What does Spotlight \u2018look like\u2019 when you appear as a Self-Represented performer?<\/h4>\n
We\u2019ve introduced new features to empower our members who do not have representation. Now, instead of appearing as \u2018Care of Spotlight\u2019, you\u2019ll be listed as \u2018Self-Represented\u2019.<\/p>\n
On your profile, \u2018Contact performer\u2019 will now appear alongside your name. Spotlight-registered casting directors can click on this to contact you directly via email.<\/p>\n
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Example of what your profile looks like when viewed by a logged-in Spotlight user.<\/em><\/p>\n If a non-registered user views your profile (if you choose to share it publicly) then Spotlight\u2019s Enquiries email address will instead be displayed to protect your privacy.<\/p>\n Being self-represented means you have to be proactive in promoting yourself. Take a look at our tips for\u00a0starting out<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0making your own work<\/a>. We also have some useful advice about\u00a0working without an agent<\/a>.<\/p>\n For Spotlight-registered casting users<\/strong><\/p>\n When you\u2019re listed as \u2018Self-Represented\u2019, Spotlight-registered casting directors can contact you directly from the contact button displayed on your profile.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re contacted by a casting director, you\u2019ll receive a message sent directly to your email address. You can then choose to communicate further with them via the email address they provide.<\/p>\n For non-registered Spotlight enquirers<\/strong><\/p>\n If a self-represented performer chooses to share their profile publicly, non-Spotlight-registered users will not see your contact details. Instead, our\u00a0enquiries@spotlight.com\u00a0email address will be displayed on your profile next to your name, and the Spotlight\u00a0Enquiries team will vet and manually send queries to you. This is to protect your personal information.<\/p>\n Like everyone else on the Spotlight platform, as a self-represented performer, your profile can be seen and searched by all our casting professionals.<\/p>\n When performing a search in Spotlight for performers, casting directors will be able to filter search results by using the \u2018Representation\u2019 category tab. \u2018Self-Represented\u2019 appears at the top of this search category with agents and agencies listed underneath.<\/p>\n Only casting professionals who are signed into their accounts can use the search function.<\/p>\n If anyone who is not registered on Spotlight wishes to contact you, they\u2019ll see the\u00a0enquiries@spotlight.com\u00a0email address displayed at the top of your profile and can send a query to that email address. We will vet any queries that come to this mailbox before sending them on to you.<\/p>\n Spotlight will not share your details with the casting users as we believe it\u2019s your choice whether you want to contact them.<\/em><\/p>\n Performers have access to the Spotlight Link Board, which is used by casting professionals to send out their latest casting requirements (breakdowns) to agents, and directly to performers. You can see these breakdowns in your jobs feed when you\u2019re signed into your account.<\/p>\n To use the Link Board, there are a couple of things you need to check on your account.<\/p>\n To do this<\/p>\n You\u2019ll always be able to see the jobs feed when you\u2019re signed into your account.<\/p>\n Before submitting yourself for a casting, read the breakdown very carefully and only suggest yourself if you meet all the criteria outlined.<\/p>\n Make sure you are available for all the dates (casting and shoot dates). Don\u2019t submit yourself if you\u2019re not available.<\/p>\n To suggest yourself:<\/p>\n If you would like to check the roles you\u2019ve submitted yourself for, you can do this by:<\/p>\n You\u2019ll then see a full list of breakdowns you\u2019ve submitted yourself for.<\/p>\n If you self-submit for a role on Spotlight, a casting director can email you directly if they want to take your submission further. You\u2019ll see a confirmation on your jobs feed after you have completed the submission.<\/p>\n Alternatively, if a casting director finds you in a database search and wants to get in touch with audition information, they can email you directly by using the \u2018Contact performer\u2019 link on your Spotlight profile. It\u2019s essential to keep your email address and phone number up to date on your account.<\/p>\n You can decide whether you wish to communicate further with the casting director directly, using the email address they shared with you in their initial email.<\/p>\n If a query comes into our Enquiries mailbox, we will forward the email to your registered Spotlight email address.\u00a0 Please remember that sharing an inquiry does not mean we support the company. We only forward professional inquiries. Please remember that if you reply to their email or message, they will get your contact information. Spotlight never shares your contact details with anyone. We also suggest that you do not give out more information, like your home address.<\/p>\n For more information on privacy, please see our\u00a0Terms and Conditions<\/a>.<\/p>\n Keeping your Spotlight profile up to date is always important but more so if you are self-represented. You never know what a casting director is searching for or how you might catch their eye so making sure your profile looks professional is key.<\/p>\n We have lots of advice about how to\u00a0manage your profile<\/a>, top tips on\u00a0headshots<\/a>\u00a0and lots of\u00a0advice on showreels<\/a>.<\/p>\n Some auditions will be in person, but more frequently, initial auditions may be by self-tape. We have lots of advice on the dos and don’ts of self-taping<\/a> as well as practical technical advice. If you attend a physical casting, then you must always ensure it\u2019s at a bona fide studio or office. If in doubt, take someone along with you. We have some\u00a0tips for auditioning safely<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t have an agent to negotiate on your behalf, it\u2019s important that you make sure you only sign a contract when you are absolutely sure it\u2019s right for you. We have some practical advice and\u00a0tips for understanding contracts<\/a>\u00a0to help you on your way.<\/p>\n Take a look at\u00a0Equity\u2019s contract checklist<\/a>\u00a0if you need an idea of what to look for in a contract. If you\u2019re not sure and want to get some legal advice, you can take a look at our\u00a0Contacts listings of legal representatives<\/a>\u00a0who may be able to help you.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve been very thoughtful about how we can additionally improve services at Spotlight for our self-represented performers. How do I note as a Performer that I am looking for representation?<\/strong><\/p>\n To access this feature, click \u2018Manage my agents\u2019 from your left hand menu when signed into your account. If you have \u2018Self-represented\u2019 listed, you will see an option below to choose if you are seeking representation or not.<\/p>\n If you gain new representation, you\u2019ll be able to manage which agents appear on your profile from your account. You\u2019ll be able to search for the agency and then add it yourself and it will appear immediately on your profile.<\/p>\n Once a new \u2018main agent\u2019 is added to your profile, you will not be \u2018Self-Represented\u2019 anymore. Your access to the Link Board will change to \u2018read only.\u2019 This will stay the same until your new agent changes this setting for you. Agents have the option, on a client-by-client basis, to provide access as \u2018read only\u2019, \u2018nudge, or \u2018full access\u2019, where you can self-suggest for roles.<\/p>\n It is worth noting that the Spotlight Link is only a part of your\u00a0Spotlight membership<\/a>. Don\u2019t forget that casting professionals do hundreds of thousands of searches<\/a> on the platform. They search by name, skills, accents, languages, and previous credits. If you publish video and voice, it matters too. This is why we always advise you to keep your profile up-to-date!<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a new agent, a photographer or a showreel provider, a great place to start is our Contacts listings.<\/a>\u00a0Also, don\u2019t forget to check out our\u00a0news and advice section<\/a> , where you can find articles on\u00a0how to create your best Spotlight profile<\/a>, a podcast\u00a0on your working rights<\/a>, plus videos on achieving the\u00a0perfect headshot<\/a>\u00a0and showreel and much more!<\/p>\n If you have any further questions, you can contact us<\/a>\u00a0– we\u2019re here to help! Here\u2019s a\u00a0handy reminder of our office hours<\/a>.<\/p>\nHow will I receive queries from casting directors?<\/h4>\n
How will I appear in casting searches?<\/h4>\n
How do I search for castings?<\/h4>\n
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How do I suggest myself for a casting?<\/h4>\n
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How do I search breakdowns I\u2019ve submitted myself for?<\/h4>\n
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How will I be contacted if I self-submit for a role?<\/h4>\n
How often should I update my Spotlight profile?<\/h4>\n
Auditions and your safety<\/h4>\n
How do I know whether to sign a job contract?<\/h4>\n
Introducing Talent Scout<\/h4>\n
\nOne new exciting venture is our Talent Scout feature, which has been introduced for our self-represented performers and agents. This feature will allow performers to flag if they are looking for representation, when self-represented.
\nAgents will be able to search for these performers and contact them directly. This is aimed at supporting and facilitating members getting agency representation if they are looking for it, as well as making the process more efficient and streamlined for agents.<\/p>\nHow do I add an agent to my Spotlight profile if I get representation?<\/h4>\n
What are the benefits of Spotlight membership?<\/h4>\n
Can I contact you if I need more help?<\/h4>\n