Frequently asked questions

About Distinkt.com

What is Distinkt.com?

> Distinkt is a licensed California talent agency representing actors, creative producers, creators, directors, editors, and photographers. Based in Los Angeles, we represent creative professionals and connect them with opportunities from brands, advertising agencies, studios, production companies, and other organizations worldwide. > > We use our technology platform to expand discovery, organize submissions and project workflows, and make professional representation more accessible. The technology supports our work; it does not replace the human agents who advocate for talent, build relationships, negotiate engagements, and provide career support. > > Distinkt was founded on a simple premise: **professional representation should be accessible to anyone with talent.**

What role does Distinkt.com play in projects?

Distinkt.com operates exclusively as a talent agency and platform for connecting Clients with Talent. We facilitate connections, process payments, and help Clients discover and engage Talent. Important: We are NOT a production company and do not provide production services, equipment, insurance, or assume any responsibility for the actual production process, safety, or logistics of any project. Clients are solely responsible for all production-related matters.

Who is behind Distinkt?

> Behind Distinkt is a team with decades of experience in talent-agency representation, casting, advertising-agency leadership, and award-winning production across feature films, television, commercials, branded content, and digital media. > > This breadth of experience gives us a practical understanding of the creative industry from every side—talent, representation, casting, advertising, production, and the organizations commissioning the work. > > Based in Los Angeles and working internationally, we combine deep industry knowledge, trusted relationships, and modern technology to make professional representation more accessible and effective.

Is Distinkt a licensed talent agency?

Yes. Distinkt is a registered California talent agency operating in compliance with the California Labor Code and Talent Agencies Act (TAA). This means we maintain appropriate licensing, bonding, and legal infrastructure required to represent talent. More detail is included in the California Talent Agency Compliance section below.

Getting Started

How do I join the platform?

You can create an account through our website. However, creating an account does not guarantee access to Platform services. All accounts must be authorized by Distinkt.com before accessing Platform features beyond basic browsing. We maintain sole discretion to approve or deny account authorization based on our quality standards and platform needs. Authorization decisions are final and at our sole discretion. Note: Full platform access requires our explicit authorization, and we may maintain a waitlist or selective approval process.

What agreements do I need to sign?

Creating an account or maintaining a discovery listing on Distinkt does not require you to sign a Talent Agency Agreement or appoint Distinkt as your representative. All users must accept our Terms of Service and comply with applicable platform policies, including our Code of Conduct. Our Privacy Policy and related notices explain how we collect, use, store, and protect personal data. Additional agreements or verification requirements apply only when relevant to your relationship with Distinkt or a particular engagement: - **Represented Talent:** Before Distinkt provides talent-agency services, you must sign the appropriate Talent Agency Agreement for your registered role or roles. - **Actors:** Actors receiving representation sign an actor-specific Talent Agency Agreement covering casting workflows, self-tape submissions, union or guild considerations, and other actor-related requirements. - **Loan-Out Companies:** If services or payments will be provided through a loan-out company, additional loan-out documentation may be required. - **Individual Engagements:** Project-specific agreements may address compensation, commission, usage rights, intellectual property, deliverables, dates, expenses, exclusivity, cancellation terms, and other obligations. - **Brands, advertising agencies, studios, production companies, and other hiring organizations:** Using the platform requires acceptance of our Terms of Service and applicable platform policies. A separate standing client agreement is not required simply to create an account, search for talent, or develop a project. Before booking talent, an authorized representative of the hiring organization must complete identity and business verification with Distinkt. This allows us to confirm the representative’s identity, the organization’s legitimacy, and the representative’s authority to book talent on its behalf. The hiring organization must then enter into the applicable project or booking agreements with the talent—or the talent’s loan-out company—covering compensation, usage rights, deliverables, dates, expenses, cancellation terms, and other engagement-specific obligations. We present any additional agreement or verification requirement before it applies. Simply creating an account or maintaining a discovery listing does not create a representation, booking, or talent-commission relationship. However, engagements sourced, introduced, or facilitated through Distinkt remain subject to the applicable platform and project terms, including when an engagement is completed off-platform.

Does it cost Talent anything to join? Is there a subscription fee?

No. There is no subscription fee to join Distinkt.com or maintain a profile as Talent on the platform. We work on a commission basis only. Talent we represent is charged commission only when they book work through Distinkt.com.

What types of talent can join Distinkt.com?

We represent the following creative disciplines: - **Directors:** Commercial directors for advertising, branded content, and digital campaigns - **Photographers:** Commercial and advertising photographers - **Editors:** Post-production editors for commercial content - **Creators:** Digital content creators and social media specialists - **Producers:** Freelance commercial producers and line producers - **Actors:** Commercial actors for advertising, branded content, and digital campaigns (both union and non-union)

For Talent

How does the commission structure work?

For most engagements, our standard commission is 10% of Gross Compensation earned by Talent through engagements facilitated via our platform. Ten percent is a common industry standard for talent agency representation. Gross Compensation includes all types of payment the Talent receives—such as fees, royalties, residuals, bonuses, usage rights, and licensing fees. It does not include verified, third-party expense reimbursements for actual out-of-pocket costs, provided appropriate documentation is submitted. In certain categories (for example, photography or work involving re-licensing of materials), a higher commission may apply, and we may also participate in downstream licensing revenue. These terms will always be disclosed in advance and reflected in your quote.

Can I work through my Loan Out Company?

Yes, you may elect to provide services through a Loan Out Company. A separate Loan Out Agreement between Distinkt.com and your Loan Out Company is required before any Platform Engagements can proceed. All commission obligations and other terms remain in full force and effect, and you remain personally responsible for all obligations under the Talent Agency Agreement.

Am I exclusively represented by Distinkt?

No. Our exclusivity applies only to Platform Engagements—work sourced through our platform or for which Distinkt provides agency services. You remain free to secure work independently or through other representatives. Distinkt does not charge commission on independently secured work that we did not procure, negotiate, or otherwise provide agency services for. Commission may still apply to extensions, renewals, or follow-on engagements arising from work originally procured or negotiated by Distinkt, as described below. We position ourselves as additive to your existing representation, not competitive with it.

What if I already have representation in certain markets?

During onboarding and within your dashboard, you can identify territories where you have existing exclusive representation. Distinkt uses these settings to avoid presenting or pursuing opportunities for you in those territories. We do not charge commission on work secured through an existing representative—or independently—in a territory where Distinkt did not source, procure, negotiate, or otherwise provide agency services. You can update these settings whenever your representation agreements change. Extensions, renewals, and qualifying follow-on engagements arising from work originally procured or negotiated by Distinkt remain governed by your Talent Agency Agreement.

What about follow-on work with clients I meet through Distinkt.com?

If you are represented by Distinkt under a written agreement, work with a client first introduced to you through Distinkt—including through your profile, portfolio, a search, shortlist, referral, or direct introduction—is considered a Platform Engagement. The agreed commission applies to the initial engagement and to any extensions, renewals, or related follow-on work covered by your agreement, even if the client later contacts you directly or the engagement is completed off-platform. If you are listed for discovery but have not signed a representation or project-specific agreement with Distinkt, we do not charge you a talent commission merely because a client found you through the platform. No commission applies retroactively unless you expressly agree otherwise in writing. We do not charge a commission on independently obtained work with clients who were not introduced to you through Distinkt.

How quickly will I be paid?

Our goal is to pay Talent within five (5) business days after Distinkt receives cleared payment from the client for completed services. Distinkt deducts the commission specified in your agreement and remits the remaining balance to you. Any different commission structure will be disclosed and agreed to in advance. For milestone-based projects, the same timetable applies to each completed milestone: our goal is to issue payment within five (5) business days after receiving the client’s payment for that milestone.

How do I terminate my agreement?

To request termination of your Distinkt agreement, email [support@distinkt.com](mailto:support@distinkt.com) confirming that you would like to terminate it. We accept email as written notice, so you do not need to send a letter. Our team will confirm once your request has been processed. Sending a request does not itself confirm that termination has been completed. If you prefer to send a letter, our mailing address is: Distinkt, 7955 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048. You can also find these details on our [Contact page](/contact). We would love to welcome you back in the future.

For Actors

How is actor representation different from other talent?

While all Talent on Distinkt.com share the same commission structure and core platform benefits, actors have additional features designed specifically for casting workflows: - Physical attribute profiles for casting searches - Size card management (measurements for wardrobe) - Playing age range settings - Self-tape submission system - Headshot and reel management - Skills, accents, and special abilities tracking - Union status management - Brand conflict tracking

Do you represent both union and non-union actors?

Yes. We represent both SAG-AFTRA members and non-union actors. Your union status is tracked in your profile and used to identify appropriate opportunities. We support the following union statuses: - SAG-AFTRA Member - SAG-Eligible - Financial Core (Fi-Core) - Non-Union - Other unions (AEA, AGMA, AGVA, etc.) Casting calls specify their union requirements, and our platform helps ensure you only see opportunities appropriate for your status.

What is a size card and why do I need one?

A size card contains your physical measurements used by wardrobe departments for costume fittings. Keeping this information accurate and up-to-date speeds up production and helps match you with appropriate roles. Your size card typically includes: - Height and weight - Chest, waist, and hip measurements - Jacket, pants, and shirt sizes - Shoe size - Hat size (if applicable) - Dress/suit size

How does the self-tape submission process work?

When you’re matched with a casting opportunity, you may be invited to submit a self-tape audition. Technology helps us organize the process, but Distinkt’s team, the casting director, and the client remain involved in reviewing and making decisions. You receive a notification with the casting details, sides (script), submission requirements, and deadline. Record your self-tape following the provided specifications. Upload it directly through Distinkt, where we handle video processing and delivery. Our team reviews the submissions, adds human-curated recommendations, and advocates for actors who may be strong choices beyond the most literal interpretation of the brief. The casting director or client reviews the performances and makes their own selections for callbacks or booking. When Distinkt represents you for an opportunity, we work to ensure that every actor who fits the brief is surfaced. Casting directors review talent through three lanes: Search Matches: Actors whose profiles match the role criteria. Have You Considered?: Human-curated recommendations from our team that look beyond the brief—for example, considering a woman for a role initially written for a man—to challenge assumptions and help break typecasting. Actor Submissions: Actors who reviewed the opportunity and actively raised their hands. These lanes organize the review process; they do not prevent casting directors from seeing eligible submissions. Casting directors have access to every successfully submitted performance and build their own selects. Technology helps surface possibilities, while people review the work, advocate for talent, and make the final decisions.

What are brand conflicts and how do they work?

Brand conflicts occur when you've appeared in advertising for a brand in a specific category that would prevent you from appearing in competing ads. For example, if you starred in a Toyota commercial with exclusivity, you may be unable to appear in Honda ads for a specified period. You can track your active brand conflicts in your profile. This helps us avoid presenting you with opportunities that conflict with your existing commitments.

What about theatrical representation?

Distinkt represents creative professionals across the full range of opportunities associated with the roles they register for on our platform—not only commercial work. This may include advertising, branded content, digital campaigns, film, television, theatre, voiceover, live performance, creator partnerships, and other creative endeavors. If you work in more than one capacity, you can register for multiple roles, and we can represent you across each of them. Your registered roles determine the kinds of opportunities we seek and present to you. If you already have an agent, manager, or other representative, we respect that relationship and any existing category, territory, or exclusivity boundaries. Tell us about your current representation so we can avoid conflicts and identify where Distinkt can add value.

How do I set my safety and comfort preferences?

Your safety profile allows you to specify comfort levels and boundaries for various types of work. This includes: - **Hard Nos:** Things you will never do (e.g., real firearms, underwater work, extreme heights) - **Comfort Levels:** Your experience and willingness for various activities (stunts, combat, vehicles, etc.) - **Coordinator Requirements:** Whether you require intimacy coordinators, stunt coordinators, or safety supervisors for certain work These preferences help match you with appropriate opportunities and inform negotiations. Casting calls with safety-related requirements will be flagged accordingly.

For Producers

How does Distinkt represent producers?

We represent freelance commercial producers as Talent on our platform. Producers complete a comprehensive questionnaire covering their experience with budgets, union productions, safety protocols, client relationships, and geographic expertise. We connect producers with appropriate projects based on budget range, specialty areas (VFX, stunts, automotive, celebrity talent), geographic experience, and working style compatibility.

What about casting directors and line producers who hire talent?

Producers may participate in different capacities Producers often wear more than one hat. Distinkt represents producers as Talent when an engagement primarily involves a meaningful creative contribution—for example, work performed as a creative producer. We do not provide talent-agency representation for work that is primarily managerial, operational, supervisory, or administrative, including line-production and production-management services. A producer who works in both capacities may use Distinkt differently for each: As Talent: When seeking eligible creative-producer engagements. As a Client or hiring professional: When working as a line producer, production manager, casting director, or otherwise staffing and managing a production. We evaluate the services being performed for each engagement—not the professional’s title alone—to determine the appropriate relationship and platform terms.

For Clients

How do I find talent for my project?

Once your account is authorized, you can post project briefs with detailed requirements. Our platform and team review your needs and present suitable Talent. You'll receive curated recommendations based on skills, expertise, style, and availability.

What do Clients pay? Is there a service fee or subscription fee?

No. Distinkt.com is free for Clients to use, and there is no subscription fee. Our standard commission is paid by the Talent, not added on top of your quoted cost. When you pay for Talent services, we deduct our commission and remit the remainder to the Talent. For some categories—such as photographers or work involving licensing or re-licensing of materials—different commission structures may apply. These terms will always be clearly outlined in your project quote. There are no surprise fees beyond the quoted project cost.

What production services does Distinkt provide?

Distinkt operates exclusively as a talent agency. We do NOT provide production services. Clients are solely responsible for all production-related matters including: - Production insurance and liability coverage - Equipment rental and technical support - Location permits and releases - Crew hiring (beyond the Talent) - Safety protocols and risk management - Travel and accommodation arrangements

How does payment work?

Payment schedules vary by project type and are detailed in each engagement contract: - **Single-day projects:** Payment due before production begins - **Multi-day productions:** Often split into installments (e.g., 50% upon contract, 50% at production start) - **Extended engagements:** Monthly or milestone-based payments All payments are processed through Distinkt.com. Work will not proceed to the next phase until payment for the current phase is received.

How are Talent vetted?

All Talent undergo a comprehensive vetting process including portfolio quality assessment, professional experience verification, technical capability evaluation, and industry reputation checks. To ensure authenticity and trust, each Talent's identity is verified through Persona, a secure and industry-leading identity verification platform. This additional layer of verification helps protect our clients by confirming that every creative professional on Distinkt is who they claim to be. Our curation team maintains high standards throughout the process to ensure you're connected with verified, qualified professionals.

How does casting work for commercials?

> For projects requiring actors, our casting workflow combines structured matching with hands-on support from our agency team: > > 1. Submit your casting brief with role descriptions, dates, and requirements. > 2. Our matching tools and agency team identify a focused pool of relevant actors. The size is determined by the role—not a fixed quota. > 3. Matched actors are invited to submit self-tapes following your specifications. > 4. Our team reviews the submissions, highlights strong choices, and adds human-curated recommendations that may expand the creative possibilities. > 5. You navigate talent through three review lanes: > - **Search Matches:** Actors whose profiles fit the brief. > - **Have You Considered?:** Human-curated recommendations that look beyond the brief, including thoughtful counter-typecast options. > - **Actor Submissions:** Actors who reviewed the opportunity and raised their hands. > 6. Casting directors have access to every eligible submitted performance and build their own selects. The wider approved talent pool remains available through **Full Casting**. > 7. Review performances, request callbacks, and book your selected talent. > > **This is a managed agency process, not an open cattle call.** We prioritize relevance and quality over submission volume, and there is no predetermined number of actors who must be invited. Technology helps organize and surface possibilities, while our team provides human judgment and advocacy. Casting directors retain access to the complete eligible submission pool and make the final selections.

California Talent Agency Compliance

What does it mean to be a California-licensed talent agency?

As a California-licensed talent agency, Distinkt operates under the oversight of the California Labor Commissioner and complies with the Talent Agencies Act (TAA) and relevant sections of the California Labor Code. This licensing means: - We maintain required bonds and insurance to protect talent - Our agreements and disclosures must meet specific legal requirements - Our commission practices must comply with applicable California law - Talent have certain statutory protections under California law - We're subject to regulatory oversight and auditing

Why is the commission typically 10%?

Ten percent is a common industry standard for talent agency commission and is consistent with traditional agency practices. Distinkt.com generally operates at that rate for most engagements, although certain categories may involve a different commission structure that will always be disclosed in advance.

What protections do I have as talent under California law?

California's talent agency regulations provide several protections: - Required disclosures and regulated contract terms - Oversight of agency practices under California law - Right to dispute resolution through the Labor Commissioner - Protection against unlicensed agents - Requirements for agencies to maintain bonds Our Talent Agency Agreement acknowledges these regulations and is structured to comply with California law.

Intellectual Property

Who owns the creative work produced through Distinkt.com projects?

Unless otherwise specified in the engagement contract, Clients will receive the rights necessary to use the final delivered work product for the agreed purpose. In some cases—particularly with photography, illustration, or other licensed creative work—Talent may retain ownership and grant a limited-use license to the Client. Talent typically retains the right to use the work for portfolio and self-promotional purposes. Distinkt.com may showcase project details in case studies and marketing materials with the Client's prior consent.

What happens with my content on the platform?

By submitting content to our Platform, you retain ownership but grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to display your content, process it through our systems, including automated tools where appropriate, for matching and recommendation purposes, and create anonymized derivatives solely for improving the Platform. This license is limited to employment facilitation purposes only and does not transfer ownership of your content.

Privacy and Data

How is my data used on the platform?

Information you provide may be processed through our platform systems, including automated tools where appropriate, to support employment matching. We may use that information to improve how we connect Talent with Clients and surface relevant opportunities. Any such use is limited to employment-related purposes. We do not sell personal data to third parties. Commission structures are business terms, not sale of personal data. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

What are my privacy rights?

> Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or export your personal data; restrict or object to certain processing; withdraw consent where consent is the applicable legal basis; and request human review of decisions made solely through automated processing. California residents may have additional rights under the CCPA/CPRA. > > To exercise a privacy right, contact **privacy@distinkt.com**. We may need to verify your identity, and certain rights may be limited where we must retain information for legal, accounting, security, fraud-prevention, or dispute-resolution purposes. Individuals in the EEA or United Kingdom may also contact our appointed DataRep representative using the details in our Privacy Policy. > > Distinkt is based in the United States, so personal data may be transferred to and processed in the United States and other locations where our service providers operate. We do not rely solely on your use of the Platform as consent to these transfers. Where required, we use recognized safeguards including the European Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses, the UK International Data Transfer Agreement or UK Addendum, applicable Swiss arrangements, and supplementary technical and organizational protections. > > Our privacy program also includes written data processing agreements, documented records of processing activities, subprocessor oversight, and procedures for responding to privacy requests. For more information, review our [Privacy Policy](https://distinkt.com/privacy-policy), [Data Processing Addendum](https://distinkt.com/dpa), and [Subprocessor List](https://distinkt.com/subprocessors). This reflects the recognized GDPR rights and transfer tools described by the [European Data Protection Board](https://www.edpb.europa.eu/topics/key-gdpr-concepts/data-subject-rights_en), [European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection/standard-contractual-clauses-scc_en), and [UK ICO](https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/international-transfers/appropriate-safeguards/what-are-standard-data-protection-clauses-the-uk-idta-and-the-addendum/).

Platform Benefits

Does technology replace agents or production companies?

> No. **Distinkt was founded on a simple premise: professional representation should be accessible to anyone with talent.** Technology helps us make that representation more responsive, informed, and widely available—but it does not replace the people at the center of the creative process. > > Our platform helps organize discovery, matching, submissions, portfolios, communication, and project workflows. Our agents and team provide the human judgment, advocacy, relationship-building, negotiation, and career support that meaningful representation requires. Casting directors, producers, clients, and production companies continue to make the creative, hiring, and production decisions associated with their work. > > Distinkt can serve as a creative professional’s primary representation or complement an existing agent, manager, or representative across agreed roles, categories, and territories. We are building tools that help everyone work together more effectively while extending the benefits of professional representation to more talented people.

How does Distinkt help establish fair rates?

> Rate transparency helps both talent and clients make better decisions. Distinkt uses worldwide market data and comparable engagement information to provide context for factors such as role, experience, location, project scope, usage, exclusivity, territory, duration, deliverables, and production complexity. > > We do not impose one fixed rate across every market or creative professional. Each engagement is evaluated individually, and our agents apply human judgment when advising and negotiating on behalf of represented talent. Talent can see the material terms before accepting an opportunity. > > Greater transparency can make professional creative work accessible to a wider range of clients and budgets while also helping talent recognize when an offer undervalues their work. Our goal is to help creative professionals receive fair compensation, grow their rates as their careers develop, and avoid leaving money on the table.

Why not just use LinkedIn?

Because LinkedIn isn't built for creative storytelling. Distinkt is purpose-built: curated reels, treatments, briefs, and discovery tools designed for brands and creatives, not generic networking.

How is Distinkt different from casting platforms?

Casting Networks, Backstage, and similar platforms are casting tools—they help actors find auditions and self-submit. Distinkt.com is a talent agency. Key differences: - We represent you and advocate for your interests in negotiations - Clients navigate submissions through structured review lanes — Search Matches, Have You Considered?, and Actor Submissions — rather than a wall of raw self-submissions, while casting directors retain full access to every performance - We process payments and ensure you get paid promptly - We're regulated under California talent agency law

International Users

Can I use Distinkt.com from outside the United States?

> Yes. Distinkt supports creative professionals, clients, and production partners internationally. Feature availability may vary depending on local agency, employment, guild or union, tax, payment, and regulatory requirements. We may request additional information before supporting an engagement in a particular country. > > Distinkt is based in the United States, and our agreements are generally governed by California law. However, using Distinkt does not require you to waive privacy rights or other protections that cannot legally be waived under laws applicable to you. Contractual dispute and arbitration provisions apply only to the extent permitted by applicable law and remain subject to the statutory, regulatory, guild, and other carveouts described in the relevant agreement. > > International users are responsible for obligations that apply specifically to them, including local tax, work-authorization, and payment requirements. Distinkt remains responsible for complying with the laws that apply to our platform and services. > > Personal data may be processed in the United States and other countries where our service providers operate. Where required, we protect international transfers using recognized safeguards, including the European Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses, the UK IDTA or Addendum, applicable Swiss arrangements, and supplementary protections. See our [Privacy Policy](https://distinkt.com/privacy-policy) and [Data Processing Addendum](https://distinkt.com/dpa). One related gap: the current Terms’ arbitration section should eventually add an explicit “to the extent permitted by applicable law” provision covering mandatory non-US rights and privacy-regulator complaints. EU choice-of-law terms cannot always remove otherwise applicable mandatory protections. [EU Rome I Regulation](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2008.177.01.0006.01.ENG)

How are international payments handled?

All transactions are in US Dollars unless explicitly agreed otherwise. International users are responsible for: - Currency conversion fees - International transaction fees - Ensuring payments comply with local laws - Any taxes or duties in their jurisdiction We may restrict payment methods based on your location. Distinkt.com is not responsible for exchange rate fluctuations.

Dispute Resolution

How are disputes resolved?

Our dispute resolution process follows these steps: 1. **Informal Resolution:** Parties attempt to resolve disputes through good faith negotiation 2. **Mediation:** If informal resolution fails, disputes are submitted to mediation 3. **Arbitration:** For claims under $250,000, binding arbitration through AAA. For larger claims, JAMS arbitration applies All arbitration takes place in Los Angeles, California. The prevailing party recovers reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

What if I have an issue with my profile after termination?

If your profile remains visible after account termination, we have a 30-day cure period from receipt of written notice to address the issue. We will use commercially reasonable efforts to remove or correct the identified content. You waive any claims related to content that is removed within this cure period.