WELCOME TO BUBBLEGUM CASTING!

Congratulations on Being Invited to Join Bubblegum Casting!

When you sign your agreement your child will be joining the longest running children’s talent agency in Australia — believe it or not, we’ve been running for over 40 years.

Bubblegum Casting doesn’t rest on its legacy though. We remain committed to finding the best talent, introducing new innovations, and maintaining the strongest relationships with our clients and Talent.

We are now the fastest growing talent agency in Asia Pacific and have established ourselves amongst the top tier of go-to agencies for Kids Talent in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

That’s where you come in — without our Talent, we have no one to present for the thousands of roles, castings and briefs we receive each month. So this formal agreement between us and you is to acknowledge that you understand that we’re in this business together.

The moment that you sign this contract, our team moves into action to shoot your headshots and/or portfolio, build your portals, and start marketing your child to our ever-growing client list. After this, we keep you informed of the jobs we’re presenting you for via email. We’ll also contact you about your auditions and castings and guide you through those processes.

We’ve been told that the experience of shooting photographs, auditioning, and doing our complimentary courses is amazing and super-rewarding! So you have all of that to look forward to over the next few weeks and months.

On our end, we can’t wait to be able to call you and tell you your child has booked a job — it’s a feeling that is simply out of this world and it’s why we love what we do.

From a personal perspective, I first came to know of Bubblegum Casting when my sister joined the agency at the age of 6 back in 1996. Jess went on to become one of the most influential and successful young women, not only in the agency's history, but in the Australian entertainment industry at the time. She starred on multiple television shows, recorded Aria topping songs, booked live appearances and countless other things; so believe it when I say that I know what it takes to make it in this industry!

I became involved in this business in memory of my sister Jess who passed away much too soon. Now, my wife and I work in the agency together along with nearly 40 other staff across 4 countries. We’re an incredibly diverse agency both in terms of our Talent and our team members.

While it’s true that the entertainment industry is a business, the importance of acting with integrity, transparency, being the best, and generating the best opportunities for our Talent, is far more important to us than the commercial nature of what we do.

So in the spirit of transparency, we want to be clear that we cannot guarantee success. In fact, no one can, and you should be wary of anyone making these types of claims. This is a business of patience and an industry of ups and downs. For every person that wins a job, there are a hundred kids that miss out. This is why picking the right agency is so very important.

With this in mind, we encourage you to do your due diligence on our agency, and the industry in general, before embarking on this journey with us. And remember, if you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to contact us.

Now, I’ll just briefly explain a couple of things about this contract/agreement.

Our talents are initially provided a 12 month agreement to begin with. If you and your child are enjoying the casting process and we are mutually enjoying working together, then there is an opportunity for ongoing representation with us from there. This will be discussed with you at the time. This allows us to optimise opportunities for our talent and ensure there are no missed chances due to an expired contract.

The agreement itself outlines our obligations to you, and yours to us.

We guarantee an ongoing commitment to your child, to continue to present them with opportunities for as long as your child is represented by us and as long as you keep both your portals and photos up to date.

By signing this agreement, you understand and acknowledge each of our obligations, and that once we both commit to trying our best, your child’s chances of success are significantly improved.

You're now in the trusted hands of the best in the business. My team is always available to answer any questions that you may have as we begin this exciting adventure.

I’ll finish off by once again congratulating you on making it this far. We genuinely hope that your child goes on to have a very successful and enjoyable time with Bubblegum Casting.

I wish you all the best and welcome you once again to our Bubblegum Family.

TALENT AGENCY AGREEMENT

This agreement outlines:

1. The relevant parties: This agreement is between the Parent of the Talent, on behalf of the Talent and Bubblegum Casting Pty Ltd.
2. Our responsibilities and commitment to the Talent and their parents while working with Bubblegum Casting.
3. Your responsibilities as the Parent of the Talent while working with Bubblegum casting.
4. All related income, commission, fees and charges.
5. Other General Provisions
6. When signed and accepted, Bubblegum Casting and Talent will enter into an exclusive relationship for the purpose of Talent representation in Australia and non-exclusive relationship internationally.

It is important to note that we cannot guarantee paid work - this sits outside of our control. It’s also important that you understand your requirements to the agency in order to significantly improve your chances of booking work for you or your child.

No agency can offer you any guarantee of getting paid work, however we operate a highly professional and successful agency which means our efforts result in a high percentage of our Talent securing paid work with major Australian brands and productions.

We take this approach because it's good business, if our Talent doesn’t get paid work, we don’t get paid either. We are both in this together. You can be sure we will do everything possible for our Talent, but we cannot guarantee success for every Talent.

We also want to flag an important issue - if you are a person that will get upset by a lack of success or feel unfavourable feelings in the success of others when you or your child misses out, we encourage you NOT to sign this document. Entertainment is a tricky business and whilst we will do everything in our power to secure Talent booked work, we are unable to give you a guarantee as it is the Client that has the final say.

Section 1:

"Bubblegum Casting" Bubblegum Casting Pty Ltd, ABN 77 627 732 745, 202/ 15-87 Gladstone St, South Melbourne VIC 3205.

"Parent" A parent or legal guardian of a Talent who is authorised to enter into this agreement on behalf of the Talent.

"Talent" The child named in Talent registration form and represented by the parent or guardian who has executed this agreement on behalf of the Talent.

"Client" Any casting agent, advertising agency or person, firm or organisation who are engaged as clients of Bubblegum Casting

Section 2: Bubblegum Casting obligations and commitments

Bubblegum Casting agree to the following obligations and commitments:

• Publicising and promotion – We will initiate and set up an account on all relevant casting platforms. We will package your profile and submit to casting directors for all relevant briefs and opportunities. When Talent are submitted for work, parents will receive an automated notification via SMS or email. There are no further communications unless the Talent has been selected for an audition.
• We will regularly showcase Talent to our clients in the hopes that this will improve their chances of securing further opportunities. This can take the form of, but not limited to, social media wins and showcasing booklets that we circulate to key clients.
• Management of commercial and legal terms – We will act in your best interest to secure as many relevant auditions as possible. When successful we will coordinate and communicate with you, dates, times, locations and any other special requirements. We will negotiate all payment rates and usage terms on your behalf and advise you before commencing work. After completed work, we will take responsibility for invoicing and collect payment from the client, then manage distributing payment to the Talent. We will also keep records of signed contracts, Talent release forms along with all payments made to Talent.
• Ongoing support and professional development – We will provide Talent assistance with your audition processes whenever requested via phone and email. We will provide access to a vast library of digital information and e-books to assist Talent to prepare and develop for future paid work opportunities. There will also be opportunity to participate in development workshops (fees may apply) conducted by industry working models and/or actors. For information on workshop schedules please refer to the Bubblegum Casting website.
• Initial agency fee – In return for the agency representation fee you will receive:
  1. Initial 12 month representation with opportunity for ongoing representation thereafter (conditions apply and are outlined below in Section 3: Parent and Talent obligations and commitments)
  2. Unlimited job submissions
  3. Audition support via phone and email
  4. General Customer service and enquiry support via phone and email
  5. Inclusion in showcasing via agent business development initiatives
  6. Talent onboarding and digital administration and set up support
  7. Professional Studio headshots to assist with promoting the Talent to directors.
  8. Graphic Design services to produce composite cards
  9. Access and set up on Syngency - a secure online Talent portal
  10. Access and set up on Casting Networks – a secure online Talent portal
  11. Production and inclusion in industry showcase booklet

Section 3: Parent and Talent obligations and commitments

Parents and Talents agree to the following obligations and commitments while receiving representation with Bubblegum Casting and the services outlined in Section 2:

• Maintain and review Talent’s secure online portal profiles – Parents and/or Talent are required to review and update the Talent’s online profiles (this includes BOTH Casting Networks AND Syngency platforms) with updated height, weight, clothing size, eye and hair colour, skills and work experience (if any) at least every 90 days. It is the full responsibility of the Parent and/or Talent to complete both these portals and keep them updated. Casting directors will often exclude Talent profiles with missing or old information. Please be aware we will not be able to start putting Talent forward for work until you have completed your portals. Failure to complete and/or keep these platforms (both Casting Networks and Syngency) up to date at least every 90 days will result in our inability to present Talent for work and therefore may result in termination of this agreement.
• Maintaining up to date photos of Talent - After the Talent’s initial photography session you are required to maintain up to date headshots as needed over time to reflect the Talent’s current appearance. There is no specific timeframe for this, it will vary Talent to Talent. For example, updated photos will be required after a growth spurt, hair colour or style change, braces coming on or off, or any other significant or permanent alteration to the Talent’s general appearance. When updated headshots are required, these must be completed by the professional photography services of Bubblegum Casting at a small cost or by one of our preferred photography partners. This is to ensure the headshots meet industry quality standards and our brand aesthetic. Old headshots that are not kept up to date (i.e. are no longer an accurate reflection of the Talent’s current appearance) may result in our inability to present Talent for work and therefore may may result in termination of this agreement
• Income Tax and employment status– All Talent are considered to be self-employed when working with any clients arranged by Bubblegum Casting. Parents are required to ensure that the Talent maintains Australian Tax Office (ATO) compliant tax status. Information about taxation is available during the onboarding process.
• Professional conduct & attendance at castings - Parents and Talent are required to be responsive and communicate in a timely manner to Bubblegum Casting requests, usually via phone or email. Failure to be responsive to our communications may result in missed opportunities for the Talent. Parents and Talent are required to attend all arranged appointments on time. If for any reason you are unable to attend a casting after confirming, please contact Bubblegum Casting immediately. Talent are required to attend as requested by casting directors. This information will be provided in a casting confirmation email and phone call. Both Parents and Talent are expected to behave in a mature and professional manner at all times and follow any instructions provided.
• Location & Availability: Parents and Talent are required to keep Bubblegum casting informed of any permanent changes to the Talent’s primary living location. In order for Bubblegum Casting to continue offering the Talent representation, the Talent must remain within the states our business operates (VIC, NSW, QLD, WA) and within the legal travel distance to those states capital cities if the Talent is under 15 years of age (within 90 minutes from Melbourne and Sydney, and within 60 minutes from Brisbane, Gold Coast and Perth). If you move interstate please let us know as soon as possible so we can ensure we are putting the Talent forward for the right briefs in the right location, or if the Talent moves to a state or country we do not offer representation in we can discuss other options outside of representation with the Parent and Talent at that point. The Parent and Talent must advise Bubblegum Casting of your availability throughout your time with us, including any times you may be away on holiday or unable to work. This is to ensure we don’t submit you for work you are unable to attend.
• Exclusive representation: the Talent must remain exclusively represented by Bubblegum Casting, and not by any other agency, in order to receive ongoing representation from us.

Failure to meet any of the above obligations may result in termination of your contract with Bubblegum Casting.

Section 4: Income, Commissions and Agency Fees

• Income – Prior to the commencement of any paid work, Bubblegum will have negotiated the income payable to Talent and will have confirmed this to the parent. Getting paid after work can take up to 12 weeks depending on the job. To assist with speedy payment, the Parents must advise Bubblegum Casting of the final hours of Talents’ work including any fitting sessions. After Bubblegum Casting has been advised we will then invoice the Client. Once we receive payment from the Client for the job, we will then process your payment within 48 hours. Incomplete taxation documentation and incorrect records of working hours are the most common cause of delays. Under no circumstances will Bubblegum Casting be able to process payments until the Client has made payment in full to Bubblegum.
• Commission Payable – Commission is payable to Bubblegum Casting each time a Talent secures paid work. This commission is deducted from the Talent’s gross earnings at the following rates:
  1. 20% + GST for television, film acting and voice over
  2. 20% + GST for television commercial (TVC) and campaign modelling
  3. 10% to 20% + GST for live stage productions (Theatre) depending on the production. Commission is confirmed with Parent prior to commencement
  4. 20% + GST for social media campaigns
• Agency Fees – Bubblegum Casting charges a one time fee for representation. These fees are:
  1. $795 including GST. This fee includes the items detailed in Section 2 of this agreement, which includes an initial photoshoot for the Talent with one of our professional photographers in your location, professional images for the Parent and Talent to keep, and portal setup and membership fees for two prominent 3rd party casting platforms - Casting Networks and Syngency.
  2. Other fees may apply to participate in additional agency activities not outlined in section 2, including but not limited to workshops, private coaching, new headshot photography and editorial photo shoots. These costs are disclosed and advertised as new activities on the Bubblegum Casting website and communications, and are optional for Talent to participate in.

Section 5: General Provisions

• Acknowledgements and understandings:
  You are aware that Bubblegum Casting will present the Parent and/or the Talent for professional acting, modelling and social media opportunities and cannot determine what form those opportunities may take. You acknowledge that we cannot offer any guarantees of work, and that this is ultimately the decision of the Casting Directors and our Clients.
• Termination and cancellation:
  This agreement provides a 3 day cooling off period after receipt of the signed agreement. If talent requires a refund within this cooling off period, the agency will retain 10% of the amount to be paid under the agreement. Following the 3 day cooling off period, refunds will not be processed. This agreement can be terminated by either party during the representation period by advising each party in writing and providing 30-day notice. Termination of this agreement does not relieve either party of the obligation to pass on any outstanding payments or entitlements. Upon terminating the agency representation agreement, the Parent and Talent are not entitled to a pro rata refund.
• Expenses, costs and property:
  Bubblegum Casting or its Clients are not liable for any out of pocket expenses incurred in the course of attending auditions or paid work, unless otherwise expressly stated in writing.
• Third-Party Platforms:
  As Bubblegum Casting has no control over third-party owned platforms such as Casting Networks and Syngency, the parents and talent hereby acknowledge and agree that Bubblegum Casting is not held responsible or liable for any changes to their platform policies.
• Act in the best interest of this Representation Agreement:
  Parents and Talent agree to never engage in commercial negotiations or transactions directly with Clients introduced by Bubblegum Casting.
• Social Media and Online:
  Parents, Talent or anyone associated with the Talent must not participate in negative online behaviour that is disparaging to other Talent or the agency without having contacted the agency in the first instance. Activity that is deemed slander or defamatory towards Bubblegum Casting, its’ staff, Talent and / or Clients is not accepted and will result in immediate termination of the Talent Agency agreement and all fees paid forfeited.
• Bubblegum Casting Talent Handbook and Code of Conduct:
  All new Talent and Parents are issued with a Talent Handbook and Code of Conduct when joining Bubblegum. Parents are required to read, review and keep the handbook and Code of Conduct on hand before contacting Bubblegum Casting for general queries or updates.

Should you have any questions at all regarding any of the above information, please email us at casting@bubblegumcasting.com.au and our team are always happy to help!

Please initial as acceptance of each section.

Signature of Bubblegum Casting: