FAQ
There are questions…and then there are questions.
These are the most frequently asked questions our agents face everyday. We do our best to answer them in a non-biased way so that you may make an informed decision when hiring an agent.
Q: The Audition GUARANTEE? What is it?
A: For clients who join as PREMIUM MEMBERS – CA is proud to be the only known agency in Toronto to offer an audition guarantee! We stand by our word. If in the year we represent you as a PREMIUM MEMBER- you do NOT get a single audition even though the agency has been pitching you to casting – we will give you a second year WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED! The AUDITION GUARANTEE – Only at CA.
Q: What are my chances of success?
A: Success is measured by everyone differently. At CA we don’t measure your success by how much money you have generated. We measure your success by how many times we are able to promote you to casting directors. In other words we measure your success by your “POTENTIAL”. We see the law of averages proven on a daily basis. The more we can promote you, the more demand there is for your look – the more chance you have of getting auditions and work.
Q: Does experience matter? What if I don’t have any experience?
A: CA specializes in completely inexperienced people of all ages and backgrounds. Experience is not necessary for the types of work we book our people in. However, you must possess either a certain look we are interested in or a personality that stands out from the rest. A combination of both is best but not required. As far as having previous experience in acting or modelling – it is always useful for us and helps us to better promote you.
Q: Do I need to pay for a portfolio?
A: No. CA does not sell portfolios. A portfolio is something that is compiled by a model as he/she works in print ads or with different photographers. You do NOT buy a portfolio from one source and shoot it in one session.
Q: Do I need to pay for training or for schooling?
A: No. CA is not a training facility or a school. We can recommend some very good facilities to you but we do not teach. Once again, any agency that is operating a school is generally only after your money. CA specializes in completely new people that are generally untrained. Our job is breaking you into the industry as a new face. Our casting clients know this and expect to see new faces from CA. Yes you can take classes at many fine schools in Toronto for acting and modelling but the rule of thumb is AGENTS DO NOT OPERATE SCHOOLS. It is a conflict of interest. It would be like a dentist selling candy from his office.
Q: Do I need photographs?
A: Yes, In order to successfully market you to casting and production you need to supply us with professional photos. At CA we supply your photographs. You also get a DVD of your shoot to keep.
Q: How many job opportunities does CA get a day?
A: Depending on the time of year we average 20-25 PAYING jobs each day. Each job can consist of 1 role to 20+ roles! So you can imagine how busy it is in Spring, Summer and Fall. However, Winter in Toronto is always much slower. Don’t expect a lot of activity at this time of year. Christmas commercials are filmed in August!
Q: How much money can I make?
A: This is one of the most common questions we are asked. It is also a difficult one to answer. Once again – each of our people vary. Union rates on TV commercials are approximately 600+/day plus you are paid every time the commercial airs. Some of our new faces have generated close to $10,000 in residual payments. Non union production such as music videos and print ads can pay as little as $150 per day and up to $140.00 per hour. Many of our clients received RESIDUALS for commercials that are on the air – however there are no residuals paid for NON UNIION work, rather, a buy-out is given to the performer. Buy-outs can run between $1,000 – $10,000. So as you can see, for some, it can be a very lucrative pursuit.
Q: Is CA a “Union” agency?
A:There is no such thing as a “Union” agency. Never has been, never will be. The actors union is called ACTRA and has absolutely no jurisdiction over any talent agency, modelling agency, or management company. This particular union governs ONLY union member performers. Only performers can be governed by a performers union – not their agents or managers.
Q: Is CA a member of the BBB (Better Business Bureau)?
A: No. CA has been invited to join (and for many years was a member) but now refuses to be a member due to the fact that the BBB showed little interest in actually knowing what CA does – rather, it seemed more interested in garnering a yearly membership fee from CA. CA does have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau although.
Q: Where do I find honest references on CA?
A: Probably one of the best ways to suss out if an agency is on the up and up is to search for online blogs. Read what others are saying. Keep in mind this can be mis leading but if there are dozens and in some cases hundreds of angry customers – use your common sense. Another way to research CA is to check out the updates on the Facebook page. Remember, CA was established in 1992. It is one of the oldest and most respected NEW FACE agencies in Toronto. It has booked thousands of people in TV, Film, Print and Web media over the years. Thank goodness – Scams don’t last more than a few years. Once again – common sense.
