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Welcome to our Advice
page
please note: These
guidelines are simply there to help assist you ,the advice was put
together by various Professionals within the industry. Lookalikes Unite always
strives to supply factual based, good information to whomever
requires it and we take the views of all Lookalikes (new or
established), agencies & other persons with great interest
Should you require a documented
copy of the advice below please e-mail us
Registering with any
agency can seem like a daunting task at first but it really is as
simple as ABC
Always
Be
Careful
You must make up your own
mind as to which agencies to apply to and join, but there are simple
guidelines you can follow to help you choose:
Choosing
an agency remains as one of the most important decisions you will
make as an artist, therefore be very careful as to who you choose
to represent you, it is your image and reputation that is at stake
and can be damaged if you are not careful!
Anyone can build a website
but that can sometimes act as a mask! It is the experience of the
agent that truly matters.
Make sure you visit the agencies
website before and after you join them, ensuring that the pictures
you have sent and the text content is acceptable to you. if you
are not happy as to how you are being portrayed then "say so" it
is your right!
It is
better for you to provide the agency with a write up of what you
would like them to say about you.
A reputable agency will always
work with you on this ensuring you are happy, after all it is
about you and your image!
If you are simply sending your
picture to an agency to enquire about becoming a Lookalike, then
make sure you stress that fact!
Otherwise Some agencies may take
it upon themselves to display your picture assuming they have
permission!
Remember:
1) -
Do
your homework first and always trust your own instincts, if you are
unsure do not register with them,
2) - If something does
not sound or feel right then it probably isn't.
3) - Never pay money up-front for
ANYTHING unless you have weighed up the risks.
5) -
Take time to review
application forms and make sure you understand them, don't be afraid
to ask questions and, make sure that you are happy before you agree
or sign anything.
Once you have signed to join with any
agency remember that work is never guaranteed and, agencies
will never say otherwise, be wary of promises of work and stardom,
you will usually be disappointed.
Professional and Full time
artists that have been in the industry a long time should always
make sure they get paid their worth!
Remember that it is your career
so therefore discuss and agree your worth with your agent
“Sole management”
Almost all “Sole
management” contracts mean you are
EXCLUSIVE
to that agent and that they are the only person retained or
authorised to perform the services described therein. One provision
is that the artist should request for the grant of exclusive rights
is a representation and warranty by the agent that they have the
knowledge, experience or resources to provide the services required
under the contract. In addition, the agent should agree to use their
“Best” efforts in the furtherance of the artists career.
Often, contracts submitted by the
agent contain only representation to use “reasonable” efforts in
such regard! so is this truly in your best interest?
 Play
it safe:
Before you go for any
interview, casting or job, make sure you tell someone where it is
you are going, leave information such as an address/ contact numbers
or where possible take someone with you.
 Working
Abroad:
Make sure
you have return flights
guaranteed
and in hand before
leaving.
Find out the name of the hotel where you will be staying and
determine the standard of the hotel.
The agency that you choose
to represent you should be handling these details correctly on your
behalf, so it brings me back to the point of being very careful as
to who represents you as a high level of
trust
will be involved and at times when your
life
could depend on it!
Before
you accept any job offers make sure you know exactly what
is expected of you, make sure you are happy before you agree to
anything and you know the full facts.
Do
your best to keep up to date with your appearance and wardrobe ,do
send updated pictures to all the agents you are with.
Try to be Flexible
and reliable
Allow plenty of time
for travelling, arrive early if possible and always allow plenty of
time to change etc
Agents and Clients
will expect you to be professional at all times during any
assignment
Being an
Entertainer can be demanding but it can also be rewarding
Always keep agents
informed
of any
changes
to your contact details
especially
address and phone numbers
Please return calls to
agents where possible If you are
working you should therefore try to make a point of returning calls during a break.
It is very important that you have an answer phone at home and on
your mobile that is in working order so that you do not miss out on
potential work enquiries.
Please note Artists
are considered Self Employed, therefore you will be responsible for
your own NI contributions and Tax
It is worth considering joining Equity
www.equity.org.uk
Equity is the only Trade Union to represent artists from across the
entire spectrum of arts and entertainment in the UK.
Below are some other
Useful links:
www.employment-law-expert.co.uk
-
A Charitable Trust
www.dti.gov.uk/employment/employment-agencies/index.html -
Employment Agency Standards
Have fun
and good luck.
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