#1. Production Companies Receive Competitive Tax Incentives

According to the Florida Office of Film and Entertainment, the demand for performers (singers, dancers, actors) in Florida is steadily rising, thanks to healthy tax incentives for production companies. The state practically throws money at producers to come film here, which keeps us busy when we submit our talent for the acting jobs that open up.

#2. Florida is a Right-to-Work State

If you’re ready to pick up and move to New York or California, give it a second thought.Because Florida is a right-to-work state, actors are not required to join a union unless they want to, which is not the case for actors in New York or California. That means new actors have to be a part of SAG or AFTRA before they can practice their on-screen craft professionally.

Do you see the problem there for new actors?

Without a professional resume, admission into those unions is not possible, but how are you supposed to build your resume when you’re not part of a union? Avoid the Catch-22 by sticking to sunny Florida for the beginning stages of your acting career.

#3. Acting Work is Available Year-Round

Every winter, we see an influx of international visitors flooding our highways and tanning on our beaches, and we welcome the added boost to our economy. But some of the snowbirds aren’t here on vacation—they’re here to put new and experienced actors to work. While other parts of the country are covered in crisp, white snow, Florida’s actors are basking in the sun, adding to their resumes with acting work from northern and European film, TV, and commercial producers, which ties into our fourth reason for getting started in acting right here.

#4. Florida Actors Get International Exposure

Imagine being on the set of a commercial for Renault cars, or a grocery store chain in Holland. People clear across the world will be exposed to your likeness! Florida’s enviable year-round weather attracts companies in Europe, from Monaco to Russia, and we have even sent our talent out for spots slated to air in Africa and Australia.

#5. Demand for Everyday People is at an All-Time High

With all the work there is to be had in Florida—especially for us here in South Florida—the need for everyday people to fill assorted roles is growing. Reality shows, TV commercials, and movie sets contact talent agencies like ours with all kinds of requests. Short, tall, plus-size, petite, old, young—people of all ages, sizes, shapes, and ethnicities are being asked for everyday. So no matter what you look like, there’s probably a role out there with your name on it.

#6. No Experience is Necessary!

Got a blank acting resume? No problem! You can still find jobs for actors in Florida without a snazzy lineup of professional work. Going to acting school or training with a mentor aren’t a requirement for Florida actors. Many times, you just have to have a certain look to book a job, and training is provided on the set.

Get a Talent Agent to Sign You by Dressing for Success

Okay, so you love going a little low with your V-necks—if ya got it, flaunt it, right? Wrong! Show a little decorum (meaning add a cami to that low-cut top, ladies!) when you dress up for your interview. Treat your first meeting with a talent agent the same way you would a job interview:

· Go light on the makeup
· Make sure you’re wearing wrinkle-free clothes
· Skip flashy jewelry and instead choose a signature piece to wear
· Dress appropriately—no jeans, see-through tops, mini-skirts, clothes with holes, etc.

Remember: You can’t take back a first impression. Make the most out of your first meeting by looking professional, like someone who is sincere about starting in show business and who takes it seriously (because you are, right?)

Talent Agencies Want to See that You’re Prepared

At Avenue, we’re always looking for models and actors that are on the ball about the business. If you’re already an established talent looking for new representation, come to the interview with your updated resume, fresh headshots, and a stack of 10 to 15 comp cards. If you’re a complete novice in the entertainment industry, no worries—just learn all you can about the nature of the business and get the tools you’ll need to succeed, such as getting quality composite cards and headshots.

Preparation also means giving yourself a good head start to get to the interview on time. In South Florida, traffic can be a problem sometimes, so leave 10 minutes earlier than what you originally planned. Also, bring a pen and a notepad so you can write down anything you want to research later that the agent talks about, and so you can jot down the answers to any questions you have. We like answering your questions—it shows us that you came prepared!

Talent Agencies in Fort Lauderdale Want to See Your Enthusiasm!

Lastly, don’t forget to let your personality shine when you meet a talent agent. Enthusiasm goes a long way in this business, and modeling agencies want to see it the moment you walk in. Smile! Show us that you are genuinely interested in your modeling or acting career with an upbeat attitude.

Are these tips helpful? Do you want to know more about the interview process? Leave us your questions and comments or talk to us on Facebook or Twitter.