Nurturing Your Child's Creative Journey

1. Agency & Financials

Do you charge joining or registration fees?
No. In full compliance with UK employment regulations, we charge zero joining fees, zero agency registration fees, and zero mandatory monthly tuition costs.

How does the agency make money?
We operate on a pure representation model. We only earn when your child earns. The agency takes an industry-standard commission (15% for stage/theatre, up to 37.5% for commercial/modelling) on paid professional bookings secured through us.

How and when are talent earnings paid out?
All client payments are held in a secure, ring-fenced Client Account. Once production funds reach our account, earnings are transferred directly to the parent/guardian within a strict 10-day payout cycle.

Are your workshops for profit?
No. Any optional training, assessment sessions, or workshops we host operate strictly on a not-for-profit, cost-coverage basis to cover venue hire, insurance, and professional tutors.

2. Joining & Assessment Workshops

How does my child apply for representation?
Young actors, dancers, and singers apply by booking onto one of our 60-minute Talent Assessment Workshops. Models can apply directly online via photo submissions without needing an in-person assessment.

What happens during a Talent Assessment Workshop?
Led directly by a Senior Agent, our 60-minute sessions cover practical improvisation, script work, and basic camera work. Performers may also choose to present an optional short song or dance (capped at strictly 1 minute maximum each). We are also keen to hear about special skills like sports, swimming, or playing an instrument!

When will we hear the outcome of an assessment?
Our casting team will email every applicant within 10 working days following the workshop.

What happens if my child is not offered representation?
While we embrace opportunity for all performers, space on our roster is strictly limited to avoid internal competition. If your child is not offered representation, we actively encourage you to review our written feedback and re-apply after a 6-month cooldown period.

3. Spotlight Directory & Modelling

What is Spotlight?
Spotlight is the UK's leading casting directory and industry-standard platform where casting directors post official briefs for TV, film, commercial, and theatre roles.

Do we have to pay a fee to Spotlight?
Yes. Spotlight is an independent third-party platform that charges an annual or monthly membership fee directly to performers (currently £136.50/year or £12.48/month for Under 18s). This fee is paid directly to Spotlight, not to Heartland Talent Management.

Does my child need a Spotlight profile if they only want to model?
No. Spotlight is not required for performers wishing to pursue modelling only. Modelling profiles are managed directly through our internal agency roster.

4. Safeguarding, Venues & Media Privacy

Who manages safeguarding at the agency?
Safeguarding is managed directly by Heather Watson (Agency Director & Designated Safeguarding Lead) and Madie Mason (Operations Manager & Deputy DSL). Both bring personal experience in child protection, talent management, and operations.

What are your safeguarding and vetting standards?
The welfare of the child is paramount. All agency staff, tutors, and agents hold valid Enhanced DBS certificates. All external chaperones supervising on set or stage hold official Local Authority Chaperone Licences.

Can parents stay and watch the assessment workshop?
To allow performers to focus, build confidence, and avoid studio distraction, parents/guardians are not permitted in the room during the 60-minute session. However, there are cafes and refreshment spots within short walking distance, as well as ample free local parking.

How do you handle photos and videos taken during workshops?
During workshops, we take still photos and short video clips strictly to evaluate camera presence and photographic potential. All media is stored securely under UK GDPR rules for internal assessment purposes only. If representation is not offered, all captured media files are permanently deleted.

5. Castings, Licensing & Commitments

How does the casting process work?
When a casting brief arrives, we submit matching talent from our roster. If shortlisted, your child will complete a self-tape at home or attend an audition. If successful, we issue an availability check, confirm the booking, and arrange the legal licence.

What is an availability check?
An availability check is sent when a client shortlists your child for specific filming or rehearsal dates. It is not a guaranteed offer of work, but we ask parents to confirm availability as quickly as possible.

How does Child Performance Licensing (CPL) work?
When a professional job is secured, a legal Child Performance Licence must be issued by your local council authority. Heartland coordinates this paperwork with parents and authorities. Please note that some local authorities legally require the production company itself to submit Part 1 of the application directly, in which case we act as the liaison to ensure full compliance before work begins.

What is the expected time commitment?
Industry auditions and self-tape requests often arrive at short notice (24–48 hours). Parents should be prepared to support with filming self-tapes at home, travelling to auditions/filming (often in London or regional hubs), and managing school absence permissions when bookings occur.

6. Work Guarantees & Expectations
 

Is my child guaranteed to get work?

No reputable, compliant talent agency can guarantee professional work. Casting decisions are made entirely by external clients, including casting directors, directors, producers, and brand managers.

• Our Role: As your agency, our job is to actively market your child, pitch them for suitable industry briefs, build client relationships, and guide you through auditions, self-tapes, and licensing.

• The Reality: The industry is highly competitive, and client requirements change constantly based on age, height, looks, and specific skill sets. Some performers secure bookings quickly, while for others, it takes time, patience, and multiple auditions.

We keep our roster small and curated to give every young performer the best possible chance, and we promise total transparency and dedicated support throughout their time with us.