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Industry Foundations

Industry Foundations

Industry Workflow, Glossary, Vetting Agents, Identifying Scams, Informed Consent, Spotlight/Equity/Tagmin, and Defining Exploitation.

Introduction

This section provides a map for the start of your child’s journey. We will look at the industry workflow and provide a glossary of terms. We will also cover how to vet agents, spot red flags and scams, and understand the vital difference between a great opportunity and exploitation.

 

The Industry Workflow

Although every project is different, most follow a path a bit like the one below:

  • The Breakdown: A Casting Director sends out a job description (a 'breakdown') to agents.
     
  • The Submission: Your agent suggests your child for the role.
     
  • The Audition/Self-Tape: You receive an invitation to film a video at home (self-tape) or attend an in-person audition. (There can be many rounds of auditions depending on the job)
     
  • The Shortlist: The production team narrows down their choices (sometimes called a 'pencil' or 'heavy pencil'), which usually means your child is being seriously considered for the role, although an offer has not yet been made.
     
  • The Licence: For a child to work professionally they need to be submitted to the Local Authority for a licence - there is more on this elsewhere in this document.
     
  • The Booking: If successful, your child is offered the job and the contracting process begins.

 

Glossary

  • Availability Check: A quick query from an agent asking if your child is free on certain dates.
     
  • Breakdown: The casting document sent to agents that describes the roles available, including details such as age range, appearance, skills, dates, location and project information. 
     
  • Buyout: A one-off payment that covers the use of the footage for a specific media or territory. Once paid, your child usually does not receive extra 'royalties' for that specific and agreed use.
     
  • Call Sheet: A daily schedule sent to you before a shoot day. It tells you exactly where to go, what time to arrive and who is on set.
     
  • Chemistry Read: An audition where different potential cast members read scenes together to see who has natural chemistry / looks like a family / just ‘feels right’.
     
  • Finals: A final round of auditions before casting directors make their decisions alongside producers / directors.
     
  • Heavy Pencil: This means your child is one of the top choices for the role. You should treat these dates as very likely to be work days.
     
  • Ident: A short filmed introduction of the child to the casting director - usually this will consist of name, age and agent, however might require the child showing profiles and hand shots. Details of what is required in the ident will be provided by the casting team.
     
  • NFA (No Further Action): A term used by agents and casting directors when a project has decided not to move forward with your child after an audition or pencil. This can be very disappointing for your child if this happens but please reassure them this is not their fault the production had other ideas of who they wanted to cast.
     
  • Option: A clause in a contract (common in commercials) that allows the production to re-hire your child for a future version of the same campaign, usually at a pre-set price.
     
  • Pencil / Heavy Pencil: A request for you to keep certain dates free. It is not a booking yet, but you must tell your agent immediately if those dates become unavailable.
     
  • Recall: A second (or third or more) audition. This means the casting director liked the first audition and wants to see more.
     
  • Residuals: Additional payments made to performers every time a production is broadcast or 're-used' (for example, when a show is sold to a new TV channel).
     
  • Screen test: A filmed audition allowing the casting and production teams to see how a performer appears and performs on camera.
     
  • Self-Tape: A video filmed at home of your child performing a scene or 'ident' (introducing themselves) to send to a casting team.
     
  • Stills modelling: Photography of your child - usually for marketing/advertising purposes.
     
  • Supporting artist / Featured supporting artist: Background work / crowd work - which can sometimes involve a few lines of dialogue but is usually silent.
     
  • Usage: The agreement defining where, how and for how long your child’s work can be used (for example: “UK TV only”, “Worldwide Internet”, or “12 months online”). Usage terms can significantly affect fees.
     
  • Wardrobe / Costume Fitting: A separate appointment before filming or performance starts where your child tries on their outfits for the role.
     
  • Wrap: The signal that filming or a performance has finished for the day, or that the entire project is complete.

 

Essential Industry Tools

Many professional opportunities in the UK use the following platforms and organisations:

  • Spotlight: The main professional casting directory for performers in the UK. Many agents, casting directors and productions use Spotlight to search for talent and manage submissions.
    • It’s important to take care on what is included in your child’s Spotlight profile. Don’t include photos that show their school uniform. Do not put links on social media that your children can access or use. Do not put anything on your Spotlight profile that would open the possibility of someone determined enough to identify and then contact your child.
    • The main directory for professional performers in the UK.
       
  • Equity: The UK trade union for performers and creative practitioners. Equity offers guidance on contracts, working conditions, pay, rights and professional support. Children can become members from age 10.
     
  • Tagmin: A software platform used by many agents to manage auditions, availability, bookings and communications.
    • Tagmin is software paid for by agents, it is free for parents to access the system.

 

Vetting Agents and Spotting Scams

 A good agent can be an important partner in your child’s career — helping them access opportunities, negotiate contracts and navigate the industry professionally. However, as in any industry, it is important to do your research and recognise unprofessional practice or potential scams.

  • No Upfront Fees: In the UK, reputable entertainment agencies generally earn their income through commission on work booked. You should never pay simply to audition for an agency. Be cautious of pressure to purchase expensive photo packages, compulsory classes, for coaching sessions advertised with industry experts or additional services as a condition of representation.
    • It is illegal for stills agents to charge upfront fees to clients but not for talent agents. If an upfront fee is charged it cannot be charged within a 30 day period and should be capped to the cost of promoting the talent (e.g. maintenance of a webpage on the talent agent’s website.)
       
  • Agencies attached to drama schools: Some drama schools also run agencies or management services. These arrangements can work well for some families, but may involve additional costs or linked workshops, classes or promotional services. Make sure you fully understand what is optional, what is required, and what you are paying for before committing.
     
  • Open calls: Casting directors often advertise open calls - this is when un-agented performers can apply for an audition. Check with your agent if your child has already been submitted before applying.
     
  • Commission: Agents make money by taking a percentage of what the child earns (usually 15% to 25% depending on the sector).
     
  • Research: Check if the agency is part of the AYPA (Agents of Young Performers Association) or the PMA (Personal Managers Association). If not, ask them why they aren’t. Agents should have a code of conduct as well as Terms of Agreement - check that you’re happy with signing these. Reach out to other people signed with the agency and ask what their experiences have been.
     
  • Red Flags: Be cautious of unsolicited messages on social media promising fame, guaranteed work or rapid success — especially where payment is requested. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and take time to verify credentials before sharing information or making commitments. The AYPA have created a useful document on spotting red flags on casting calls.

 

Informed Consent and Exploitation

Your child’s safety, wellbeing, education and dignity should always come before any role, production or professional opportunity.

  • What is Informed Consent? It means your child understands exactly what they are being asked to do (e.g. "You will have to wear a heavy costume and stand in the rain") and they say "yes" without feeling pressured.
     
  • Exploitation: Exploitation happens when a child’s needs, rights or wellbeing are overlooked in favour of project demands, financial interests, reputation, pressure or convenience. This might include situations where a child feels unable to speak up, where appropriate safeguards are ignored, or where expectations are not age-appropriate, transparent or respectful of the child’s best interests.
     
  • The Power of No: You and your child have the right to ask questions, seek clarification, request adjustments, or say no to a scene, costume, activity or job that feels unsafe, inappropriate or uncomfortable. Healthy professional environments should respect boundaries, encourage communication and take concerns seriously.
    • As a parent it is important you know what your child will do and ask to see the risk assessment.  Especially if there is a need for safety equipment and be prepared to challenge if someone changes the risk assessment at the last minute or suggests your child does not need the safety equipment.

 

Useful Links