For additional information, please email: CastingAmerica@aol.com (Reference: Talent Manager Program ONLY if interested in one of the Talent Manager opportunities noted below. If interested in the Talent Scout or Event Coordinator programs, please go to Scout/Coordinator Programs)
Thank you for dropping by to learn more about our Talent Manager Program. Casting America is looking for hard working, self starting individuals who have good organizational skills and an ability to express themselves well. Above all, our model/talent managers must be ethical. We have a strict Code of Ethics which must be agreed to and adhered to in order to become a Talent Manager. We are not here to scam prospective models, actors or singers, and we will not permit our managers to do so either.
This is an opportunity that can be worked either part time or full time, depending upon your situation and needs. The great thing about being a model/talent manager is that you will never run out of people who want to get into the entertainment field. In considering a business to venture into, whether part time or full time, you must always look at "supply and demand". We are in a high demand arena. We deal in the world of people's dreams - and we can make dreams a reality for the right talent (see the CBS News story run on Casting America, June 1999).
The income you generate as a Talent Manager is limited only by your effort and willingness to roll up your sleeves and work.
IMPORTANT NOTE:Under the Talent Manager Program, you will operate your own talent management business and talent packaging business under your own business name. The Casting America Talent Manager Program involves training you to run your own business and additionally qualifying you to serve as a distributor for Casting America's packaging, information and training services. As talent management laws vary from state to state, you will be expected to comply with the laws of your own state. Casting America will assist you in identifying the regulations of your area. However, regardless of the state, Casting America requires that you abide by an important business ethic, which is: with respect to your specific managing of talent (models, actors, singers, dancers), you are to only receive income for managing them as a direct percentage of the income they generate -- collecting that money only after they have first earned it, not before. This relates to managing the models and talent. Training, packaging and information services are not part of direct talent management and therefore do not fall within this requirement.
Before laying out the various opportunities for you, it is important that we define a few terms for you. You need to recognize the difference in definition between an agent, a scout, a manager and a casting director.
An agent is a state licensed individual who sends models, actors, singers, etc., to auditions and castings. They are, in theory, only supposed to make their money off of a percentage of bookings generated by the models and talent they handle. For example, in Florida it is illegal for an agent to make money in any other way except for bookings income. In that state and a few others, they are not allowed to hold classes or photo sessions, for example. However, in most states there is no such restriction, so far too many agents make their money off of packaging and do very little to book talent. Legitimate agents tend not to take a major interest in guiding models or talent. They are there to send a number of prospects to auditions, throwing them up against the proverbial wall and seeing who sticks. Those who stick, of course, make them money. If a model or talent comes to them unpackaged or with bad packaging (portfolios, composites, head shots, video reels, audio reels) then they cannot do much with them except to send actors out to be extras and models out to do store promotions -- the bottom of the food chain in their respective areas. If, on the other hand, the model comes with a top notch competitive portfolio, a good well printed composite and possibly and industry standard web page, the agent can send her to go-sees and auditions for well paid print work or (if she has height) for runway opportunities. The same with actors who come with solid training, professional head shots and video reels.
A talent manager is the personal mentor and guide for an individual model or talent. While management regulations vary from state to state, managers are among the sources that are intended to be packaging and training resources by such states as Florida. Florida does not wantthese services to be provided by agents. This keeps the support services competitive. There is no "if you do these things, I will promise you a job" with a legitimate talent manager. Managers are more or less the quarterback of the team (model/talent, manager, agents), setting a direction, telling the model/talent what they need to do to compete -- and giving them the bad news in terms of what they cannot do. Managers make a percentage of what the model or talent earns -- not for specific bookings but for their overall earnings generated in the entertainment arena. It is critical, however, that the talent manager only receive this percentage AFTER the model or talent has received payment for their work, not before.But a lot of the income that can be generated by a talent management enterprise includes workshop/seminar fees (acting, modeling, dance, stunts), photography (portfolios and head shots), printing services (composites, head shots, pr shots, enlargements), web services (auditions lists, online portfolio pages), resume services, and more. These services are not considered to be talent management, as a definition, but are important support functions for models and talent.
Casting directors are the counterpart of the agent. Whereas the agent represents the model/talent at an audition, the casting director represents the client -- the film production company, commercial production company, ad agency -- in finding talent. They also do nothing to guide the talent. They just look for the best possible candidates to present to their client.
A talent scout works usually for a manager or management group. They can work for an agent but are often more of a voluntary service to the agent because in certain states they are not even allowed to make a percentage of what the agent makes because by state law (as in Florida), anyone who makes income from a model or talent for a specific job is by definition an agent, even if they receive a percentage of what the agent received. Normally, talent scouts work for management groups, finding new talent and convincing them to work with the management group. Since the management team can make money legally by offering packaging (portfolios, head shots, promo shots, printing, etc.) and training (film technique classes, modeling classes, stunt schools, etc.), the talent scout, in finding a new unpackaged, untrained talent is able to make a percentage of the income that the management group makes. This, again, is why ethics is important. This also is a great opportunity for a Talent Manager with Casting America. You will be able to build a complete scouting organization underneath you.
The one thing that most people lose sight of, is whether you are an agent, manager, casting director or talent scout, there is always a selling and marketing element involved. An agent tries to sell the model or talent to the casting director and they initially must sell them on signing with them in the first place. The casting director tries to sell the client on using them as the casting director, then sells agents on the project and finally tries to sell the talent they have found to their clients. A manager tries to sell a model or talent on working with them and then on the services or packaging that they truly need to be successful. A manager also then attempts to sell the talent to a number of different agencies. The talent scout tries to sell the prospect on becoming a model or talent and then helps the manager to sell them on the manager's offerings. So there is always a selling and marketing component to this work -- but it does not need to be at all high pressured. In fact, so many people want to enter the industry as models, actors, singers and dancers, that unlike other types of sales, you have to at times unsell them when they are not suited for the business!
Casting America is a complete resource both for talent and those seeking talent in the Entertainment Industry. Whether someone is - or is seeking - actors, models, stunt people, voice over talent, extras, musicians, vocalists, dancers, baby models, animal talent, animal trainers, photographers, writers, directors, animators, producers or crew, Casting America can assist them. In fact, the capabilities and services offered through Casting America are literally unmatched in scope anywhere in the industry. We are a vehicle both for talent and casting directors. Through our web site, models, actors, stunt people, musicians and so forth, can be listed and attain world wide exposure that they are available to work and perform. For agents, producers and casting directors, this is a fantastic vehicle for them to seek out and review talent for their projects.
Our web site currently lists more auditions, castings, go-sees and productions than any other web site in the world, by at least five times the next nearest competitor. The workshops we make available to actors, models and stunt people are extremely practical and reasonably priced. And when the properly sized group is put together, we can conduct our workshops anywhere in the world.
We are now growing nationwide and worldwide - and we are seeking the right people who will grow and build something special with us. We need people who will work hard - not people who just want to claim to be in the entertainment industry.
What We Are Looking For
Casting America is seeking to build its company to a national level of involvement through a nationwide network of model/talent agents, casting directors, model/talent scouts, talent coordinators and model/talent managers. We are part of a growing association of entertainment companies which include Starlord Entertainment, Looks Model and Talent Agency (licensed model and talent agency), Wasaff Casting, Savoire Faire Models, Moon River Casting, Price Models, TX Casting, Elan International Model & Talent Agency (licensed model and talent agency), Looks International (modeling), Elan Model & Talent (licensed), Vamp Models, Aventura Model & Talent (licensed), Vision Quest Films (film and television production), Magical Minds Animation (animation productions), Model Pro Photography, Holiday Family Productions (animation producers)and the American Digital Broadcasting Network (Internet television network).
We are looking for people of good character and high energy who can be trained as managers to find talent for the following opportunities:
1. Website
Actors, models, musicians, etc., who can be enrolled onto the new website. Casting America's website gives talent national and local exposure to those who are seeking talent through the web - and to the major agents, producers, casting directors, recording companies, etc., who are being directly invited to the website by casting America. However, even further, the talent is not merely listed on this site, but is able to actually have web pages created for them with 1 to 100 photos, resumes, and even audio and video inserts. This will allow them to also direct people to their own site where appropriate - and to even link their site into e-mails to major movers and shakers in the industry. If they have potential, they will be seen. The biggest and most difficult task in the industry for new talent is how to be seen - how to market themselves. This is an extremely powerful tool that can cost as little as $95.00 for a year for a single head shot and resume for an actor, or $275.00 for the year for a model to have ten photos on a page.
As a talent manager, based upon your level of involvement, you will receive a 30% to 33% commission. We will arrange to get application forms to you - or you can have your talent sign over the web. We do take money orders, online checks, master card and visa.
2. Talent Training Opportunities
We have a number of training programs that are ideal for individuals new to the industry. These include an On Camera Auditioning Workshop (covering film and television techniques, industry terminology, and the ten types of auditions generally encountered in the industry), a Fundamentals of Modeling Workshop, a Television Commercial Workshop, an Animation Voice over Workshop, and an Acting for Film and Television Workshop. These can be taught as two day intensive workshops in your region for $295.00 per student. If a Talent Manager is the sponsor of such an event and gets the minimum number of students required, then we split the revenues with the manager based upon the escalating size of the class. It starts at 30% or 33%, your base commission rate, but can grow to 40% or even to 50% with larger workshops. Get 100 or 200 students into a single workshop and it can be a very profitable weekend for the Talent Manager while being a very enlightening weekend for the students.
Other courses include On Camera Scene Studies, a variety of Modeling Workshops (Fundamentals, Runway, Photo Movement and the Business of Modeling), Script Writing for Television and Film, and a Certified Stunt Fighting workshop. All of these are available for you to offer in your area.
The bottom line is that for each workshop organized by a Talent Manager, the manager can generate income for themselves ranging from $2,000 to $30,000 for a single weekend.
3. Jobs and Auditions Board
Our Jobs and Auditions Board is now a members only offering on the web site. This is due to the fact that the Board has become so large and difficult to maintain that we had to finally start charging for the service. The Board is $12.95 per month, when paid monthly at a time, and there are discounts for paying multiple months at a time. Or it can be paid yearly at a time for $95.00. However, the Board is included in packages like the Kickstart Program and SuperStart Program. Those purchasing the one year Kickstart or SuperStart Program receive a one year membership to the Board.
4. Tapes and CD's
We hope to soon have tapes and CD's of our various workshops and will make them available to the scouts to sell. Eventually we hope to set up on line education directly over the Internet as well. The tapes and CD's will add to revenues at the seminars and work shops when conducted.
5. Photography/Portfolio Services
Models need composites and portfolios and actors need head shots - no way around it. Models need to be photographed on location in ten to forty outfits - and taught how to pose (photo movement) as they are shooting in many cases. Unfortunately, models are misled throughout the country about such processes. Too often they spend a lot for poor photography or they pay nothing for "trade for prints", where an amateur photographer takes amateur shots or cheesy shots that leave the model still looking like an amateur. Casting America's photography is very high end and it includes training of the individual model with the pricing. Our photographers are experienced in shooting print ads, so they know how to make the portfolio shots look like they could have been done as part of an ad campaign. If the scout can enroll a minimum number of models or actors who will need to have photography done, then Casting America can send one of its photographers to your location to shoot. There will be a minimum fee to be sure that travel is covered - but this could become a lucrative once a month event in many cases, earning the manager $1,000 to $10,000 per event depending on the number recruited.
6. Composites and Portfolios
Once a model or actor has been photographed, the composites and portfolios will need to be printed. Casting America offers professional printing services to do these the right way - and once again the scout earns an attractive commission!
7. Merchandising
We will soon have merchandise for sale. Items such as vinyl and/or leather-bound portfolios for models, model tote bags, tee shirts, caps and other items will be available for you to sell. We will also be selling modeling and acting books and health products.
8. Talent Management Programs
As a Talent Manager, you can also make money by recruiting other scouts and managers, earning overrides off of what they produce. Your overrides for Independent Scouts can be as high as 15% to 18% depending upon the program. The override off of Corporate Scouts can be as much as 10% to 15%. You also get your 30% or 33% commission for the fee paid by Corporate Scouts or Talent Managers who join. You make a 3% override off of talent Managers you recruit.
a. Independent Scouts are able to join Casting America at no cost (although we ask that they try to enroll as monthly members of the Jobs Board). Independent Scouts receive no real direct training from Casting America other than special training sections hidden online and some phone support when opportunities arise. If you should bring on board an independent scout, you will get no up front income, but you can make an override on what that scout produces depending upon your own level (i.e., independent scout, corporate scout, talent manager, exclusive rights manager, etc.).
b. Corporate Scouts pay $250.00 for online and phone training-- and they receive a free annual membership ($155.40 value normally) and web page ($95 value when purchased separately) on Casting America. If you enroll a Corporate Scout, then you as an Independent Scout will make your 15% commission off of their enrollment fees and you will now be elevated to the same commission level that they are at (20%), becoming a Corporate Scout yourself. A Corporate Scout will receive 20% of the enrollment fee for signing another Corporate Scout. In both cases, you earn a 5% override off of the business produced by the scout you have registered outside of your territory and as much as 15% if the scout is inside of your territory -- a big perk for Exclusive Rights Talent Managers.
c. Talent Managers pay $5,000.00 to $100,000.00 to be trained to start a full time distribution business for Casting America. Talent Managers are also trained to operate a complete management business of their own. If you sign a Talent Manager, you will not only earn 30% to 33% of the $5,000.00 to $100,000.00
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who loves the entertainment field!
Code of Ethics
You must also agree to bide by our Code of Ethics as follows:
1. I will NEVER tell a prospect that "I can make them a star", because no one in any stage of the business could ever give such a guarantee.
2. I will NEVER tell a prospect that Casting America or any of its affiliates can definitely get them work as an actor, model or talent, because no one in any part of the talent management business
could ever make such a guarantee.
3. I will NEVER use my role as a Talent Scout to attempt to take advantage of a prospect in any way: financially, personally or sexually.
4. I will not represent myself as a formal employee of the company, but rather as an independent Talent Scout working with Casting America. My business cards can say Casting America on them with its logo and the term "Talent Scout" as my job description.
5. I will never behave in any manner which could be construed as unethical, knowing that such behavior would end my relationship with Casting America.