1. Is AM&T legitimate?
   Austin Models & Talent (AM&T) carries a $10,000 bond and is licensed by the State of Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. We are backed by a local reputation that is solid. We do not charge upfront fees and only profit by commission when we put our talent to work. We sell no classes, no photography, or printing. We only profit via commission on jobs that we secure for you.
2. How do I apply for representation?
   To apply, please see the Talent Submission Guidelines. If you submit for representation, keep in mind that we receive many submissions. In most cases, we will only contact you if we are interested in discussing representation further with you. Please do not feel ignored if you do not hear back - we receive many submissions on a regular basis and it is difficult to respond to each unless we need additional information, or if we have interest in pursuing representation of you.
3. Must I have professional photographs to apply?
   No, but it can't hurt. All we must have are a couple of clear, evenly lit snapshots, but higher quality pictures increase the odds of our accurately evaluating your potential. You might want to consider attending one of the free theme shoots for the Texas Models & Talent Forum to get professional photographs at no charge. We are the only Agency that we know of in Texas that provides these type of events, regardless of affiliation, in order to help build a stronger and more vital talent community.
4. Will it cost me anything?
   AM&T Agency charges no fees for representation other than a percentage of any jobs we find for you. You may, however, need to pay for professional photographs and/or acting lessons, and you will need to provide comp cards to us. AM&T will never make anything from these expenses, and will do our best to find good deals for you. These things are not manditory or requirements of representation, but may be suggested as a means of further developing your skills and the material that you are marketed with. In addition, AM&T often offers free photography and headshot shoots for individuals signed. There is never any expectation for payment on these shoots, they are done as our investment into your career.
5. Are there any expenses after signing that I am responsible for?
   Yes and no. You are responsible for providing professional quality images for use in your portfolio as well as printed comp cards and headshots with the AM&T logo and contact info on them. This is standard practice in the entire legitimate modeling and talent industry. We will not require you to use a particular printer, but may recommend specific printers who will give discounts based upon our agency volume. You are always free to use any company for printing that you choose. In Addition, we make available to our talent free test shoots with local photographers, and our online database has no cost to be listed on. You are free to use the photographers who donate their time to do these free shoots, or you may hire photographers on your own as long as the quality and style of their work fits our current agency and marketing needs.
6. Are you a modeling or acting school?
   No. In fact, while some agencies also operate "schools" on the side, it is a clear conflict of interest for an agency to also be a school, or to make any "kick back" from schools or photographers. AM&T does none of these things. If we recommend specific training, it will be through industry professionals who are 100% independent of any business association with AM&T.
7. What is the connection between the Austin Models & Talent Agency, and the Texas Models & Talent Web Forum?
   Although owned by the same person, these are separate entities. Other agencies, and talent represented by other agencies, are welcome on the Texas Models & Talent Web Forum. In any case, the forum site is free and is designed as a place for models, talent, and photographers to network and share work and ideas. This is one of the many ways that we give back to the Texas talent community. The online forum is not a business, it is simply a message space like thousands of others across the Internet. The forum is free, though membership must be approved.
8. How do I know that AM&T is legitimate?
   The State of Texas requires model and talent agencies to be licensed and bonded. The bond amount is $10,000 and must be obtained through a recognized bonding company. The license requirement is through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. Some states do not require this, but Texas, California, Florida, and others do regulate model and talent agencies in order to try to keep the industry legitimate. You can read the Texas Agencies Occupations Code as well as the Texas Agencies Administrative Rules for more information. If you are approached by anyone in Texas claiming to be an Agent, Agency, Manager, Talent Agent, Model Agent, Management Company, Talent Scout, etc...... Understand that these occupations in Texas require proper licensing. Search the State of Texas Talent Agency Database to determine if someone is legitimately licensed. Austin Models & Talent's license number is TALAGY00000439.
9. What types of talent do you represent?
   We currently represent actors, models, singers, dancers, voice over artists, photographers and even animal talent. We specialize in youth (children through teens), but do represent older talent as well. At this time, we do not represent infants.
10. What ages or age ranges are you interested in?
    We are interested in talent of all ages, however, we generally do not represent any talent under the age of 5. We do represent, in some rare cases, individuals under the age of 5, but that is not common.
11. Do I need to be 5'11" tall and waif thin to be represented by AM&T?
    Certainly not! Most of the work in our territories is theatrical and/or commercial in nature. Therefore, we are looking for talent in a large variety of sizes, ages, and looks. The waif look is really only a requirement for high fashion modeling. There are other agencies in Austin that specialize in that style and look. AM&T is more commercial based in nature.
12. Were are you located and what territory do you represent?
    We are located in Round Rock, though the majority of our communication and business is conducted by phone and electronic email. We have no other locations, but we do represent the areas in, between, and around Austin. We accept job requests in other cities as well and do have talent signed with us who reside in other cities (such as San Antonio, Waco, Houston, Dallas, etc.). Our primary market is the Austin area (thereby the name, "Austin" Models & Talent). Our talent members and parents are very involved and often help pass news along, tips, assistance, and other valuable things as part of the "agency family."
13. If I already have an agent for another city, can you represent me in your territory?
    Yes, as long as it does not conflict with any agreements you have with your current agency. We prefer you do not have the same type of representation in the same geographic area as it can create conflicts and confusion. If you are signed with other agencies, we may need to review any such agreements to ensure there are no conflicts
14. Are you an exclusive agency?
    No. While there may be a few select individuals on an exclusive agreement with us, the general population of the people we represent are on an non-exclusive agreement. This means you are not "bound" to us for work you find on your own. We only receive commission when we actually provide the work contact to you, or if you ask us to get involved to negotiate fees or contracts for a job. Additionally, you are free to work with other agents or management firms (as long as they are licensed), and there is no set term under which your contract binds you; you may cancel at any time for any reason.
15. Does signing with the Agency promise or guarantee me work?
    No. There are many factors that can cause success (or lack thereof) including talent, dedication and drive, market needs, and plain luck. As AM&T does not receive anything unless we find you work, however, we are certainly motivated to work hard for you. Agents do not obtain work for their talent; they obtain them opportunities and auditions. The talent needs to have the skills to land the roles with their experience or abilities and looks.
16. What if I sign and I get a different offer or decide I no longer want representation?
    Currently, all our contracts include a thirty-day, no-fault "out" clause. Because we are selective in who we sign, we are more focused on the individuals in our agency. If you feel there are other opportunities that are better suited to you, we will fully support your decision and cancel our agreement for you. In many cases, we will even waive the 30-day-notice, unless we currently have a client reviewing you for potential work. We will even help you with your transition to your new agency, including helping with new photos if your new agency needs anything specific.
17. I don't live in Texas. Will you represent me?
    Probably not. We find jobs in our specific territories, and our clients are generally not willing to pay for travel expenses. Unless you have a very well established name or are willing to travel to auditions and jobs at your own expense (at very short notice), it is not viable to live outside Texas and be represented by AM&T. When/if you move to Texas, we welcome your application for representation by AM&T.
18. .I have mailed or emailed you my photo and still have not heard anything. When will I hear back?
    Due to the volume of submissions that we receive, we simply cannot respond and reply to everyone who submits. If we are interested in you joining the agency, we will contact you ASAP. If you wish for your photos, or any other material you have sent us, to be returned... please include a SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope) and we will return your submission materials to you after our review. Just because several weeks have passed it does not mean we are not interested. There are many factors that influence who we select to sign. Be patient and we will evaluate every submissions fairly and within the scope of our current requirements and needs.
19. May I email my photo to you?
    Most agencies require prospective talent to mail a photo or headshot and resume in the regular hardcopy U.S. Mail. While there are good valid reasons for this, AM&T actually prefers submissions electronically via eMail. This is often easier for you, and it saves you money. This is easier for us because we can access remotely and through all three of our locations. Additionally, we are aware of the destruction of our environment and prefer to do our part to reduce waste. When eMailing, please keep the image size to a minimum - anything exceeding 300K total file size.
20. How is AM&T different from all the other agencies in town?
    Our goals may be different from other agencies. While we are a business and do need to be compensated for our expenses and our efforts through the commission process, our focus is more on the development of the talent that we represent. Many agencies will charge their talent a fee to be listed on the database of their website. We do not. In fact, our database is set up so that YOU manage your own listing. You set up an account with login and password, and then you use the easy-to-navigate online forms to create and update your resume and statistics, as well as upload images into your online portfolio. Most agencies will send you to photographers where you pay to have headshots taken. AM&T, where possible, is generally willing to shoot your headshots, as well as comp card and portfolio images, free of charge. We can even help set you up with local photographers in your area that will work with you on a free, testing, or TFP basis also. We will help you review potential jobs for suitability, provide you advice on what roles to take or turn down, and be there when you need assistance, advice, or just to help keep you motivated. We care about the people that we represent and believe that element of our agency will help provide better, more finely tuned talent for our clients too!
21. I heard bad things about you on the Internet?
    The Internet is a wonderful tool when used correctly. Unfortunately, with all good things there are bad. It is very easy to hide your identity and slander or libel people or businesses when you can hide behind a computer keyboard. As with all business, you can please most of the people all the time... but there will always be those who decide they are unhappy because they cannot be represented, they are no longer represented, they are not happy with their lack of success, and etc. Where there are legitimate wrongdoing or complaints, these are handled through legal channels and a business must answer for this. When someone is simply unhappy and making things up to smear a business name, they do this using fake names, no names, or bogus websites and message posting forums where identity and ownership cannot be traced. If you feel you have a legitimate claim against an agency that is licensed, file a complaint with the State of Texas and be accountable for your statements. Read anonymous slander with a grain of salt and better focus on checking out legitimate and verifiable issues by asking questions, checking for actual real legal problems, or by talking to other talent who have first hand experience. In this business, there are many sad individuals who are cut-thoat when it comes to the making or breaking of their, or their children's, success. Common sense and educated checking should be enough to guide a reasonable person. Feel free to contact us directly with any questions - Our name and phone number is available and not hidden or anonymous.

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Above and Beyond...

• In designing the Austin Models & Talent Agency, we benchmarked other agencies across the country. Successful businesses use the "best practices" in the surrounding industry in order to design a process that is World Class. Some of the attributes we decided to create to be different from the rest of the pack are as follows:
• Most Agencies in Texas are strictly businesses that will find their talent work. AM&T provides not just agency representation, but we act as a personal management firm as well. We work together with our talent to help build their goals and objectives. We assist in the creation of portfolios, headshots, and other promotional materials. We review jobs for content and implication and ensure that our talent's best interests are in mind, and that the job fits within their established goals and direction.
• Low Volume Representation - We do not have a huge inventory of talent where individual people can be easily forgotten. Our talent is hand-picked based upon our belief in their potential to succeed. We are not going to forget who you are, and we are going to work as best we can, beyond just job placement, to help you develop the right career choices and path. Due to our online forum site, we communicate constantly with our talent and know each person individually. This helps us work as manager as well as agent.
• Commission Fee Only - Legitimate (licensed) agencies in Texas cannot charge any upfront fees. AM&T takes this one step further: Time permitting, we shoot our talent's headshots at no cost (updating any time you have changes, grow older, or request a new look). We also attend and take part in free photo events that help our talent meet other photographers and obtain constantly updated photos for their portfolios. Through our intense involvement on the Internet and model/talent forums, we've brought together a huge community of people that all work together to help one another out. These shoots are free of charge and involve a lot of photographers who are happy to come out and donate their time shooting (Test and TFP).
• Online Database - Some agencies actually charge their talent a fee to be listed on their website database. AM&T had a professional programmer custom design an interactive, real-time database of our talent that the individuals we represent themselves can update at any time with their own login/password. The database interface for entering resume and portfolio photos is easy to use and self-guided with special form fields that even someone who knows nothing about computers can use. Our talent may display any number of images within their own personal online database profile listing, and may even hotlink to individual photos stored there if they want to post to forums, etc. Changes may be made (revisions, modifications, and additions) on the fly without having to wait for the agency to actually make the updates for you! As with everything else, this is provided at no cost whatsoever to our talent.