Frequently Asked Questions ?
HOW LONG HAS BUBBLEGUM BEEN ESTABLISHED
Bubblegum was established in 1981
WHAT DO WE DO
Bubblegum promotes children in all areas of the Film and Television Industry including still photography, parades, television commercials, drama, film, mini series, musical theatre, corporate videos and voice-over work.
WHAT IS AN AGENT
An Agent in the entertainment industry acts as your representative when dealing with potential employers. Your Agent works on your behalf to make sure that you receive the best possible rates of pay, to organise contracts and work permits and to make sure that all the conditions and guidelines in regard to working with children are met. For further informatiion regarding working with children go to www.irv.vic.gov.au In return your Agent takes a commission out of the wage they have negotiated for you. This commission can range between 10% and 20% depending on the type of work. It should be remembered that the agent is NOT the employer but they work on your behalf to obtain the best for you by way of obtaining work and negotiating the terms and conditions of that work
WHO ARE OUR CLIENTS
Bubblegum is welll known and respected throughout the industry and
provides talent of a high quality covering all areas. Our list of
clients is extensive and suffice to say that not all are listed here.
Still Photography clients include Target, Myer, Kmart, David Jones,
Chain Reaction, Designer Kids, Patons, Checkheaton, Mode, Gumboots,
Nike, Mitre 10, Bunnings, Harcourt Education, Vic Roads, Herald Sun,
Mikey House, Jack and Milly, Just Jeans and many more.
Television Commercials - Vegemite, Huggies, Heinz, Cottees, Clarks
Shoes, AAMI, Anti Cancer Council, Austar, Australia Post, Axa, Hungry
Jacks, Nestle, Bulla, San Remo, Birdseye, Oreo,Wendys, Kraft, SPC,
McDonalds, Ikea, Toyota, VW, Holden, Mitsubishi, Honda, Australian
Government, Worksafe, Drinkwise, Go For Your Life, Simmonds Homes,
Birbank Homes, Campbells, Target, Kmart, David Jones, Myer, Corporate
TVC's, Sony, 2D Apparel, Singulair, Civic Video, Red Book Carpets,
Whiskas, IXL, Panadol, Telstra, Vita Wheat, The Age, Duracel, AFL,
Metlink, Maggi, Peters Ice Cream, Stubbies Schoolwear, Starhub,
Medibank, McCains, Specsavers, Berger Paints and many more.
Production and Drama - Secret Life of Us, Horace and Tina, Genie
Down Under, Don't Peek, Blue Heelers, Pirate Island, Saddelclub,
Sleepover Club, Neighbours, Worst Best Friends, Wicked Science, City
Homicide, Round The Twist, Summer Heights High, As The Bell Rings, Pass
The Plate, and many short films for various people including the
Victorian College of the Arts.
Musical Theatre - Gypsy, Annie, Showboat, Les Mis, Sound of Music, Oliver, The Australian Opera and others.
HOW DO I KNOW YOU ARE REPUTABLE
Bubblegum is a member of the Victorian Children's Agents' Association Inc. (VCAA). However please feel free to make your own enquiries by calling retailers such as Target, Kmart, Advertising Agencies, e.g. Saatchi, George Patterson, Fremantle Media, J.Walther Thompson etc. Also casting consultants such as Chameleon, 2 Divas, Nick Hamon Casting, Mulliners and Zoo Casting.
The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), Industrial Relations Victoria and Consumer Affairs and generally we suggest that you ask around and speak to relatives and friends. I understand that the Forums on the children related websites have some valuable information. Remember it is up to the parent to make all appropriate enquiries in regard to Agencies they are considering.
HOW DO WE PROMOTE YOUR CHILDREN
We verbally advise our clients in regard to our children, we have a wonderful website which is widely used by our clients and which is continually updated with photos, measurements and all your child's information. However it is up to the parents to make sure their child's profile is updated and accurate. Our website is safe, secure, password and coded and very user friendly. Our clients can view our children at the touch of a button.
HOW OFTEN WILL MY CHILD GET WORK
This is the million dollar question. We can offer no guarantees in regard to how often your child will work. We do not know what work will come up from one day to the next, what our clients will want to advertise or what age groups or size etc. they will require. However we do choose our children carefully and our hit rate is very high. A large percentage of our children do obtain work. Bubblegum has been around for a very long time and our reputation has been built on the quality of our talent.
HOW MANY CHILDREN DO WE REPRESENT
Bubblegum is a "Boutique" Agency representing around 250 children of all nationalities, religions, backgrounds and abilities. We do not represent adults other than some of the parents of the children who are registered with us should they wish to work in a "family" situation. Often clients prefer "real" families as they feel the end result is more realistic when the talent can act and react with each other naturally.
DO WE HAVE A CUT OFF POINT
Yes. Our cut off point is between 250 and 270 children, including all age groups.
CAN YOU OFFEER GUARANTEES
No Agency can offer guarantees. We do however promote your child to the best of our ability and we will put your child forward for all jobs that he/she is suitable for. Ultimately our clients have the final say. We are however a small Boutique Agency and we only take on children who we think will get the work because if they don't get the work, then neither do we. The success of Bubblegum can be congtributed to the careful selection and quality of our talent and our prefessionally trained Staff.
WHAT AGES DO YOU REPRESENT
Bubblegum represents children from 6 months to 18 years. We also have families.
Bubblegum has also taken on a partner, Joanna Jacobs, who has started BEYOND ACTORS (www.beyondactors.com.au) our Sister Agency which is dedicated to representing talented Adult Actors. Jo is a fully qualified Drama Teacher who has been in the industry for some 20 years and is passionate about drama and this industry.
CAN YOU BE A MEMBER OF MORE THAN ONE AGENCY
No, you can only be represented by one agency at a time. We take on your child on the understanding that he or she is not represented with another agency. It is your responsibility to inform us if this is not the case.
HOW MUCH COMMISSION DO YOU TAKE
We take between 10% and 20% depending on the type of work.
IS THE WORK DURING THE WEEK OR WEEKENDS
The large majority of the work is during the week and can be during school time. There is very little work done at weekends as loading apply to crew and talent.
Work, auditions and castings can be at any time. For this reason parents should be prepared to take their children out of school if necessary.
WHAT DO THE CHILDREN GET PAID
As this varies from job to job, the fee structure is explained in detail to you at the interview and prior to each job together with all the relevant Tax requirements.
The VCAA have a RECOMMENDED fee structure but it is up to each agent as to
what they negotiate with their clients.
WHAT ARE YOUR MEMBERSHIP FEES
Our fee structure varies with the age of the child and all fees cover a 12
months period.
Children under 2 years pay a fee of $275 (incl. GST) and includes the set up administration fee and representation on our website, unlimited updating of photos and information from parents.
For this age group we usually suggest that the parents provide us with good, clear photos, plain background, head only shots because the children change so quickly. However we can certainly organise photos for you if you prefer for a fee of $50 per child.
Children aged between 2 to 4 years pay $330 (incl GST) for the first year. This covers the set up/administration fee, professional photos by our photographer, representation on our website which incorporates newly advanced technology and unlimited updating of information during the year.
Children aged between 5 to 16 years pay $390 (incl GST) for the first year. This covers the set up/administration fee, professional photos by our photographer, representation on our website which incorporates newly advanced technology and unlimited updating of information during the year. This fee also includes a workshop with Joanna Jacobs on audition techniques, approaching a professional script, improvisation, how to dress and more. If the children have done Jo's workshops then the fee is $360.00
Fees for talent continuing with us for a further year (2nd year onwards) pay a fee of
$350 (incl GST) and includes website, photography and updating of information and photos for 12 months.
A discount of 10% is given to families with 3 children or more.
Fees for Beyond Actors - our Sister Agency for Adult Actors can be found by visiting - www.beyondactors.com.au
*Bubblegum reserves the right to vary fees from time to time.
ARE THE FEES TAX DEDUCTABLE
Fees paid to Bubblegum are tax deductible only if the child has earned in excess of the tax free threshold (around $6000 pa). Tax issues are the responsibility of the parent and if in any doubt the parent should speak to their Accountant or Tax Adviser.
Upon joining membership fees are payable immediately. Memberships may be cancelled within the first seven days of signing up after which fees are non refundable. After this period the membeship is for a twelve months period or upon mutual agreement in writing that the member wishes to terminate such membership, such termination not to be unreasonably withheld.
*Bubblegum reserves the right to vary the fees the agency charges from time to time.
DOES MY CHILD REQUIRE A TAX FILE NUMBER
Yes, Bubblegum is NOT the employer of your child, we act as your agent only. PAYG taxation instalments are deducted by most of our clients. It is your responsibility to apply to the Tax Office for a TFN for your child. This agency also requires that you provide us with Tax File Declaration Forms for your child otherwise our clients will deduct close to 50% from your child¹s pay.
DO WE NEED TO SIGN A CONTRACT
Bubblegum has an Agreement that you sign when you join. It is a legally binding document however can be terminated subject to mutual agreement at any time. Children join an Agency usually for a minimum of 12 months which gives us the time to properly promote the child to our clients and the industry.
CHILD EMPLOYMENT PERMITS
All children in every industry require a permit before they can work. These permits are obtained from Industrial Relation Victoria and all will be explained to you at your initial interview with Bubblegum. There is a section dedicated specifically to Permits.
HOW DO I GO ABOUT REGISTERING MY CHILD
If you are interested in having an interview with Bubblegum with a view to
joining please go to the 'Talent Application' page.
WHERE IS BUBBLEGUM LOCATED
Bubblegum's main office is now in Melbourne which is operated by Joanna Jacobs and Lisa-Marie. The main contact number for Joanna is 0411 063 625. The postal address is Post Office Box 41, Glenhuntly. 3162. Email address - bubblegumkids7@gmail.com
The Bubblegum Office is still in Sorrento however please send all communication to the Melbourne Office.
WHERE ARE INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED
Interviews are conducted in Melbourne in East Malvern. Bubblegum now has a Sister Agency called BEYOND ACTORS (www.beyondactors.com.au) for Adult Actors operating in Melbourne run by Joanna Jacobs. Joanna is also now a partner of Bubblegum and conducts the interviews together with Lisa-Marie Parks.
However if you are located on or near the Mornington Peninsula then we can usually accommodate you by conducting your interview in Sorrento with Jacki.
It should be noted here that the majority of work is done in and around the inner city areas of Melbourne and therefore you should be aware that if you live in outer areas travelling will be involved. We ask that you carefully consider whether you are happy to travel to Melbourne for castings, fittings, auditions, screen tests, wardrobe calls, photoshoots and television work BEFORE you go through the Application and Interview process.
WHAT ARE YOUR MEMBERSHIP FEES
Our fee structure varies with the age of the child and all fees cover a 12
months period.
Children under 2 years pay a fee of $275 (incl. GST) and includes the set up administration fee and representation on our website, unlimited updating of photos and information from parents.
For this age group we usually suggest that the parents provide us with good, clear photos, plain background, head only shots because the children change so quickly. However we can certainly organise photos for you if you prefer for a fee of $50 per child.
Children aged between 2 to 4 years pay $350 (incl GST) for the first year. This covers the set up/administration fee, professional photos by our photographer, representation on our website which incorporates newly advanced technology and unlimited updating of information during the year.
Children aged between 5 to 16 years pay $385 (incl GST) for the first year. This covers the set up/administration fee, professional photos by our photographer, representation on our website which incorporates newly advanced technology and unlimited updating of information during the year. This fee also includes a workshop with Joanna Jacobs on audition techniques, approaching a professional script, improvisation, how to dress and more. If the children have done Jo's workshops then the fee is $360.00
A discount of 10% is given to families with 3 children or more.
Fees for Beyond Actors - our Sister Agency for Adult Actors can be found by visiting - www.beyondactors.com.au
*Bubblegum reserves the right to vary fees from time to time.
CAN YOU OFFER GUARANTEES
No Agency can offer guarantees. We do however promote your child to the best of our ability and we will put your child forward for all jobs that he/she is suitable for. Ultimately our clients have the final say. We are however a small Boutique Agency and we only take on children who we think will get the work because if they don't get the work, then neither do we. The success of Bubblegum can be congtributed to the careful selection and quality of our talent and our prefessionally trained Staff.
Bubblegum Casting | PO Box 41, Glen Huntly, 3163 | +61 (3) 5984 4417 | 0411 063 625 | bubblegumkids7@gmail.com