FAQ

Are there any costs or fees to enroll with Dream Maker Management?
No, there is no cost to you if we decide to sign you or your child to our talent management company. Your primary expense will be traveling to and from Manhattan and getting headshots. We do not charge any money for you to sign with our Talent Management. The cost of traveling to and from Manhattan for auditions will be your primary expense.

How does Dream Maker Talent Management get paid?
We only get paid when you or your child book a job.
Agents and Managers receive a commission from your earnings. Agents take 10% gross commission for legit work (i.e. television, film, print, commercials). Our fee is 15% gross. 

How do I get started? 
E-mail us at: DreamMakerTalent@aol.com and request a talent application. We will e-mail you one to fill out. Once that is all complete e-mail it back to us. It will be reviewed by our staff. If you or your child is accepted we will contact you within the next couple of weeks. 

Is Dream Maker Talent Management an agency?
No, We are a management company. There is a difference. If you choose to sign exclusively with an agency, you are not allowed to receive auditions from other agencies. When you sign with a manager, you work with all of the agencies through the management company, therefore increasing your number of auditions. And that is the key to finding work.

How can I set up an interview?
We meet with potential clients weekly for interviews. All potential clients are required to meet with management to discuss their goals and dreams. If you are a theater person we would love to hear you sing. Prepare a Ballard and up tempo song when we have our interview. We will also look at any reels, you-tube performances you may have. 

Do I need professional pictures? 
Yes, Professional pictures are the key to getting your face and name out there with agents and casting directors. We strongly recommend it. In order to be submitted for film and television projects - 8x10 headshots are required for actors 4 years old and above. We can suggest reputable photographers in your price range, but the cost is your responsibility. 

Must I sign a contract with Dream Maker Talent Management? 
Yes, a two-year contract is required for representation. 

Should I join the Actors Union?
The 2 primary unions we recommend to our experienced clients are the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). In both cases, we do not recommend you join until you are required to do so (SAG - after two union jobs; AFTRA - after one union job). While the goal of every actor is to eventually work on only union-affiliated jobs, it is not necessary if you are relatively new to the business. Since the cost of membership is high, (approximately $1,500 for each union) it is better to have worked enough so that your income covers at least the initial fees.

What is the difference between Union and Non-Union work?
Union-affiliated work has pre-determined rates and regulations. Non-Union work rates vary.
For example: SAG commercials pay a session fee of $535 for a 9-hour principal workday. Only principal players are paid residuals for the commercial. The potential for making earnings into the thousands of dollars is often very good.
Non-Union commercials pay one flat session rate with no residuals. Non-Union jobs provide invaluable experience; therefore we recommend these jobs to non-union affiliated clients.

What is a Headshot?
Headshots - An 8 x 10 sized photo of an actor's face. Used in order to submit the actor to a specific role. Up until not so long ago the proper photo was in black and white. Today the photo can be a color one, and in some cases shows more than the actor's face. Some headshots shows 3/4 body shots, and there are some that show full body shots. But study shows that for best results, the clearer the face and the eyes are, you are more likely to be called to an audition.. 

Do I need a resume?
Yes, An actor's resume should list his / her physics (height, hair color, eye color...), his / her credits (projects he has done), his / her contact info (usually the agent or manager), and his/her skills (singing, dancing, sports, languages, hobbies). I will be happy to help you with this.

What is an audition?
Auditions - Interview for actors conducted by a director or a casting director in order to determine if the actor fits the role. Auditions for children usually require the child to go into the room on their own. Parents will wait for their child in the waiting room.

What is a Callback?
Callback - After a successful audition the casting director will call the actor's manager in order to schedule a second audition. This process is called a callback and sometimes can take up to 5 times until the casting director makes up his mind. Many times when the choice is hard to make, the actor will be put on avail or hold.

What does Avail / Hold mean?
Avail / Hold - Means that the actor should be available to work in the dates of the shoot. It is almost as if you have a 50% chance to get the role. Many times the casting director will just use you as a security in case something will fall with his first choice. But anyway you look at it, it is a good thing.

What is the role of a Casting Director?
Casting Directors are the middleman between you and the part. It is up to them to decide if you are good enough to stand in front of the director & producers in your final callback.  Ask any casting director what matters most when an actor shows up to an audition. Most will say, "They need to be prepared." (Showing up on time can't hurt either.) These should be obvious, but it's surprising how many actors make a bad impression with something as simple as inappropriate behavior. It can knock you out before you step into the ring. Remember: Casting directors already have the job  you don't. So you need to prove yourself to them, not the other way around. 
Other suggestions we heard from CDs: Avoid unnecessary chit-chat. Don't linger in the room for too long after you read. Stay away from using most props. And avoid making physical contact with the casting director during your audition.