Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know About Booking & Representation.
Clear answers on rates, B2B invoicing, talent trust accounts, and agency guidelines.
Does Models + Actors service Sydney productions as well as regional NSW? +
Yes. While our agency studio is based in New Lambton (Newcastle), our talent roster covers Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Central Coast, and Sydney. When filming in regional locations, booking local M+A talent eliminates Sydney travel allowances, per diems, and accommodation costs.
What is your legal and operational status regarding talent engagements? +
Models + Actors operates as a Talent Management Agency representing independent talent principals. We act as a Talent Agent, not an employer or labor-hire provider.
How does invoicing work for production offices? +
As agent for our talent, we issue a single, itemised B2B agency tax invoice covering talent award rates and standard agency commission. This allows your production office to process payment effortlessly through standard accounts payable, eliminating complex payroll onboarding for short-term sets.
How are talent payments protected? +
All performer earnings received from production clients are deposited directly into our dedicated, segregated Talent Trust Account. This guarantees complete financial isolation and prompt disbursement to talent once funds clear.
What makes your regional talent pool different from Sydney extras? +
Our performers bring a refreshing attitude to set: genuine enthusiasm, professional discipline, and zero set ego. They aren’t treating a commercial shoot as a reluctant stepping stone—they love the craft, respect set etiquette, and are exceptionally easy to direct.
How do you handle talent rates and union compliance? +
We strictly enforce statutory Australian Equity and MEAA award minimums across all commercial, TV, film, and print bookings. We do not supply talent for unpaid, “exposure-only,” or under-award briefs.
How quickly can you deliver a talent shortlist for an active brief? +
Our standard digital shortlist turnaround is 2 to 4 business hours. For urgent same-day bookings or emergency set replacements, please call Agency Director Haylee Knight directly on 0408 336 228.
Are there any upfront joining fees, annual listing charges, or hidden costs? +
Absolutely not. Models + Actors operates on a 100% commission-first model ($0 joining fees, $0 yearly listing charges). We only earn money when we secure paid commercial work for you.
Can I be represented by other agencies while with Models + Actors? +
Models + Actors acts as your sole local Talent Agent across the Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Mid North Coast, and broader regional NSW market. This keeps casting communication clear and avoids conflicting briefs in our territory. We are fully supportive of talent who also hold representation elsewhere—for example, with leading Sydney or international agencies—and we work cooperatively with sister agencies on bookings outside our region. We maintain established sister-agency relationships to help talent pursue national and overseas opportunities without conflict.
Do I need expensive professional headshots to apply? +
No. When applying via our discover page, clear, natural photos taken on a modern smartphone (a headshot and full-length photo against a plain background) are completely fine. Once accepted, represented talent must maintain current, professional photos—you may use any photographer you choose, or take advantage of our low-cost, optional in-house studio shoot days at our New Lambton studio if you prefer.
How do I know I will be paid fairly for set work? +
We strictly enforce MEAA and Equity award minimums across all client bookings and turn down underpaid or “free exposure” projects. Furthermore, all talent earnings are safely processed through our regulated Talent Trust Account.
What happens after I submit my application? +
Our agency team reviews all submissions. If approved, you will receive login credentials to set up your personal Talent Portal profile, where you can manage your stats, upload fresh photos, and review project briefs.
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