A New and Improved Bettina Rewards

Exciting news!

Bettina Rewards has had a makeover.

Lifestyle Rewards, previously known as Club Lifestyle, has expanded to lifestyle travel, lifestyle shop and lifestyle tickets; essentially offering more ways for Bettina members to save!

Your Bettina rewards card gives you access to discounts and special offers across categories like;

ü  ‘Groceries and fuel’, with discounted vouchers from Coles, Woolworth and Caltex.
ü  ‘Entertainment’ with discounts on movies, theme parks, wine, bowling magazines, DVD’s and        Blu-rays; just to name a few.
ü  ‘Travel including accommodation and car hire.
ü  ‘Health and Beauty’ with savings on hair and beauty products.
ü  ‘House and Home’ with the likes of furniture etc.
ü  ‘Sight and Sound’ with savings on TV, phone and home theatre.
ü  ‘Outdoors and Leisure’ with savings on tours and adventures like jet boating, bridge climb and      many more.
ü  ‘Sport and fitness’ including gym memberships and sporting wear and equipment.

This little card covers a wide range of top name brands with over a whopping 10,000 retail outlets in the program. Here are just a few to get you excited;

David Jones           10% off        
Rebel Sport           10 % off
Dymocks               10% off        
Hairhouse Warehouse    12.5% off
Priceline                 10% off         
AND1                   15% off
Ticketmaster          10% off        
iSubscribe               10% off
Speedo                 15% off       
Mantra hotels, resorts    up to 50% off
Toys r Us              10% off         
Allianz                    10% off 
Specsavers            25% off         
Sportsco                10% off

School holidays are fast approaching and can be an expensive time for families but don’t forget you can use your Bettina Rewards card to get:

15% off SEAL LIFE Sydney Aquarium

15% off the Sydney Tower Eye and Skywalk

15% off Sydney’s Wild Life Zoo

15% off Dreamworld, White Water World and Wet n Wild.

 How to use

Now let’s move onto how you use this little beauty. The methods to redeem are the same as the older Bettina Rewards card. If you need a refresher or are new to the Bettina group check out our previous blog ‘Let your Bettina Rewards card reward you!’ for all the function details.

New Rewards App

Now to touch base on the Lifestyle Rewards app that lets you find those bargains anywhere, anytime. Lifestyle Rewards mobile app has also had a revamp. Check out the new and improved app design for both Android and iPhone.

It gets better, the app has a built in GPS so no matter where you are you can log in, walk around and it will simply point out where the nearest in-store discounts are available. Making those savings easier, fun and just maybe a little bit too convenient! 

 We hope you are just as excited about the huge amount of savings as we are ! Happy Saving :)

The What, the How and Why of AT2

What is AT2 and how does it work?

AT2 is an online casting tool used by Australian casting directors, agents and industry professionals. It serves as a platform for clients to seek talent through their online portfolios.

Talent Use:

AT2 creates a space for talent to manage their online portfolio complete with photographs, measurements, physical details and skills or hobbies. Uploading videos and a digital resume is also encouraged to increase chances of appealing to a client; the more information, the better.

AT2 is user-friendly and we have detailed blog posts to help you navigate your profile to update or change information.

Client Use:

Clients use AT2 as a casting search engine, to view briefs submitted by agents and sometimes to send briefs out themselves. Using a simple or advanced search, clients can enter specific details about the talent they wish to find, such as ‘blonde hair’ and ‘size 2’. The relevant options and agent contact details will appear so they can get in touch with the child.

Why should you use AT2?

AT2 is the best tool to assist your child to get the most out of the industry. AT2 is secure and trusted with a password protected profile and strict processes in place to ensure the utmost safety for your child. As the platform we use to submit talent for work, we can’t overestimate the need for your profile to be consistently up to date and filled in with as much information as possible; profiles are important for being noticed.

You can read our existing blogs on AT2 here for more information:

A Fool Proof Guide to AT2 – Part 1   http://bit.ly/1isLKXI

A Fool Proof Guide to AT2 – Part 2   http://bit.ly/1ktRoIA

A Fool Proof Guide to AT2 – Part 3   http://bit.ly/TQQsZu

If you have any questions that we have not covered please let me know: emma@bettina.com.au.

Thanks everyone!

Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth!

Hello long weekend and of course Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth! We must not forget the reason why we have this well-deserved and need extra day off. How many of you knew that Queen Elizabeth’s actual birthday is on April the 21^st? And what the Queen actually does? Well we asked our very cute and very knowledgeable members on what they think about the Queen and her birthday.  

Freddie

Age: 6

State: NSW

Why do you think you have a day off school for the Queen’s birthday?

Because it's special because she's the Queen of Australia.   

What do you think the Queen does?

I think she walks around the palace waiting for something to happen,  like a problem, in England or Australia, and then she sorts it out or maybe prays to God. 

What would you like to do if you were the King for a day?

I would like to go flying around in an airplane and then land in every country and sort things out.    

Did you know the Queen has two birthdays? Would you like to have two birthdays? How would you celebrate your two birthdays?

No I didn't know.  Yes I would like more than 2 birthdays!!  I would have a grand party and the biggest disco in the world and we'll go dancing for the rest of the night.   

What are you doing for the long weekend?

Playing soccer and going to my friends' house.  It will be awesome! 

Freddie was also lucky enough to meet Prince William and Princess Kate on their visit to Sydney earlier this year. Freddie sings in the St Andrew's Cathedral choir where Kate visited and said to Freddie that she 'had her eye on you all through the service. You were wonderful!' Freddie did comment that even though Kate was lovely he wishes he had of met Prince William. We love that he's not like everyone else who would jump at chance to meet Kate. 

Chloe

Age: 6

State: VIC

Why do you think you have a day off school for the Queen’s birthday?

 Because we celebrate the Queen’s birthday because the queen is special to us.

What do you think the Queen does?

She has all birthdays around the world

What would you like to do if you were the Queen for a day?

I would walk around people and they will need to bow if they see me and when they talk to me I will say that you will need to bow when you talk to me.

Did you know the Queen has two birthdays? Would you like to have two birthdays? How would you celebrate your two birthdays?

Yes. I will have two cakes and I will celebrate and buy everything and I’ll get lots of presents, that’s how I love it.

What are you doing for the long weekend?

I’m gonna to go tap dancing and I’m gonna go piano and I’m going to go have a day of on Monday. YAY!

Willow

Age: 6

State: QLD

Why do you think you have a day off school for the Queen’s birthday?

 Because it is the Queen's birthday and you have to go to her party.

What do you think the Queen does?

She makes people do what she says.

What would you like to do if you were the Queen for a day?

I would make everyone do what I say. All kids can have a day off school and have free play!

Did you know the Queen has two birthdays? Would you like to have two birthdays? How would you celebrate your two birthdays?

Yes I would love to have 2 birthdays! I would go to Dreamworld on one birthday, and on the other birthday I would have a disco party with my friends!

What are you doing for the long weekend?

I am doing jazz and ballet classes on Saturday. Seeing my cousins and grandparents on Sunday. And spending lots of time at the beach with my family, if it is sunny!

Heath

Age: 7

State: QLD

Why do you think you have a day off school for the Queen’s birthday?

 Because.. Um it's the Queen's Birthday and we have I celebrate it because she looks after us.

What do you think the Queen does?

I don't know.. Gets presents.

What would you like to do if you were the King for a day?

Play mind craft on the iPad all day and make stuff.

Did you know the Queen has two birthdays? Would you like to have two birthdays? How would you celebrate your two birthdays?

have a mind craft birthday and a Lego birthday.

What are you doing for the long weekend?

Having a friend come over to play and have movie nights.

Have a great long weekend and we can't wait to celebrate with Willow at the Queen's party! :)

Spot The Difference!

Ever wondered how TV and movie directors ensure their child stars settle in to film on cue? Well the truth is, there usually isn’t one baby playing the role. Our twins Griffyn and Nedrick know the industry tactics first-hand. The identical dynamic duo has just wrapped up filming the third and latest season of Channel Nine’s House Husbands.

House Husbands is a warm, fuzzy and amusing take on the everyday lives of four modern families, focusing on the one thing they all have in common, men! House Husbands has had two successful seasons with the third soon to be aired on our televisions.

Why do they need two babies for one character? Simply because children are unpredictable, their temperament can change depending on time of day etc. It is also by law in Victoria that a child under 3 years of age can only work for 4 hours a day, meaning the director can achieve more in the short time limit.

The bubbly, loud and happy boys have made us proud at Bettina for their recent work with House Husbands.  Mum Kristy shared with us that the boys love to play with their cars and trains and often had challenging times on the set, but also had many rewarding moments too. Who wouldn't have a shy moment when you’re in the spotlight?

A huge thank you to the boys’ parents for making it all possible, our fingers are crossed for further opportunities for them both.

Keep your eye out for the new season and see if you can spot the difference!

Left: Nedrick

Right: Griffyn

5 Common Industry Myths

Have questions about the child modelling industry? Here are 5 common industry myths exposed!

1. Only blonde haired and blue eyed children get work: This is untrue. Most clients value confidence, diversity and character faces above all else. Interaction with the camera and the client is key, after all, they want to see a child who shines on screen and in print!

2. Babies don't get work: At first glance, it's hard to imagine what babies might actually DO for modelling work, but if you turn on a TV or open a catalogue you will see beautiful bubs scattered everywhere! They are often used on TV series for shows like Offspring and House Husbands and for brands like Huggies, Bonds, Target, Myer, David Jones and lots more. 

3. Children must have acting or modelling experience to get work: False, clients rarely expect children under 12 to have experience. Of course, it helps to have a brief introduction to modelling or acting if possible as this may set you apart in the casting or audition. For demanding acting roles, some clients approach acting schools to book talent.

4. Clients choose the same children repeatedly: This may be true for a handful of talent but this will only last for a few weeks or months if a child is doing a particularly great job! Remember, children change clothing size, grow or lose teeth so clients are constantly on the hunt for new talent to fill the varied and diverse roles they receive. 

5. Children are expected to wear make-up: It's a common misconception that all jobs will be very glamorous and require lots of hair and make up. This is very far from the truth - clients want children to look like children, natural and fresh faced. It is all about having fun. If the child is having fun in the shoot, this will show in the final product. Older teens can wear a dab of lip gloss and a touch of foundation if the client agrees or has special requirements. 

Of course, the best thing to do is contact the agency whenever in doubt about any aspect of the industry or what is expected of you! 

Flashback Friday!

For this Flashback Friday, we present two of our longtime favourite Bettina brothers - John and Luke! 

John and Luke have been with us since 2010 and over their 4 years with us have cast and worked for a long list of iconic brands including: Myer, Daily Telegraph, McDonalds, Kmart, Studio Bambini, Nutrigrain, Qantas, Cadbury, Bonds, Jeep, Speedo, Glen20, P&O Cruises, Just Jeans, Ksubi, Target, OPSM, GIO Insurance, Aldi, Best and Less and Toyota.

So congratulations boys, to your persistence and wonderful work over the past 4 years - here's to many more successful castings ahead!

John 2010 - current 

Luke 2010 - current 

The Boring (but important) Stuff

Earlier in the year we did a post defining many industry terms that are frequently used as a resource for parents - you can revisit it here >> Glossary of Terms

Now it's time for the financial terms - we have a few to keep it short and sweet - that define commonly used terms after your child has a job and is awaiting payment.

Tax-free threshold - The tax-free threshold has recently changed to $18,200. This means that children do not need to pay tax unless they earn over $18,200 per year (wouldn't that be great!). 

Hourly rate -  An hourly rate is an agreed amount where you will be paid per hour for the work that you do. 

Fixed rate - A fixed rate is a set amount agreed upon for a booking (unlike the hourly rate). 

Loadings - Loadings are paid in addition to the hourly or fixed rate. Loadings are usually unpredictable and we will only hear of these extra payments after the campaign or advertisement has launched, sometimes weeks after, sometimes months. This payment amount varies pending on where the images are displayed or where the ad is circulated. Generally, loadings come into play when the shots are used across different forms of media such as online, billboards or posters which wasn't the original intention for the campaign. 

Commission - Commission is the amount of money deducted from paid jobs. This amount varies according to the type of job you did, how much you got paid, and how long you worked for. For example, jobs on a small scale like extra's work, will only get 10-15% deducted for commission. However large jobs that earn the big bucks, such as TV commercials may be higher at 20% commission. Whenever you do a job, you will be sent the gross total amount of payment for the job (amount before commission deducted) along with the amount that has been taken out, so you can see the full figure. 

We encourage members to ask questions about aspects of the industry they feel unsure about so we are all on the same page, so remember you can give us a call or email on 1300 888 611 or info@bettina.com.au