An excerpt from an "Focus In" (March 2003), says it all:

Beneath the accompanying glamour and celebrity thats so enticing to so many, Floridas entertainment industry underbelly has been encrusted with more than its share of scam artists and sleaze balls.  The slickest feed on the greed of investors who ought to know better but are beguiled by the lure of notoriety and quick returns.

The worst parasites prey on the hopes of the innocent, the ignorant, the young and the defenseless. 

Its your kids hopes, in some cases their well being and most certainly their meager savings (or yours) that are on the line.

Actors will require only a headshot and resume.  Actors should plan to attend workshops in order to improve their skills.  In Florida, I would advise actors to list with several SAG agents as well as a few good non union agents ( scroll down to Talent/ Talent Agencies/Non Union/Search).

AGENTS
Most agencies aspire to be principled. Certainly there is a silent code of ethics in the industry.

This business, like so many others, is full of trickery.  Many newcomers run into problems because they do not know where to go. They are unsure as to who is legitimate or who to trust. 

Newspaper ads, individuals who come on to you in the nightclubs and agencies that attempt to sell you a full package deal (photographs, makeup, acting lessons, all for a large fee) should signal a red flag.  If an agency asks you for out of pocket money beyond the customary expenses associated with of publishing your new headshot or composite card, be careful!  Some "so called" agencies will even attempt to give you a "full service" package, take you cash, and offer to finance the balance... definite red flag.

Agents charge 10% to 20% depending on the job.  Agents can not charge you anything up front. They receive their commission only after you have been paid for work accomplished. There are different types of agents. Some agents represent both models and actors and some just undertake talent, which includes actors, singers, dancers, etc.

Always find your own photographer and workshop.

If an agent says you have to go to a certain photographer or workshop before he or she will represent you, get up and walk away because this is not legal.  

As I mentioned earlier, have a few pictures taken, visit several agencies, and listen to what the agents have to say.  Speak with other models.  Get a feel for the business.  The key words here are "visit several agencies."  Unless you become "exclusive,"  which generally applies to print models only...  in Florida you can list with any and all agents.  

WORKING ON THE SET
Clients spend a lot of time and money arriving at their selection of which talent to book for a particular job.  Once you have accepted a booking you are obligated to show up on the set.  Be on time! 

You must be available ALL DAY or ALL NIGHT to work. Filming hours are usually long! Sometimes 8-12 hours, sometimes longer.  You will do a lot of sitting, but you are being paid to sit and wait just for the right time for you to be used in the scene.  You should bring something to amuse yourself, like a book, sewing, games, et cetera,  just to pass the time. 

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW