How do I apply to join Stella Talent Management and what are the requirements?
To apply please complete our online application form filling in as much information as possible. We will consider children from the ages of 4+ with or without experience and will be looking for kids who are confident and enjoy being in front of the camera. If you have any additions skills or interesting hobbies we would be interested to know about them, whether it's horse riding, playing the guitar, skateboarding we would love to hear about them. If you are not already a member of Spotlight and do not have a Spotlight pin we would require a short self tape introducing yourself, and either a monologue, scene or poem of your choice no longer than 2 mins long. Please also send 1 or 2 headshots and 1 full length photo of your child these should be sent to us via Dropbox or We Transfer to apply@stellatalentmanagement.co.uk
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We aim respond to all applicants within 4 weeks via email. Please note that all successful applicants will be required to join Spotlight UK once the offer of representation has been accepted. A copy of our terms and conditions will be sent out via email alongside our offer of representation this must be read and agreed before signing the contract.
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Do I need professional headshots?
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You do not need professional headshots to apply, but we do recommend getting some taken when you can. We find that Casting Agents prefer to view high quality images as they can zoom in and see your child's face, eyes and hair clearly should they wish to and remember your headshot is the first thing they see and you want to stand out and for them to want to know more about you. We do have a list of professional headshot photographers that we can recommend should you need any advice.
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What is Spotlight and how much does it cost to join?
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Spotlight is the UK’s leading casting platform and links the three key players in the casting process: the agent, the casting director and the performer. It’s where your child’s profile can be displayed, found and viewed by casting directors. It’s where casting directors share job information directly with agents, and where agents can suggest the performers they represent for those jobs.
Spotlight features profiles for all our young performers from age 4 -16 and is the best way for any young performer to promote themselves to casting opportunities casting directors generally prefer to hire children that are registered with Spotlight.
Productions cast via Spotlight include Feature Films, West End musicals, TV dramas, Commercials and so much more.
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Once you have completed our application process we will be send you an link to join Spotlight and from there you can then set up your child's Spotlight profile. Only children who are represented by an approved agent are eligible for a young performers membership. If you require any help setting up your profile we are happy to help and advise on this.
Annual Spotlight Young Performers memberships currently costs £121.20 with the option to pay monthly after 1 year.
For more indepth information about Spotlight for Young Performers please follow the link below:
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https://www.spotlight.com/help-and-faqs/faqs-for-young-performers/
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How does the casting process work?
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We have several different methods for sourcing casting opportunities but the main platform is Spotlight which we use to find our clients work via the jobs feed. Once we select suitable actors who fits the brief we submit their profile and it is sent straight to the casting director, who then filters the suggestions and will audition the performers they think suit the role.
We ask that you keep headshots, physical details and credits up to date on your profile, as all the things listed there makes performers searchable by casting directors. Some West End shows have specific height requirements, so it’s especially important to keep this information current.
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Casting directors can receive hundreds, sometimes thousands of suggestions for just one role, so landing an audition is a huge achievement in itself. The industry now does a lot of first round auditions via self-tape so that they can try to see as many people as possible for a role. For more information and tips on self-taping please use the link below:
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https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/tips-and-advice/how-to-self-tape-at-home/
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In person castings are generally in the London area mostly between 4-6pm to allow for children to arrive after school has finished. If you are successfully cast for a role, filming will generally take place during the daytime and during the week so this would mean time out from school. You will need to obtain permission to perform from your school Head Teacher and then will apply to your local authority to obtain a licence for your child to work. We are here to guide you through this process and will help you as much as we can.
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Castings can come in at very short notice to self tape or arrange travel for an in person casting. Being available to attend will obviously increase your child’s chances of success and you must inform us of any holidays or periods you will not be available so as we do not submit you for roles during those times.
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How long should I expect to wait before booking a job?
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While we would love our clients to be booking regular jobs this is something we cannot guarantee. We will do everything we can to make sure you are submitted for every suitable role that comes in but the decision of which children are selected to cast is down to the Casting Director who is working on each project. When final decisions are made on who they wish to book for the role it is not made solely by the Casting Director but normally several other people working on the project ie Director’s, Producer’s etc. Just to get a casting opportunity is a fantastic achievement and should not be seen as a failure if you do not go any further. In the end many factors can rule you out of the game i.e matching up characters to other already cast members. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be seen by a casting director and you never know you may be the perfect fit for their next project!
