SLATE should be friendly like when you first meet someone.SLATE
1) Hi, my name is First/Last name
2) My age is X
3) My height is X
4) And I live in City/StateAfter your slate, take a short beat, then perform your AUDITION.

STEP 7 - AUDITION

The key to a great audition is to be yourself!
Your AUDITION should be natural. Memorize your lines to the best of your ability. Take your time and connect to what you are saying.

1) Repeat Steps 1 - 5 above.2) Keep you head and body straight to camera when recording your audition.3) Your face and eyes should look slightly off-camera at your "reader" and your eye line level with each other.What is a Reader?
The person reading the other lines in the script is called the "reader" and should be positioned to the left or right of the camera, and out of the frame when you are recording.

📍TIP! Please have the first 2-3 lines of the script MEMORIZED so your eyes are looking up at the start of the audition. You can then glance down at your script if you need to, but try to lift your eyes off the page when delivering the lines. Be sure to HOLD the script up slightly, to the left or right of you, so it is easy to read but does not hide your face.
NEVER look directly into the camera when performing your audition.

STEP 8 - Save your Self-tape

The default setting on most cell phones should automatically save your self-tape as an MP4 file, which is the best format for agents and casting directors.Before submitting your self-tape, please review it to be sure the audio and video are clear and you are happy with your slate and audition. Record it again if it isn't perfect.Save your self-tape and title it:*
*first and last name_role or project you are auditioning forSelf-tape files are generally too large to send by regular email. Most agents and casting directors prefer to receive large files via WeTransfer.Do NOT send your self-tape via Google Drive or as a youtube/vimeo link, unless instructed to do so.

HOW TO SLATE AND SELF-TAPE AN AUDITION

Your slate and self-tape are a very important part of the audition process.
Please follow the 7 steps below.

📍TIP! These instructions are standard for the industry and should be followed for every self-tape audition unless other direction is provided.

STEP 1 - Camera Prep

You can use your cell phone to record your self-tape or a professional video camera if you have one. Position horizontally so you record your self-tape for landscape view and set to high resolution for best quality.

STEP 2 - Location Prep

Find a quiet area in your house or other location with a blank neutral-colored wall. The area should be well-lit, preferably with natural lighting or a ring light.
Clear the wall of pictures, mirrors, or other distracting objects, and pick a spot without light switches or blemishes on the wall that might be visible in the background of your self-tape.

STEP 3 - Wardrobe Prep

Your wardrobe should enhance your appearance and not distract or overpower. Choose a solid-colored top in a jewel tone. NO busy stripes or patterns, no ruffles or other ornamental necklines.
NO logos, no crop tops, no hair accessories, no jewelry.

STEP 4 - Hair & Makeup Prep

Hair should be styled natural and how you wear it most days.Face should be clean.
Light makeup for females, ages 16+ only.IMPORTANT! If the self-tape is for a request casting based on your headshot submission, your appearance MUST look like your headshot.

STEP 5 - Record Prep

Stand a few inches in front of the wall so you are not touching or leaning against it.
Your posture should be straight with your shoulders pulled back.
Face to camera with your body in frame waist up.
Position horizontally so you record your self-tape for landscape view—see diagram below.

Do NOT shoot full length or too close-up.
Do NOT press record until your phone is horizontal, otherwise the video will record and save sideways.

STEP 6 - SLATE

IMPORTANT!
Please ALWAYS follow any other slate instructions that have been provided in the audition request, if different from below.

Look directly into the camera when slating.
Smile. Be confident.
Your SLATE should be friendly like when you first meet someone.SLATE
1) Hi, my name is First/Last name
2) My age is X
3) My height is X
4) And I live in City/StateAfter your slate, take a short beat, then perform your AUDITION.

STEP 7 - AUDITION

The key to a great audition is to be yourself!
Your AUDITION should be natural. Memorize your lines to the best of your ability. Take your time and connect to what you are saying.

1) Repeat Steps 1 - 5 above.2) Keep you head and body straight to camera when performing your lines.3) Your face and eyes should look slightly off-camera at your "reader" and your eye line level with each other.What is a Reader?
The person reading the other lines in the script is called the "reader" and should be positioned to the left or right of the camera, and out of the frame when you are recording.

📍TIP! Please have the first 2-3 lines of the script MEMORIZED so your eyes are looking up at the start of the audition. You can then glance down at your script if you need to, but try to lift your eyes off the page when delivering the lines. Be sure to HOLD the script up slightly, to the left or right of you, so it is easy to read but does not hide your face.
NEVER look directly into the camera when performing your audition.

STEP 8 - Save your Self-tape

The default setting on most cell phones should automatically save your self-tape as an MP4 file, which is the best format for agents and casting directors.Before submitting your self-tape, please review it to be sure the audio and video are clear and you are happy with your slate and audition. Record it again if it isn't perfect.Save your self-tape and title it:*
*first and last name_role or project you are auditioning forSelf-tape files are generally too large to send by regular email. Most agents and casting directors prefer to receive large files via WeTransfer.Do NOT send your self-tape via Google Drive or as a youtube/vimeo link, unless instructed to do so.

HOW DO I TAKE DIGITAL PHOTOS?

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HOW DO I TAKE MY MEASUREMENTS?

Every model and actor should know their basic measurements.
Using a tailor's measuring tape (you can find one at any discount store), please follow the instructions and refer to the diagram below.HEIGHT: Stand straight in an upright position in your bare feet. Measure from the highest point of the head to the floor.CHEST/BUST: Stand in an upright position with both arms down. Wrap the measuring tape across the back, underneath the arms, and over the front of fullest part of the chest/bust.WAIST: Stand in an upright position. Wrap the measuring tape around your natural waist.
Tip! To locate the natural waist, bend sideways at the waist. This is natural waist where the measurement should be taken. Return to upright position before measuring.HIP: Stand in an upright position. Wrap the measuring tape around the lower fullest part of your hips/buttocks.INSEAM: Stand in an upright position. Hold the start of the measuring tape at your inner upper crotch. Let the tape unravel until it touches the floor and note the measurement at the ankle (not the floor).
Note: The inseam measurement is generally needed for Men only.

WHAT DOES EXCLUSIVE AND NON-EXCLUSIVE MEAN?

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WHAT IS SAG-AFTRA AND NON-UNION MEAN?

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HOW CAN I BE SUCCESSFUL?

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WHAT IF I AM IN SCHOOL OR COLLEGE?

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PHOTOGRAPHER LIST

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SHOULD I JOIN A CASTING SITE?

Joining a casting site is one of the best ways to stay actively involved in the development and growth of your career.Below are some of the most popular casting sites in the industry.👉If you click on any casting site below, it will redirect you to their website. Use your browser's back button to return to this page.

BACKSTAGE
(for actors and models)

CASTING NETWORKS
(for actors and models)

ACTORS ACCESS
(for actors only)

CASTING FRONTIER
(for actors only)

PLAYBILL
(for theater actors only)

If you are interested in background/extra work, you can also register with these castings sites:

CENTRAL CASTING
(for background/extras)

GRANT WILFLEY
(for background/extras)
Please also follow @gwcasting for daily casting notices.

WALDRON CASTING
(for background/extras)
Please also follow @waldroncasting for daily casting notices.

The casting sites above charge a monthly/annual fee, except for Playbill and the background sites, which are free. We recommend visiting all sites to decide which one(s) might be right for you.

⭐ IMPORTANT
Keep in mind—most castings will be found in the bigger markets. If you live in one of the smaller markets, there may be fewer opportunities.

CASTING SITES

Joining a casting site is one of the best ways to stay actively involved in the development and growth of your career.Below are some of the best casting sites for actors and models who are serious about their careers.👉If you click on any casting site below, it will redirect you to their website.

BACKSTAGE
(for actors and models)

CASTING NETWORKS
(for actors and models)

ACTORS ACCESS
(for actors only)

CASTING FRONTIER
(for actors only)

PLAYBILL
(for theater actors only)

If you are interested in background/extra work, you can also register with these castings sites:

CENTRAL CASTING
(for background/extras)

GRANT WILFLEY
(for background/extras)
Please also follow @gwcasting for daily casting notices.

WALDRON CASTING
(for background/extras)
Please also follow @waldroncasting for daily casting notices.

The casting sites above charge a monthly/annual fee, except for Playbill and the background sites, which are free. We recommend visiting all sites to decide which one(s) might be right for you.

⭐ IMPORTANT
Keep in mind—most castings will be found in the bigger markets. If you live in one of the smaller markets, there may be fewer opportunities.

Coming Soon!
Please check back for updates.