Hosted by our CEO and President, Hedy Popson, this episode was more than just an industry interview—it was a masterclass in navigating a career in entertainment. Janet shares her journey from modeling in bell bottoms for AMC (yes, the car company once sold clothes!) to booking roles for Clint Eastwood films and casting Drew Barrymore’s roller derby movie Whip It.

🎭 Highlights from the episode include:

• The surprising truth about what casting directors actually look for in an audition (hint: it’s not your resume).
• The difference between a casting director and a talent agent—and why that distinction matters.
• How charisma, behavior on set, and authenticity can make or break a career.
• Practical tips for nailing self-tapes, from lighting and slates to following directions.
• Why actors need to be flexible, take direction well, and—above all—have fun with the process.

Janet also shares advice from her new book, Advice from a Casting Director, which is available now on Amazon. The book includes industry stories, audition tips, and original monologues to help actors expand their toolbox.

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable lessons, humorous anecdotes, and real-world advice that demystifies the often intimidating audition process.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review!

Want to learn more about Productions Plus’s Theatrical Division? Click here

The post Behind the Casting Table: A Conversation with Janet Pound appeared first on Productions Plus.

Step 1: Assessing Interest and Comfort in Front of the Camera

The journey into child acting and modeling begins with a candid conversation between our agent and the parents to gauge not only the child’s interest but also their availability. It’s crucial for kids to be comfortable with speaking and being themselves on camera. During this initial assessment, we look for the essential qualities such as drive, charisma, and that special “it” factor—the undeniable charm that makes a child stand out.

Parents play a pivotal role here. While you don’t need to be available around-the-clock, flexibility is key to managing auditions and call-backs successfully.

Step 2: Representation Decision and Preparing Your Portfolio

Should we decide to represent your child in child acting and modeling, the next step is creating a compelling portfolio. This includes high-quality photos that showcase your child’s personality through a variety of expressions and poses, including headshots and full-body shots. Regular updates to this portfolio are crucial as your child grows and changes. Searching for “child actor submission photos” online can provide you with great examples and standards to follow. Your child will need a profile within the Productions Plus app so that you can upload your child’s photos and update their stats on an ongoing basis.

Step 3: Training and Behavior

Even the most adorable child needs to behave professionally on set. We recommend some foundational training, which might include on-camera classes, theater programs, and monologue training. This not only improves their skills but also their discipline and professionalism.

A Pro Tip from Debbie

One effective technique for practice is to have your child watch commercials, pick one featuring a child and imagine themselves in that role. They can then act out the commercial, allowing both of you to compare their performance with the original. This exercise is excellent for identifying areas where your child can improve their acting and speaking skills.

Step 4: Making a Strong First Impression

The initial interaction or “hello” can significantly impact how agents and casting directors view your child. This greeting is your child’s opportunity to shine and leave a memorable impression.

Looking Ahead

Make sure to tune into the next episode of our podcast, where Hedy and Debbie will discuss how to handle rejections—a common part of the acting and modeling journey, and an essential learning experience for both parents and children.

By following these steps and leveraging resources like our podcast, you can navigate the complexities of child acting and modeling more effectively. Remember, at Productions Plus, we’re here to guide you and your child through every step of this exciting journey.

The post Breaking into Acting and Modeling for Kids appeared first on Productions Plus.

Having an updated profile is key as it widens the scope of casting search criteria which can identify you as a potential fit. It can improve your chances for a specific role. 

If an agency is searching for a 35-year-old and finds a profile of interest but finds the most recent headshot is of a 22-year-old—that could rule you out.  

Not only is an updated profile key for matching you with a role, the information on the Productions Plus Talent Portal is used to send mailings, payments, and contact and communicate with you. If any of your contact information is outdated, you may miss out. 

If you aren’t sure if your profile needs a touch-up, reach out to your agent with any specific questions. This is a collaborative effort that we are glad to be a part of! 

Productions Plus is the largest SAG-AFTRA franchised agency in the Midwest that also specializes in events and product demos. 

Not Productions Plus talent yet? Create a profile and register with us here. 

The post Updating Your Profile appeared first on Productions Plus.

Here are a few general guidelines to follow to make sure you present the best you:

• Choose a location with good lighting and a neutral background.
• Begin with head and shoulder shot facing directly into the camera stating your first name, last name, and agency (Productions Plus).
• Follow with a full body shot directly facing the camera.
• Return to the initial head and shoulder shot looking just off-camera (not looking directly at the camera) speaking to another person or reader.

This has been a new adjustment for many in the industry, but it just goes to show the adaptability of everyone—from self-taped auditions by talent to callbacks via Zoom which have allowed continued casting and shooting of projects.

Just remember that professional studio quality is not required, let alone expected, from these self-taped auditions. The main objective is to be audible and visible.

Want to become P+ talent? Create a profile with us here. 

The post Self-Taped Audition Tips appeared first on Productions Plus.

We sat down with influencer talent, Tatum Fischer, to talk about her experience and what advice she has to anyone who is just starting out in the industry.

How many years have you been working with Productions Plus and how many years have you been in this industry?

I signed with Productions Plus eight years ago (wow!) and began my influencing career about three years ago. I started off modeling, but a few years in I discovered Brand Ambassador work and fell in love. Throughout the years I worked at countless automotive events and Auto Shows across the state of Michigan. I realize now that my modeling and Brand Ambassador experience taught me many traits needed for influencing such as how to pose in front of a camera and how to effectively promote a brand or product to a consumer.

What was the first job/client that you booked and how has your influencer presence grown since then?

My first influencer campaign was with a women’s athletic wear company called Lilybod (@Lilybod on Instagram). Since working with Lilybod, I have partnered with plenty of other brands where I promote women’s fashion, accessories, and health supplements. I have gained countless professional connections through influencing and have even been featured on an Instagram account with over 2 million followers!

Is working with Productions Plus different than other agencies?

Absolutely. Productions Plus is a talent agency at heart, which means that while they help brands make strategic decisions to achieve their marketing goals, they also focus on helping their talent grow by providing expert level advice and guidance through each campaign.

What is your advice to companies who are looking for the right influencers to promote their brand?

We live in a time where consumers are smarter than ever. We make fewer impulse decisions and more research-backed purchases. Consumers are more likely to buy a product if it is recommended by a trusted source; this could mean the nano-influencer in your neighborhood or the macro-influencer on your Instagram page. It is important to find the right influencers for your needs.

What is your advice to Influencers who are just getting started?

Building your own brand from the ground up takes time and dedication. If I were to go back and tell myself what I know now, I would make sure to take every possible opportunity to grow connections with people in real life and virtually. You cannot have influence if you are not trusted by your followers, so be sure to stay true to yourself and what you represent- this may mean you have to turn down campaigns in order to stay authentic.

Interested in working with us as an Influencer?

Register with our agency.

The post Influencer Talent Spotlight – Tatum Fischer appeared first on Productions Plus.

How many years have you been working with Productions Plus and how many years have you been in this industry?

I’ve been with Productions Plus since 2015 and that’s when I started doing auto shows. However, I’ve been doing tradeshows and promos as a brand ambassador since 2005. I’ve got to say – auto shows are my favorite experiences.

How did you first hear of Productions Plus and what was the first job/event that you booked?

I had first heard of Productions Plus through a friend who was an automotive product specialist and narrator on the Lexus team. Shortly after, I came across Productions Plus’ open call posting for automotive show product specialists and brand ambassadors and I remembered thinking to myself, “This must be a sign!” I quickly hit the submit button and was ecstatic when I got called in for an audition! At one point, P+ asked if there were any brands I would want to request to work for and even though I had a particular one in mind, I wanted to leave myself open to all opportunities.

It was around February when I had auditioned and afterward, P+ updated me about various automotive brands that had expressed interest in me and wanted further in-person interviews. In June, I received a call that Toyota wanted me to be on their team and I was thrilled because that’s who I had in mind initially if I had to request for a team! PLUS, I drive an unstoppable 2007 Toyota Prius with 235k miles and gets me 45 mpg. I was beyond elated that I landed my dream team!

Training was where I first met everyone, including all 120 product specialists on our Toyota team. The weeklong training really WOWed me. Right away, I was impressed by how P+ organized everything. We got into the nitty-gritty mechanics of internal combustion engines to specs of every single vehicle in the current lineup. As soon as I finished training, I booked the Do More – RAV4 campaign event in Monterey Park and my first auto show after that was for the Orange County International Auto Show. It felt great to dive into bookings so quickly.

Is working with Productions Plus different than other agencies?

Definitely! P+ is an agency that you will build real relationships with real people. This is why I love staying on. There are some promo agencies where you can sign up online and you’ll never know who is behind the e-mails and you may never even meet them in person. It’s easy to feel like a number because you can tell you’re a part of a mass sent e-mail.

With P+, I met my team’s account managers, P+ executives like our President Hedy and Executive Director of Talent and Marketing Halie, and our clients, at my first training and every annual training after that. It’s not a once-a-year-thing either. I continually get to see them at auto shows so everyone does get to know each other and our talents. For example, Eric, who is one of our team’s account managers that books for events, is aware of my bilingual language skills in Vietnamese. He’ll ask for my availability for the Tết festival (Lunar New Year) and Asian American community events and I think it really shows how well they know you when they match up your capabilities to bookings.

This is also the first agency I’ve been with that is proactive with learning opportunities for their talent. From being media trained to narration/public speaking workshops hosted by our team’s seasoned public speakers, I love that I can use these skills outside of the team as an on-camera host and actress as well.

What is your advice to someone who is just starting out in the promotional industry?

First and foremost, be friendly and approachable! It’s as a simple as it gets! Because the promotional industry is all about a company wanting to connect consumers to a brand – we are literally the gatekeeper and their first impression of the brand you’re representing. People love smiles and a good conversation. Consumers will remember how you made them feel after they’ve talked to you and will associate that feeling with the company’s logo you’re wearing.

Secondly, don’t feel intimidated that you don’t have all the product knowledge right when you first start. Everyone on your team will be more than happy to support you and you’ll quickly learn all of that. Take initiative for yourself and everyone, including P+, will take notice!

Interested in Working with Us on a Promotional Team?

Join our talent database.

The post Automotive Talent Spotlight – Isabelle Du appeared first on Productions Plus.

Our recruitment teams spend all year scouring the country for the nations best talent to represent major automotive brands at tradeshows and events. From gearheads to former beauty queens, there is a huge range of who can be the “right fit” for a particular brand.

Think you have what it takes to talk cars for a living? Make sure you know the answers to these Frequently Asked Questions before applying.

When is the Auto Show season?

The auto show season runs like a school year, September- May. Most team trainings happen during the summer prior to the start of that season. Most brands also have events and pop-ups throughout the year that also require Product Specialists. Once on a team, you can expect to travel anywhere between 30-100 days a year. This number varies by team and experience level. If you have other jobs and commitments that might conflict with regular travel, it’s important that you discuss this with the recruitment team BEFORE being placed with a brand.

What is the difference between a Product Specialist (PS) and a Local Hire Brand Ambassador (BA)?

A PS is a person who is a trained product expert. They have been hand-selected by the automotive client and have attended an in-depth yearly training. PS are given a season schedule and day rate. When they travel, their airfare and lodging are arranged and provided by P+/their client. Their product knowledge is tested throughout the season and they are expected to participate in an ongoing study.

A Local Hire Brand Ambassador is hired on a per-show basis. They are paid a day rate and per diem, but no travel or lodging is provided. Their jobs usually do not require product knowledge. Most Product Specialists start as a Brand Ambassador.

I am interested in booking multiple shows as a BA. How do I go about booking in advance?

Please note, we always consider/book true local BAs first for all major auto shows. However, if you are interested and available, we advise reaching out to our recruiters within 3-5 weeks of the show. We will consider you for the locations you are requesting, but please keep in mind local BAs from that market will be considered first, unless requested by the client. Our clients do make all final BA selections for all auto shows and most auto events.

Why does Productions Plus try to book true local Brand Ambassadors at all Auto Shows?

We try to book true locals for all major markets for a couple of reasons. One, we are always looking to expand our markets for new talent to join our P+ community in the area. These are also commonly requested markets by our clients where they are actively looking to have PS join their team (being they are near major airports).

How do I become a Product Specialist?

There are several ways to get your foot in the door as an Automotive Product Specialist. One is to schedule a Skype/Facetime interview with our recruiting team. Another is to work as a local hire at an automotive event and get a glowing review from your supervisor. Previous brand ambassador experience is always preferred.

What is an audition video?

A Product Specialist audition video is different than the brand ambassador videos we request for auto shows and events. The PS audition video is a way for you to introduce yourself to our clients. If we think you would be a good candidate for one of our teams, we will email you instructions in the late spring/early summer. This email will provide a sample of our video expectations. Once you submit your video along with the other pertinent information requested via the invitation email, you are officially in the running for team placement. The team placement process can take several months. Please keep in touch with us and let us know if you accept another position that would make you unavailable for team placement.

Who decides what team I belong on?

As the industry leader, we have over 17 major automotive brands that we currently cast for. We as an agency know which of our candidates matches the demographic needs of a specific team but our clients make the final selection.

If I don’t want to travel with the Auto Show, what other jobs can Productions Plus-The Talent Shop help me get?

We are a nationwide theatrical and staffing agency. Daily, we hire phenomenal people all over the United States to work tradeshows, events, promotions and in-store demonstrations. Our SAG-AFTRA theatrical agency is headquartered in Detroit but we submit theatrical talent in all major markets. Registering with our agency does not automatically result in theatrical representation.

The post How To Become An Automotive Product Specialist appeared first on Productions Plus.

Well, before you get invited to suit up in the latest superhero franchise-

You need to start AUDITIONING!

And GOOD NEWS –

If you live in LA or NY, there are big studios casting ALL THE TIME for projects!

But wait… you don’t live in either of these major markets?

And you can’t afford to drive/fly to the coast for every project you’re asked to audition for?
Hmmm…

Don’t Panic. We live in the digital age, and MOST projects accept taped auditions! And many agencies, like ours, will film an audition for you.

Seriously.

We do it for free!

But if yours doesn’t, you can also pay many private studios to coach and film you.

BUT if it’s after hours or you need to turn around a project quickly, you need to become a black belt in the art of the SELF-TAPE.

Think of Productions Plus as your sensei because we are starting a new series of videos to help you perfect this practice.

Wax On, Neil.

Did you take notes? Here’s what we want to make sure you didn’t miss-

Make sure you are well lit. Shadows are no one’s friend.

And competition is fierce. Don’t make casting guess at what you look like.

Don’t let the background steal focus. Keep it as plain and simple as you can.

Hang a sheet or find a blank wall because an unmade bed behind you is not the way to fast-track to stardom.

Frame yourself properly. The crazy thing is most actors shoot from the wrong direction with their phones.

Resist the vertical! It feels wrong but holding your phone horizontal is so, so right.

Did you know casting directors will reject submissions if they are shot wrong?

Don’t take that risk. You’ve been practicing your lines for too long.

Right?

Because you should be off book. Or at least holding your script out of frame.

This is acting! Not reading ????

Let’s talk about eyelines next, because you shouldn’t be looking into the camera unless instructed.

Trust us.

You look really crazy. And maybe that’s the role you were going for, but superheroes are not usually the crazy ones.

Except maybe when Robert Downey Jr. is the star.

But RDJ probably doesn’t need to self-tape anymore, sooooo…..

Always have someone to read with you off camera. You can and should look and react to them as you would an onscreen partner.

Got a take you like? Make sure you send that submission back to your agent properly.

Never send huge movie files on in an email. Servers will reject them or compress them to a grainy quality.

We like Google Drive, Drop Box or We transfer.

And when you’re ready to take your training a step further… We’ll have more videos coming in the upcoming weeks covering topics like:

– Self-Tape Lighting
– Self-Tape Equipment
– Self-Tape Slating
– And more!

Thanks for watching and don’t forget to thank us in your awards acceptance speech.

The post How to Master a Self Taped Audition appeared first on Productions Plus.

When and how did you become an agent for models?

Well, it was a complete fluke! Being a talent agent was not on my radar as a career path. I actually had a business background, and wanted to be a CPA. At the time I really needed a job, and applied at another local agency. They hired me as a temporary secretary to an agent. They liked my work, and offered me a permanent position working for four other agents. I worked there for two years. I was then offered an assistant’s position to an agent at Affiliated Models. I ended up working for two print agents, and when one of them left, I was offered the print position. I worked side by side with Ricka Fuger, and learned the print business. So I guess that makes sixteen years at Affiliated Models, nine years at The Talent Shop, and now almost nine years at Productions- Plus!

What’s the biggest change in modeling that you’ve seen over the course of your career?

The digital age. Printed comp cards are almost all gone, as are actual portfolios and tear sheets. Now my talent carry around Ipads with their portfolio loaded digitally not the big black folders that everyone used to have to lug around.

The other big shift I’ve witnessed is how much more inclusive brands are trying to be. Ethnic diversity is huge! It used to be that everyone wanted the tall, amazonian blondes… to represent everything! Now blondes are the minority.

What types of jobs do you book on a regular basis?

Print and video, but really my emphasis is always on print. We have two theatrical agents at P+, so they usually handle our on camera bookings. Detroit is the Motor City, and thus we do a lot of commercial print, especially lifestyle shoots with cars. We also do online catalogue shoots for national companies that are based in Michigan. I also book some live fashion jobs, which include runway or presenting clothes for an audience, designer or retailer.

What’s been the booking you are most proud of?

That’s hard one. There have been so many over the years. Recently, I want to say Shinola. They have been doing a lot of work/shooting here in Detroit but historically, they bring most of their models in from New York. So, when I get a talent approved, it’s very exciting for me. The brand has a huge national following, and when I tell the talent that their booking is with Shinola, I can hear the excitement! I’m having fun building that account.

What’s the most common mistake you see new models making?

Paying a lot of money for photos before getting the advice of a talent agent to even see if you are even marketable! I would prefer talent sent me current headshot and full length digitals before booking a session with a photographer. Also new models need to remember to include their stats. I want to know height and clothing size range when assessing potential talent. I also wish more people were smiling in their headshots.

If I like a model’s digitals I’ll bring them in to further assess their look. Some people are more high fashion while others should focus on commercial print. Most photographers are only good at shooting one style, and once I’ve met you in person, I can recommend who to shoot with and what types of looks to go after. Of course some talent can overlap categories, but this way you are not spinning your wheels or spending more money than you need to.

What fact or idea do you wish all models knew?

Do your homework. There’s so much information online. I used to have young models buy Marie Anderson’s book on modeling but a lot of that is obsolete. I have recently directed talent to watch to watch runway shows in NY (you can find them on youtube) and go to the magazine rack to see what kind of work is out there. I want talent to get a feel for what type of people are being booked and what aesthetics are popular.

Agents don’t have a ton of time to explain the industry, so come in armed with as much research as you possibly can. You’d do that for a job interview, so why not for a meeting with an agency?

What tools do new models need to break into this business?

These days you need really great pictures! I see it time and time again, that the talent with wonderful pictures are chosen. It’s hard to define a good picture but we need a really clear image of who you are. Don’t cover yourself with hats, hair or big jewelry. Clothing should just be simple and plain. I’m not selling your clothing, I’m selling you! I tell my talent to wear muted colors that don’t steal focus. Honestly, the saying “less is more” is very true. Don’t glam it up, girls that do that don’t get work, because clients can’t see through all the makeup. They think you are hiding something. Show yourself and your natural beauty. There are very few live auditions anymore, so you don’t get to sell yourself in the audition room. The talent pictures are your first and sometimes only introduction to a client.

What’s a red flag for anyone new to the industry?

When a so called agency asks you as the talent to pay money to be with them. A legitimate agency does not charge you to register with them. Also be careful if an agency insists you shoot with a certain photographer, that probably means they are getting a cut. They should only make money when they get you a booking/job.

What type of new talent are you currently scouting for?

Ethnically ambiguous. It’s a term used a lot in the print world but basically, it’s someone who could be of multiple backgrounds, you can’t clearly define their heritage. Fashion is loving that. More than ever, ethnic talent is needed, and I’m always scouting for new interesting faces.

If you are interested in submitting to be represented by our agency, please join our database.

The post Modeling Tips & Advice from Veteran Agent Marsha Bassi appeared first on Productions Plus.