NotaPushyMum.Com

Ive recently been offered representation by an agent after being in a show she saw, after having a meeting with her she told us that I will need to pay for a spotlight page to be represented by her.

I would just like to know what people think of this? And like how good Spotlight is and how much work they get through it?

Emma x

Spotlight is the industry bible for actors. If you are an adult and you are not in spotlight you may as well not have an agent.

It is slightly different for children. I'm not sure about value for money, they have a monopoly really but it is far better to pay for spotlight than some of the other rather dubious casting websites/directories out there.

I agree with islandofsodor. It's not so much how much work you will get through Spotlight, it's the fact that casting directors rarely use any other directory. Until you are established (and casting directors are asking to see you because they know you and what you can do) then any casting you are likely to be put up for will almost certainly be via the "Spotlight Link".

Agents will get many casting breakdowns via the Spotlight link and will then submit your details. If you are not in Spotlight, they would have to submit your details in some other way and this would definitely be a disadvantage, as the Spotlight link makes the CDs job easier and they might well be tempted to ignore any submissions that didn't reach them via Spotlight.
Once the CDs have all the submssions (which might be hundreds of them) they then select those actors they would like to see for audition (which might only be 3 or 4).

You can have a showreel and voice reel and a gallery of photos on Spotlight as well as all your credits. There is also a sophisticated search facility so that CDs can search for a particular "type" with specific skills.

I also agree. Spotlight is a must if you want to be considered by casting directors. I think kids need to be represented by an agent before they can be in Spotlight (but i`m not totally sure about this) but its money well spent. International casting directors also have access to it. DS has got a couple of jobs abroad due to them seeing his Spotlight page

Thanks everyone for your help, I have shown my mum the page and are going to sort it at some point!

Emma x

I am also going to put my dd on Spotlight after 8 months with an agent, mainly to see if it improves her chances. I'll give it a year and see what happens.

hi,
do you need to go through an agent to be in spotlight? Just read your comments and thought might be good for my daugthers but they dont have an agent? thanks for any advice gang!

If you are a child, you either need agency representation or to attend a stage school to have Spotlight entry (I think that's accurate!).

If you are an adult, you can only get Spotlight entry if you have completed an accredited course at drama school or you have relevant professional (paid) experience. Spotlight considers each application on its merits. You do not have to have an agent to have Spotlight entry as an adult, but you do need to have recognised professional credits.

Thats oki as i have this agent and another 3 that i could write up as my agent so i thikn they would accept me ... and i also go to stage school associates but am starting main school in sept ...

I think im covered! Thanks for the help

Emma x