Thursday 30 May 2013

Let your Bettina Rewards card reward you!

As Bettina members, you become the new owner of a shiny black, white and purple card with the words 'Bettina rewards' splashed over it. Your Bettina Rewards card is exclusive to you. It offers benefits and savings with thousands of retail outlets and service providers throughout Australia. So how much power does this new addition to your wallet actually have? Where are the rewards and how can you use them accordingly?



Let's look at the boring stuff first: logging in. (NB. You will receive this card in the mail with a welcome letter)

Above is a picture of a rewards card. As you can see there is a Card Number and an Expiration date.

Go to this website:

Enter username and password as follows:

Username: BTM12345 (your card number)
Password: CITIZEN (your surname in capitals)

Once done successfully, this discount filled page should appear:


So where to from here?

As you will be able to see, the opportunities are endless. There are theme parks, electronics, automotive, fashion, fitness, health, beauty, travel and many more outlets to get serious discounts and serious savings from.

What can get kind of confusing though, is whether you need to pre purchase the product on line to redeem the savings or if you can simply wave it at the cashier as you casually stroll out of the shop.

The difference is clearly defined in the product that you choose, for example if you wanted the Speedo 15% off deal; you can see that it says: 'Present your membership card displaying the Club Lifestyle logo to receive 15% off full priced merchandise. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.'


Similarly, to redeem  your 25% discount for Phillip Island Nature Parks - it states: 'To receive 25% discount on 3 Parks Pass present your member card at Churchill Island, Koala Conservation Centre or Penguin Parade to redeem your discount'.



Now, for purchasing online - it is also quite clear on how/when to do this. Let's look at movie tickets (yay) and in this case Village Cinema discounts:



As you can see, the 40% discount (how great is that?) is only redeemable by purchasing online and then printing off and presenting to cashier.

Some of the bigger brands on the site are: Coles, Ishka, OPSM, Sydney & Melbourne Aquarium, Gold Coast theme parks, Bras & Things, Bevilles, Hairhouse Warehouse etc. etc.. The list goes on!

Please be aware though, that these brands are susceptible to change and you must adhere to the terms and conditions before purchasing to ensure that you fully understand the limits of the purchase (such as how long it is valid for, if there are designated stores, when it is exempt and so on).

Also, Club Lifestyle has gone mobile! You can download the app from the App Store for easier deal searching for free. You can follow this link to download it here if you haven't already: Download App You can purchase deals, enter competitions, search hot offers and check out what's new.. a really fun (and maybe dangerous) way to shop, no matter where you are.



We want you to benefit from the rewards card as much as possible. As usual, contact us with any issues or you can contact Club Lifestyle directly. Call the Rewards Customer Service Centre on 1300 886 787.

Thanks everyone x


Wednesday 22 May 2013

A Fool Proof Guide to AT2 - Part 3

The Nitty Gritty

Part 3 of 3


This last section on our guide to AT2 will focus on the Video and Resume features that are available. The most commonly asked question about these features is 'Are they necessary?' There are certainly uses for both of them, regardless of experience. The more information the better!

Luckily with our AT2 package, the video function is accessible to us all. The video could contain a few things:

1. The most common video is a 'Showreel'. A Showreel is a collection of featured work and is always requested in the adult acting world. If your child has a few TV commercials or featured work examples under their belt, collate the clips together to create a visual example of all recent jobs. If your child has completed one TV commercial (or video clip, featured in TV series, background of TV series, extra in film etc.) simply show a video of just that experience.
2. If your child hasn't received any work, the video could be one of a dance concert, school concert, musical production performance or something similar that demonstrates skills and abilities.
3. With the absence of both of the above, it is acceptable and often helpful to upload a video of your child talking to the camera or playing/laughing/moving so that clients can visualise outside of the limits of a photo to gauge interaction skills.

Uploading a video is similar to uploading a photograph (please refer to Part 2). Simply go to the 'Video' tab > press 'Edit' > and upload your video.

Once it is uploaded - your child's profile will look like this:
Sorcha has uploaded a video of her acting at home to display her skills:



And Dominic has uploaded a video of a Worksafe TV commercial he is featured in:


Let's move onto the Resume section.

There are two types of resumes that you can use on the AT2 site - one is a generic PDF resume, and the other is a credit resume which means you can secure attachments of examples of work.

When you click the Resume tab this will appear:



PDF Resume: Irrespective of whether your child has experience or not - it is still possible to have a resume should you so desire. For a child without any experience it can be helpful to simply fill out a resume detailing your child's hobbies, interests and personality. Make sure that you include any extracurricular activities or achievements to date as well. For children that have had work, make sure that you put all of the jobs and dates in chronological order. You may also jot down the castings you've attended (even if you didn't get the job!) because every bit of experience counts, and all castings contribute to confidence and as a stepping stone for the next one.


See below for an example of a PDF resume for Dominic detailing paid work:



 Example of a PDF resume for Keshika complete with all skills, education and relevant experience:



A Credit Resume is a great way to show examples of work your child has completed to correlate with the written description. Click 'Add Table Section' to start. The below will pop up and this is where you enter the names of jobs:









So for example, you could put in: Target May 2013 or Australian Country Spinners 2010
On the right hand side is a little icon of an image - this is where you click to upload the Target image or the Australian Country Spinners image.

Once entered it should look like this:



This type of mini resume is probably ideal for parents who have lots of copies or images of printed work or links to videos of ads. It is a quick, concise way to get an overview of all experiences. For other children, a simple PDF resume will suffice.

Last important things to note:


There is a tab for Skills that has an array of tick boxes from accents to dance experience to singing to sporting ability. Whilst we do have on our file most of your child's abilities, these do change or exceed (for example beginner, intermediate, advanced) - be sure to edit when needed. This will make it easier for clients when they are searching for specific abilities on the AT2 database. 

Finally, of course any help needed with any aspect of AT2 can be directed to our Bettina HQ to email address: info@bettina.com.au. We want everyone to make the most of their AT2 membership. Hopefully this 3 part series has been able to help some of you to gain a stronger grasp of the AT2 site. Remember, if you have any ideas or questions that you would like to see in further posts please email: jade@bettina.com.au

Thanks everyone! 

Thursday 16 May 2013

A Fool Proof Guide to AT2 - Part 2

The Essentials

Part 2 of 3


Now that we have The Basics covered, it's time to take a look at the aspects of AT2 that can significantly help or hinder your progress.

Sizes

Changing clothing sizes is imperative to ensure your child is being submitted for the right jobs at all times. As soon as a clothing or shoe size changes we need you to update this on AT2. We won't know it has changed unless you tell us! And we know how fast theses things can happen, kids grow.. all the time!


In order to change the clothing size click on the tab 'Profile' and then where the tab says 'View | Edit' press 'Edit'. The screen should look like this:


To get to clothing size, scroll down! Look at the arrow below for where you need to change the shoe and clothing size:







It is also beneficial to call us and let us know too, so we can alter it on our internal database!

Photographs

With our package on AT2 - you have the option to upload 10 additional photographs of your choice.
Before we learn how to upload the images, let's make sure they are in the right format first!

> It's much easier if the image is formatted to a 'JPEG.' file If it is not already in a JPEG, go to the photograph where you have it stored and press 'Save As.' Underneath the 'File Name' there will be a drop down box for 'Save as type' as shown below. Simply make sure the 'JPEG' option is selected.


Alright, now for the fun part. Follow the instructions to upload a photo:

1. Click the 'Photos' tab.
2. Where it says 'View | Edit', click 'Edit'.
3. The screen will then look like this:



4. When you click 'Add New Image' this screen will pop up:


5. Click 'Add Files' and find the photograph/s you are wishing to upload. You are able to upload more than one at a time which is handy and saves time!

6. After the photo uploads, the next screen will show the images one by one and have a button that says 'Auto Crop & Resize' - click that button, then press 'Submit & Finish'. All done!

NB. If you have wish to change the default picture at any time throughout the membership, please let us know first. Sometimes, if a parent puts up a photograph that is not suitable for our clients as a default without alerting us, we will not be able to submit the photograph forward to the client on account of professionalism.

Similar to the extra photographs, even if not serving the purpose of a default photo per se, the photographs can and will still be looked at by clients and casting directors alike. Some photos that look great on the fridge may not be appropriate for AT2! They should still retain an element of professionalism, despite being taken at home for fun.

Below are a few examples of appropriate and inappropriate photos for AT2.

Here are some good examples:


In these gorgeous photos we can see the child's face front on, we can see his unique features i.e. blue eyes, shape of face (nose, mouth) and also, with the first photo - a bit of character in his smirk. Note the below photograph too:


It can be easy to simply stand your child in front of a wall in the house as naturally as possible and get them to show you a big smile. The clients need to see exactly what your child looks like in an everyday situation. We don't encourage fanciness and frills, clients are searching for cute and happy kids.

Now for some inappropriate examples:




Despite the undoubted cuteness that radiates from each of the above photographs, things such as food, baths, not looking at the camera, being too far away and hiding the face with a hat are features that aren't ideal to be presented to the client. Also, for the older kids self taken images 'selfies' aren't necessarily appropriate either, but please check with one of the staff first. 

We are always available should you require further assistance with AT2! You can email info@bettina.com.au  with any images for us to check or for help.

Stay tuned for Part 3! Also, if you have any questions that we have not yet covered (next part will cover videos and resumes) please let me know: jade@bettina.com.au

Thanks everyone!

Tuesday 14 May 2013

Why can't any agency guarantee work?

Sometimes as a new parent to the industry, it can be hard to understand why no agency can guarantee work for you.. no matter how cute your child is!

It's important to understand that the 'role' of an agent is to be just that - your agent. We don't operate as a marketing or advertising company and by all means aren't telepathic/magical beings/fortune tellers and cannot see into the future or the minds of our clients (as much as we would love to be able to do all of these things)!




It's sometimes easy to think of it as similar to the way a real estate agent works. Basically, a real estate agent will put your house up for sale and market the house to the best of their ability - yet can't promise that someone will buy it. (They can't predict the future either! Boo). What they can do however, is use their expertise and experience to gain insightful knowledge to learn what works, what doesn't and how to be the best of their kind. We do this too.

The client occupies all decision making and indeed need to choose the 'right' person for the job to represent their company. 'Right' could mean a few things: exceptional at cartwheeling/martial arts/ice skating/surf lifesaving/diver/tennis player etc., looks undoubtedly similar to the parent or sibling role that has already been filled, has amazing red hair, missing two front teeth, Sri Lankan, a 10 month baby that can walk, a 12 month baby that can't yet walk.. you get the idea! Other times, it is simply 'Could we please see a brunette size 0 boy'! or 'Could we please see 12 year old Chinese girls'..  It is important to know that for a lot of the time, it is never as simple as just being photogenic.

Every child is wonderfully unique and the process of receiving/ not receiving jobs should never be taken to heart. The industry is unpredictable but exciting. It'll bore you when it's slow but whip you out of your chair when it's fast, and most importantly; intended to be fun for all involved.





Friday 10 May 2013

Happy Mother's Day everyone!



We are all getting very excited here at Bettina HQ to shower our mums with some extra (and much deserved!) love and attention on such a special day. I asked around the office to see what a few of the girls had in store –

Our receptionist Amelia is one step ahead of everyone, probably winning first prize for the delightful daughter gig by having a bouquet of red roses delivered to her mum at lunch time today!
 

Our talent scout Jo says that her husband has a ‘surprise’ planned, and by ‘surprise’, she states she has a pretty good idea that it will be something winery related but has kept the lid shut on her source!

Our assistant manager Tallulah probably wins first prize for most creative present. When asked how she will be spoiling her mum – she informed us that her mum will be enjoying a three course meal while listening to the soothing voice of none other than Tallulah herself singing at the restaurant! Now that’s a good present!


Our national manager Ronel will be cooking homemade lasagna for her mum, followed by a delicious dessert that is ‘yet to be confirmed’, and in typical Ronel style, will probably be confirmed an hour before show time!


Our class coordinator Brodie will be spending the day baking gluten free goodies for both mum and office, hopefully enough to last us the week!


Talent coordinator Eloise and I (Jade) will be attending the Mother’s Day Classic which is a walk/run (depending on fitness abilities which in our case, aren’t too exceptional!) to support and raise awareness for breast cancer. 


Our casting manager Anna and talent booker Jayne will spend the day absorbed in food and chats at family lunches, enjoying both of these things in equal and healthy measure!


Lastly, our talent coordinator Henrietta will be spending the day missing her mum and sending virtual hugs and kisses all the way to rural South Australia!


So everyone, wherever you are and whatever you are doing – enjoy!


Here is Brodie's mum about to devour aforementioned home backed gluten free goodie!




Thursday 9 May 2013

A Fool Proof Guide to AT2 - Part 1

The Basics

Part 1 of 3


AT2 is an integral part of the casting/entertainment industry and Bettina membership alike. 

This is the start of a 3 part series to guide you through all the ins and outs of AT2. 

Let's start with the basics, sometimes even the initial step of logging in can seem harder than necessary if you haven't received your log in details. Let's clarify why - firstly, you should receive an email sent to you directly by AT2 with your log in details. Depending on individual privacy settings, this email could automatically be delivered to the 'Junk' folder due to the fact that the email is not from an individual person, but rather 'AT2' as a name.

If you fail to receive this in accordance with the time frame set out by us initially, do call the office and we can organise for them to be delivered to you ASAP!


Once here, enter your log in details, then you will see the screen below (surname has been omitted for privacy):


Let's take a closer look at the top row of tabs:



The most important tabs you will need to use will be 'My Profile', 'Brief Inbox' and 'Messages'.

The 'My Profile' tab is where you go to maintain all personal details about your child.
The 'Brief Inbox' tab is where you go to find any invitation to participate in unpaid work. When you click this tab you will then need to click the tab 'iCast Briefs' (as shown below):

The reason that you don't stay in the tab 'Briefs from Agent' is because we will never offer you or alert you to paid work or castings through AT2. Our first point of contact is a phone call, then text, then email. 

Through 'iCast Briefs', you will receive notices and inbox messages from independent producers, boutique clothing labels, student films and more. IF you are interested in participating further you will need to coordinate all communication with them via the messaging system which can be accessed via the tab 'Message.'

Check all communication regularly! Even missing out on something one or two days late can mean that the opportunity is no longer available... which is no fun. 

Keep an eye out for Part 2 tomorrow... XX




Wednesday 8 May 2013

My child did a shoot, how do I find the photos?!


Waiting for a catalogue to come out can be really frustrating, we are all anticipating that exhilaration when we see a familiar face representing one of Australia's leading brands.

Usually no designated date exists, so we are unable to pen it in our diary or scribble it on the whiteboard next to the fridge. It's a waiting game, and what a wait! Most large retailers like Target, Myer, David Jones, Best and Less, Kmart, Big W and Aldi can be quite spontaneous with a time frame, which is usually around 4-12 weeks before the catalogue is produced.

So what does this mean for you as parents and us as an agent?

Luckily, with the acceleration and prominence of online shopping and brand presence, we all have easy access to catalogues at the touch of a keypad (or mouse)! Most companies publish their new catalogues on a Wednesday or Thursday. After the shoot, check the relevant website to make sure you don't miss it - we do the same. Also, it can't hurt to 'Like' the company page on Facebook as well, it is common for companies to do status updates to alert customers when a new catalogue has become available or they may use your child's picture in an alternative source of advertising on the Facebook page.

We will try to get to the image in question first and email you/ post it on Facebook, but if you happen to beat us to it with speedier fingers or an earlier coffee - do let us know, we love seeing the final products and congratulating all the kids involved.

XX

Jayda & Lucy for Target www.target.com.au



Monday 6 May 2013

First Casting Jitters!


It's 4pm on a Monday, you've just received a call that your child has been requested for your first casting....and it's tomorrow, at 10am! The excitement over receiving that first casting, the call you've been waiting for, is overcome by a sudden wave of nerves. What do I need to wear? What should I expect? ? How many other children will be there? 
Let's overcome some of the most common questions about heading to a casting so that you and child both can waltz in at ease and with confidence. 


What do I dress my child in? If it is for a photographic shoot, think about the company you are going to the casting for. Is it Target or is it Witchery Junior? Have a look at the website and at the clothes they are advertising, think about what would be appropriate for the brand, so don't go to a Target casting in a gorgeous shiny dress but instead opt for something cute & casual like jeans and a jacket. Vice versa for other brands - don't go to a Witchery Junior casting wearing tracksuit pants or runners (probably goes without saying but you never know!) If it's a casting for a TV commercial; cute, bright and neat clothes are a must. Make sure shoes are clean! Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest impression. 



What will happen once I get there? Always try and arrive early enough to be able to find a car park! About 5-10 minutes before your appointment time go into the office or building, make yourself known to the receptionist and take a seat and wait to be called. All casting directors meet with children on a regular basis so the atmosphere will be welcoming. Most casting directors are usually working to a deadline and can be very pressed for time - if you are rushed, do not take this personally! It's part of their job to get through things quickly. Depending on the role, you could be there for only 5 minutes to have a quick chat and photo taken - or you could be there for 10-15 minutes if there were lines to be learned prior to the casting. At about 7 years of age, try and let your child go into the room alone. This will demonstrate independence and a willingness to engage with new people, obviously don't force this upon your child should he/she be feeling nervous (especially if it is the first one)!


Do we get paid to go to the casting? No. A casting is like a job interview, the client will need to meet and assess talent before making any decisions! Similar to when you came in to Bettina Management for an interview. 


When do we find out if we were successful? Do we get a call? The successful child/ren can be chosen at any time - just as you are waiting for a call with news, we are too! It is not common practice to call each and every child after they go in for a casting to let them know they haven't been selected. If you haven't heard anything in 3-4 days, give us a call to double check. We can let you know if we've received a response yet or not! Successful talent will be notified as soon as we receive the news, first point of contact is calling Mum or Dad's mobile (whoever answers first!), so make sure you keep your phone on you in the days following the casting. The booking of a job can also happen quite quickly, or your child may be requested to go in for a fitting or a callback (which you do get paid for)!  


Is there anything else that stresses you out about going to a casting? Does anyone have any funny stories from their first casting?


Picture courtesy of http://www.squidoo.com/


Friday 3 May 2013

Welcome!

This space is dedicated to providing Bettina Management members and parents an insight into tips and tricks of the trade, relevant news, advice, member reviews, feedback and much more! 

It can be a little daunting joining an agency and entering the exciting world of child modelling - most of us have never had the experience of being with an agency and don't even know where to begin! 


Here, we will try to make the processes second nature, we will be a secure source of information and most importantly, we will walk you down the path to stardom and try to make it a little less bumpy! 

We are always open to suggestions for posts or feedback.

We hope you enjoy it!

Love, The Bettina Team XX
This is Chloe, star of all SEED campaigns - to see more head this way > http://www.seedheritage.com