FAQ
About Nine9:
What is Nine9?
An Entertainment Company, working with Models, Actors, and Musicians. We are best known for helping anyone with a desire to become a model or actor, get started in the entertainment industry.
What does Nine9 stand for?
The 99% of models and actors aren’t represented by an agency and we are helping them take over the entertainment industry. Nine9 provides the 99% with the tools, opportunities and support to begin and advance their careers.
What is “The UnAgency?
We are not an agency. We help provide talent opportunities by connecting them with the industry professionals who are looking for models and actors for their projects. We also provide talent with the tools and support they need. Unlike an agency, we do not charge any commissions to talent or casting directors and industry professionals who use our talent. We also provide free weekly virtual workshops from various industry professionals for all of our talent to gain training and to be prepared for auditions and bookings. Hence we call ourselves “The UN Agency”.
If you’re not an agency, then what are you?
We are an entertainment and marketing company that provides paid and non-paid opportunities, exposure and knowledge development to aspiring and experienced models and actors in the mainstream entertainment industry. We also offer completely free services to casting directors, directors, production companies, agencies and other industry professionals. We set up in-person and self-taped auditions and bookings and unlike casting companies and agencies, they can book our talent at no charge or commission.
Marketing Department:
How long have you been in business?
Since 2003.
Do you represent voice over talent?
We don’t represent any talent as we are not an agency. However Voice Over Talent are welcome to join us, if they are also interested in regular modeling/acting gigs. They can include their voiceover links embedded on their digital composite card.
How is Nine9 different from other online casting companies?
We provide our talent much more than just a website with a database of local casting calls. We have a knowledgeable and dedicated staff who are willing and able to help our talent go through castings, upload photos and measurements, and offer guidance on the industry. Not only do we have a database of public castings our talent can submit themselves to, we also have a Castings Department located in our corporate office that helps casting directors and industry professionals find talent for their projects. We not only help talent find opportunities in their area but nationwide. We cross-market our talent to any area they are interested and able to attend bookings in. We also provide free weekly virtual workshops to our talent with industry professionals in acting, modeling, health and beauty to increase and build our talent’s training and skills.
How do you help me get auditions?
There are several ways our talent receive opportunities. Over the past 19 years we have built strong relationships with thousands of casting companies, directors, agencies, producers and other clients. These clients come to us directly looking for talent. They can either request to receive digital package of our talent from our Castings Department or login to our website with their company username and password and browse our database of talent directly. Clients also have the ability to post casting calls on our website for our talent to submit themselves to directly. In addition, our Castings Department staff aggressively seeks out opportunities for our talent and new clients who are looking for models and actors for their projects. The benefit of an industry professional to use our talent over other casting companies and agencies is unlike them, we do not charge any fees or commissions to clients. Our talent also have access to a database of local and national public castings they can submit themselves to.
What is the difference between a casting company and an agency?
A casting company is hired by a producer or production company to help cast for a project. This project could be a film, a fashion show, or a marketing event among others. An agency acts as a representative on behalf of another person (typically a model, actor, or personality) and represents them in the pursuit of employment or gigs in their field.
Can I call a talent and get feedback from them?
We do not ask talent to take calls on our behalf from other prospective talent, simply because of our size. We get 50,000 applications every month at Nine9 from nationwide prospective talent. We could not ask a talent of ours to handle the kind of volume that our company produces in interested applicants daily.
I read horrible reviews online. Is Nine9 a scam?
No. We provide a service. Most negative reviews are based from either competitors who want to take business away from us to try to gain it for their company, or people that don’t understand our business model. We are not an agency, we don’t claim to be an agency. Since we offer a service, which we provide to every talent that joins with us, and we do so legally, we are not a scam. A scam is either a company that is illegal or unethical in their business practices. We are neither. We are not a scam, we are a great resource for the 99% of aspiring models and actors who are currently unsigned and would like to get exposure in the industry.
What are Nine9 Virtual Workshops?
Nine9 hosts weekly virtual workshops, classes, meet & greets and more which are held through Zoom. We bring in industry professionals to host and teach a wide variety of training courses, meet & greets and workshops from modeling and acting classes to dance, vocal, fitness and nutrition courses.
Is your company registered with the Better Business Bureau?
No, the Better Business Bureau charges a fee to be registered. We currently choose not to pay the registration fee.
What connections can Nine9 give that no one else can?
Nine9 provides talent the IN on private castings and public castings. We will not say there would be “no way” to work in the industry without Nine9, as there are several ways to catch a break. However, this industry is all about “Who You Know.” Having the staff at Nine9 in your corner, working to gain you exposure, will give any talent more chances to catch the break they are hoping for, faster.
How does Nine9 represent the 99%?
We do not represent talent. We are not an agency.
Does everyone just get signed with Nine9?
We work with anyone who has a great attitude and wants to gain exposure through use of the services at Nine9!
Do you take people with disabilities?
We work with anyone who has a great attitude and wants to gain exposure through use of the services at Nine9!
Enrollment Process:
Do I have to sign a contract?
We do not sign contracts at Nine9.
Should I quit my job?
No, we don’t know when or what types of castings you will book.
Why do I have to pay?
You are paying for a service to help you get started in the industry. This includes your needed marketing materials, access to the database of public castings you can submit to, weekly virtual workshops and our support helping you along the way.
Why should I pay you for something that should be free?
Who said it should be free? We are not an agency. You are paying for yourself to get started.
Are you my agent? If you aren’t my agent, why am I paying you?
No, we are not agents. You are paying for your online digital comp card and your access to our site and services.
How long should I stay signed up with Nine9?
It’s up to you. It’s a month to month service.
Am I guaranteed castings if I pay the monthly fee?
No, we don’t guarantee castings, but we do guarantee that we do our part to help you.
Do you provide for travel and lodging?
No we do not, but a client may if they are interested in booking you.
Are the virtual workshops included in the monthly fee?
Yes, we include weekly virtual workshops.
Am I able to switch out the card I’m paying with monthly?
Yes, you can contact our talent services department by phone (800) 989-1490, email talentservices@nine9.com or through the help desk or chat while logged into your account.
What if I don’t book anything?
If you login to the site regularly and you are open to most castings, you will book something! In the meantime, attend our weekly virtual workshops- they are great for networking with industry pros and meeting other talent.
Why does Nine9 have a monthly rate?
We help our talent become successful by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to get started. The monthly fee helps to maintain our site and services. We are not an Agency!
Are there any hidden fees?
No, our fees are explained during your first virtual open call.
How does Nine9 help people?
We work with the 99% of talent that are not signed to an agency. We help our talent by providing them with exposure through our network of clients, we do this by submitting them out to castings nationwide and we allow our talent to submit themselves to castings. While we help our talent book castings, we also provide them with weekly virtual workshops.
What features do I get with my Nine9 Monthly payment subscription?
You get our full support. Our staff is here to help you along the way with any questions you have. You will have our castings department submitting out to castings also while clients are browsing through our site looking for talent like you. We also post castings for you, these are great resume builders. As a member with Nine9 you will get monthly invites to weekly virtual workshops.
Who will see or has access to my personal information that I leave with nine9?
Your information is private and will only be accessible to clients who have requested to work with you.
Who do I contact at Nine9 if I have questions during any part of the process?
You can reach our talent services department by phone (800) 989-1490 , email talentservices@nine9.com or by chat.
What do you have to look like to work with your company?
We work with all types of people, Nine9 is The UnAgency for real people. We won’t reject you based on your looks.
Can I review your agreement in Spanish?
Yes, we can arrange for this.
Can I transfer to another area once I pay?
Yes, once you sign up with Nine9, you are in our nationwide network, which means we can submit you out wherever you are located, just let us know so can update your account.
Photos:
Do I need professional photography?
While professional photos are helpful in landing you more auditions and bookings, they are not required for us to market you out.
How important are professional photos if I’m only looking to do acting jobs?
Actors need headshots to represent themselves. If you have professional headshots, you should upload those to your account. If not, you should upload photos that are clear with good lighting preferably against a plain background. You should be the only person in the photo.
Can I use my own photographer?
Sure you can. We don’t recommend specific photographers to our talent. If you are interested in getting professional photos you should research local photographers in your area that specialize in headshots or fashion photography.
New Faces Department:
What ages do you work with?
Anyone 3 and up.
I am already with an Agency, is that a problem?
No, we can help supplement the work your agency is providing you. We are not affiliated with any unions.
How did you get my information?
We reach out to individuals who have applied to be evaluated through our website or other online location where we have a presence.
Do you call everyone who applies?
We’re Nine9, we give everyone a shot at the initial evaluation.
Is this a union paid agency or non-union?
We are not an Agency and we are not affiliated with any unions.
I sent my information/pictures through the site; is that why I was called back?
Yes, our Office Director has reviewed your application and would like to learn more about you.
Can I call Nine9 if I have questions?
Yes, we are available to answer any questions you may have. You can reach our talent services department by phone (800) 989-1490.
Are you a modeling/acting school?
No, Nine9 is a talent listing service.
Do I need to have experience?
No, we work with all levels of experience.
Virtual Open Call:
How long does the virtual open call appointment last?
Typically the appointment takes between 30 and 40 minutes.
I might be 10 minutes late, is that okay?
If you know you will not be able to make your virtual open call appointment on time, it’s best to reschedule to a day where you can be at least 5-10 minutes early for your scheduled time.
I’m underage so can I have a sibling or aunt/uncle with me for my virtual Open Call appointment instead of my parent?
If you are a minor a parent must be present on the call.
If you have any additional questions not answered here please contact us on our online chat feature, or you can reach us at (800) 989-1490 or email talentservices@nine9.com
