Frequently Asked Questions

Shortlist Model + Talent Agency is a Bay Area talent agency for babies, kids, teens, adults, real people/families and voice over talent. We represent talent for both print and on-camera work.

A talent agent’s job is to get work for their talent by submitting for as many job opportunities that are available. When we get contacted by a client, we negotiate the rates, usage, etc. and make the best deal for the model. The agent’s role is primarily the middleman between the hiring client and the talent booking the job.

Agents receive a commission depending on the type of job booked. Shortlist Model + Talent only makes money when their talent makes money.

NO. We are a talent agency and work for commissions only. Please keep in mind, however, that you are going into business for yourself and there will be costs involved for your tools (headshots, Skybolt, etc.). These costs do NOT go to us. These go to the companies providing the services.

Model and talent agency’s work WITH casting directors. Casting directors and agency’s are not in competition with each other. Casting agency’s reach out to talent agency’s for submissions for projects.

We work with experienced talent as well as those who are brand new to the industry. Everyone has to start somewhere…

Please do not call the agency to follow up on submissions. We review every submission and will let you know one way or the other if we are interested in setting up a meeting. We look forward to hearing from you!

It is a good idea to wait on getting professional photos until you have representation.  When submitting photos for representation submit photos of yourself without a hat and sunglasses.

Please visit our submission page and follow instructions.  We see potential talent by appointment only or a model open call.

Yes. Minors aged 15 days up to 18 years who wish to be employed in the entertainment industry must have an Entertainment Work Permit issued by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. An Entertainment Work Permit is valid for 6 months and is renewable every 6 months while a minor is under 18 years old. There is no fee for this permit. In addition to completing an application, the parent or guardian must submit supporting documents which vary depending on the age of the minor. First time applications for children not yet attending school must be accompanied by a birth certificate or other acceptable proof of birth date. First time and renewal applications for school age children must be accompanied by an approval from the school on the form which will be provided after the application is completed.

For more information, visit https://permits.dir.ca.gov/ewp/

Coogan Accounts are required by the State of California, New York, Louisiana and New Mexico. In most instances, you will have to supply proof of a trust account prior to receiving a work permit. 15% of the minor’s gross wages are required to be withheld by the employer and deposited into the Coogan account within 15 days of employment. The parent must supply the Coogan account number to the employer.

Banks that are familiar with Coogan accounts:

• AFTRA/SAG Federal Credit Union
• Actors Federal Credit Union
• Bank of the West
• City National Bank
• First Entertainment Credit Union
• Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney
• Union Bank of California
• Wells Fargo

For more information, visit http://www.sagaftra.org/content/coogan-law

The studio teacher, in addition to teaching, shall also have the responsibility for caring and attending to the health, safety and morals of minors under sixteen (16) years of age while on set.

Yes.  A parent or guardian of a minor under sixteen years of age must be present with, and accompany, such minor on the set or location and be within sight or sound of said minor at all times.  For more information, visit http://www.dir.ca.gov/t8/11757.html