Top FAQs From Potential Talent
1. What does an agent do?
An agent (or agency) works to find talent (you all) roles in things such as television, film, commercials, social media campaigns, etc. We also negotiate your contract, trying to get you the most money as possible as well as travel and lodging (if feasible). We will also help you get things like a professional resume, headshot, placement on our site for casting agents to see, etc. We will do the grunt work for you so you don't have to go to all the casting pages, groups and websites to try and find you work. In exchange for our time and effort, we take a small percentage (10-20%) of your earnings. A LEGIT agent will NEVER ask for upfront fees except for small things like maybe your headshots (never more than $100). If you have your own professional headshots, you're always welcome to submit your own!
2. What is the difference between union and non-union?
Union aka SAG (Screen Actors Guild) just means that you've paid your dues and are actively involved in the organization. Majority of aerial artists do not join SAG because it costs a couple thousand bucks to join. Unless you're continually working on SAG projects, it does not make financial sense to do so. Once you join, you technically cannot work on any non-union projects. So, it also makes more sense to remain eligible (if you are) than to join. In order to become eligible to join SAG, you have to receive a SAG contract or three vouchers in a calendar year. You can also check your eligibility on the SAG website.
3. Will you make me rich and famous?
Probably not! Even the folks who work alongside top musicians on tour are not rich nor are they famous. But, they make decent money and usually have fun while doing so. You may get to travel, build your resume, get IMDB (International Movie Database) credit, meet some famous actors and musicians, and make memories though.
4. Why is it important to have an agent? Can't I find work myself?
You totally can! In fact, we encourage it. There are often roles that pay less than $200 that we will not submit you to but you are welcome to apply on your own!
5. Why PHX Entertainers?
Our founder/owner Lily is also an aerial artist who has been working in the entertainment industry for the past several years. They get it. They will also help build your resume, get you headshots and teach you set do's and don'ts. Lily is also passionate about helping SWers, especially those looking to move on and find other work but might not be sure how to do so. They will make sure you are treated with respect and dignity no matter your race, gender identity or sexual orientation. We're very queer, trans and minority friendly!
6. Why are there fees for casting sites?
PHX Entertainers does not make any money off of casting sites. In order to give yourself as much exposure and chances of getting jobs as possible, we will recommend you join/pay for casting sites. These include (at present) 800casting which is $49.95/year and Backstage which is $75/year (first year special) or $19.95/mo. Lily will personally handle all of your submissions and communications. If you're unable to afford these sites, Lily can work with you to come up with a payment plan OR only submit you to gigs that are not through these sites. It will become a requirement to be on at least one casting site by 2022. You'll also be able to write these fees off of your taxes. Lily is happy to answer any questions related to fees.
An agent (or agency) works to find talent (you all) roles in things such as television, film, commercials, social media campaigns, etc. We also negotiate your contract, trying to get you the most money as possible as well as travel and lodging (if feasible). We will also help you get things like a professional resume, headshot, placement on our site for casting agents to see, etc. We will do the grunt work for you so you don't have to go to all the casting pages, groups and websites to try and find you work. In exchange for our time and effort, we take a small percentage (10-20%) of your earnings. A LEGIT agent will NEVER ask for upfront fees except for small things like maybe your headshots (never more than $100). If you have your own professional headshots, you're always welcome to submit your own!
2. What is the difference between union and non-union?
Union aka SAG (Screen Actors Guild) just means that you've paid your dues and are actively involved in the organization. Majority of aerial artists do not join SAG because it costs a couple thousand bucks to join. Unless you're continually working on SAG projects, it does not make financial sense to do so. Once you join, you technically cannot work on any non-union projects. So, it also makes more sense to remain eligible (if you are) than to join. In order to become eligible to join SAG, you have to receive a SAG contract or three vouchers in a calendar year. You can also check your eligibility on the SAG website.
3. Will you make me rich and famous?
Probably not! Even the folks who work alongside top musicians on tour are not rich nor are they famous. But, they make decent money and usually have fun while doing so. You may get to travel, build your resume, get IMDB (International Movie Database) credit, meet some famous actors and musicians, and make memories though.
4. Why is it important to have an agent? Can't I find work myself?
You totally can! In fact, we encourage it. There are often roles that pay less than $200 that we will not submit you to but you are welcome to apply on your own!
5. Why PHX Entertainers?
Our founder/owner Lily is also an aerial artist who has been working in the entertainment industry for the past several years. They get it. They will also help build your resume, get you headshots and teach you set do's and don'ts. Lily is also passionate about helping SWers, especially those looking to move on and find other work but might not be sure how to do so. They will make sure you are treated with respect and dignity no matter your race, gender identity or sexual orientation. We're very queer, trans and minority friendly!
6. Why are there fees for casting sites?
PHX Entertainers does not make any money off of casting sites. In order to give yourself as much exposure and chances of getting jobs as possible, we will recommend you join/pay for casting sites. These include (at present) 800casting which is $49.95/year and Backstage which is $75/year (first year special) or $19.95/mo. Lily will personally handle all of your submissions and communications. If you're unable to afford these sites, Lily can work with you to come up with a payment plan OR only submit you to gigs that are not through these sites. It will become a requirement to be on at least one casting site by 2022. You'll also be able to write these fees off of your taxes. Lily is happy to answer any questions related to fees.