Acting : During The Actor’s Strike Here Is A Really Great Job Actors Might Consider by Aaron Marcus

So glad you got booked on a TV spot. and that you are able to continue auditioning. I have a bad feeling that I won’t be able to work on TV or film projects for quite some time. Have you ever done any commercial print work?

I fell into modeling due to my acting career. Post pandemic I've been working almost full time as a model with several model agencies worldwide. It's generally great money, but, even this industry have succumbed to greed. Commercials now often just pay a fraction to what they did five years ago.

It is however as cutthroat as any other entertainment industry.

I can also say that after a few years in modeling, I miss the thrill and dept of immersing oneself with a character.

Thanks so much for sharing. Is it hard working in other countries? Do you need work Bisa’s for each country?

Are you comfortable sharing the names of the agencies?

I was fortunate to have done a lot of commercial print work during our last Union strike. This allowed me to continue making a living.

What type of modeling have you been doing? Fashion or commercial print? Thank you so much for sharing

Many countries do require a visa, but since I'm based in the EU, it does simplify things.

I would recommend agencies, since they do not only protect you from bad/corrupt deals, they also have access to the big jobs. The best way of finding an agency is either to try to make an appointment (which in today's internet climate is almost impossible) or apply via email/directly on their homepage. Models.com is the to go to site when the agency hunts begins.

I've working within all fields of modeling. From TV-commercials to catwalk. I've also done a lot of editorials and fashion shootings. Not to mention the extensive amount of online catalogue (the grunt work of the model world).

My best advice is to produce as much material yourself. Try to understand how the industry would cast you. Build an online portfolio that is easy to send around. Instagram has taken over as the SED-card. Previously I used to carry a model book around (A portfolio with pictures). Those days are long gone, now everything is digital. For reference you can find me on Instagram @rasmus.branders

Rasmus, thank you for sharing such incredible information. I agree with everything you said. Especially the part of having all jobs/go-sees go through agents. As you said, they will make sure the project is legit, have access to bigger jobs, and will also know the proper fees the model should receive. And, they will help make sure the model gets paid.

Congratulations on all of your success. I will follow you on IG. You can see my IG page at:@aaronrmarcus.

If you ever have any acting questions, always feel free to reach out to me.

I was wondering, when you do a TV commercial in the UK, do they have any rules, like with SAG-AFTRA in the U.S. where we receive residuals depending on the specific job?

Thank you for sharing Aaron I hadn't even thought of doing commercial modelling before but definitely something I will look into now.

Rasmus Branders yeah, getting visa or work permits are a job on it own, but happy when you do get them ;)

For reference, those who would like to follow me, are welcome to do so on Instagram @geertvannieuwenhove9

Aaron, in the UK it's mostly the union Equity ( https://www.equity.org.uk ) who looks over everything.

That's a really great point, Aaron Marcus! Similarly, I think producers forget that on commercial shoots, you can snag stock pictures and stock video for some residual income. Never done print work myself, but I wouldn't be opposed to it.

And now following you on IG! I'm @k.osswrites

Great advice, as usual, Aaron Marcus! Thanks for sharing.

An agency are vital IMO. During my acting studies, I was freelance-modeling off and on, which led to some nasty situations with clients refusing to pay. Simply, because they could. This almost led to a lawsuit. Luckily, I signed with the actors union a few months after and the client hastily paid up.

Now with the backing of mother agency such assurances are a thing of the past. Find the right agency for you. I changed six times before I was happy, and this is after ten years of modeling!

Also, in response to Karen "Kay" Ross. That's a misconception. You can definitely not snag stock photos of anything on set, especially not the talent. That would be highly illegal and is always a separate contract/shoot.

And beware, if you want to work in front of the camera - Never do stock photos. No rights, no buyouts, infinite usage. You'll shoot yourself in the foot for 260 bucks - if even. (great for the photographer though)

Oh, and Visas, hire someone. Model agencies generally don't go through the hassle, so it's left to you as a private person.

Honestly, pay that little extra, have the professionals do their job, and boom, you got a visa. Or you do what I did and try to fix everything yourself (cus why wouldn't I be able to,huh?) aaaand get banned from South Africa for five years because of a faulty visa. Fun and games, ppl.

Hi Emily,

So glad you liked the idea of looking info commercial modeling. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. You can easily get to me at howtoactandmodel.com and click on the contact tab.

Hi Kay,

Actors and models need to be very careful when doing stock work for these 3 reasons.

1. Your image can be used in perpetuity and you won't receive any additional money.

2. You have no idea how your image will be used (which product, company, or organization.) I have only turned down a handful of jobs out of nearly 1,300. And, the reason was always not wanting to be connected or wanting to support the company.

3. Since you have no idea how your image is being used, if you are asked about conflicts (having worked with a competing company) you have no idea. You can run into legal issues if you say that you don't have conflicts, and the stock shot was used for a competitor.

Hey Sam, glad to help out and share information with others,.

Rasmus, thank you so much for sharing such great info. Trying to do things on your own can get very tricky. There were a few times when I knew there was no way I would have been able to get paid for a project unless I had an agent fighting for me. Rasmus, what actors Union are you in? I have been a member of SAG-AFTRA for decades. And, they have been so helpful to me. I had to file claims several times and always received proper compensation.