How actors and models can start their international career

The international market can seem closed off until you realize that entering it consists of several clear steps, and a significant portion of the work is done remotely. Let's break down the process — from preparation of materials to the final contract.

Where to Start

The first thing to understand is that international productions aren't waiting for you to appear; you have to position yourself. Most start with segments where look, reliability, and specific "types" are more important than a deep filmography or native fluency:

• Commercials and Catalog Shoots. The primary entry point for models.
• Co-productions. Projects filmed in your home country with an international crew are the easiest first step.
• Foreigner Roles. Your accent transforms from a potential drawback into a specific requirement.
• Voice-overs and Dubbing in your native language — work that is entirely remote.
• Background Artiste and Extras on international projects filming locally.

Materials for the International Market

The difference between local and international materials is not about quality, but about format:

• English Resume. A single page with a standard structure: measurements, filmography, education (e.g., degrees from NSD, FTII, or SRFTI), and skills. Project titles should be in Latin script, indicating the country of production.
• Unprocessed Headshots. International standards are stricter: minimal retouching, neutral lighting, and an honest representation of your current look.
• Showreel with English Subtitles if you are performing in a language other than English.
• Self-tape in English — even a short one, so casting directors can hear your proficiency level.
• Measurements in both Metric and Imperial systems — mandatory for models.
• Profiles on international platforms in addition to local casting databases.

Regarding language: be honest about your level and specifically note if you can act in that language, not just speak it. These are different skills, and any discrepancy will be immediately obvious during the first audition.

How Remote Selection Works

The process is almost always the same: a self-tape, followed by a video call, and then either in-person auditions or immediate approval. For international candidates, in-person auditions may be skipped entirely.

The practical conclusion is this: the quality of your self-tape for the international market is more critical than for the local one. It replaces the entire first impression.

Visas and Permits

This is the key question that determines whether the job will actually happen. Ask these questions before agreeing:

• Is a work visa required, or is another category sufficient?
• Who is responsible for issuing the invitation and handling the paperwork?
• Who covers the visa fees and processing costs?
• How long does the processing take, and does it fit within the shooting dates?
• What happens if the visa is denied: who bears the costs?

Working without a permit where one is required is a risk that can lead to entry bans. Any production that suggests you "come on a tourist visa and figure it out on the spot" is asking you to take all the legal risk yourself.

Contracts: What to Watch For

Beyond standard clauses, the following are crucial in international agreements:

• Currency and Payment Method. Clarify how the funds will reach you and who covers the bank transfer commissions.
• Taxation. Determine where you pay tax on this income and if the client withholds any amount (such as TDS on professional fees). If you are registered for GST, ensure this is reflected in the billing.
• Usage Territory. "Worldwide" usage in a commercial contract is significantly more expensive than usage in a single country.
• Travel and Accommodation. Who pays for flights and hotels, and what is the class of travel?
• Insurance for the duration of the work.
• Governing Law and Dispute Resolution. If a dispute is settled in a foreign jurisdiction, it may be practically impossible to recover funds.
• Contract Language. Only sign what you fully understand; request a translation if necessary.

International Agencies

For models, an international agency is the standard route, usually operating through a local partner: your current agency sends your materials to their partner. Direct applications are also accepted, though less frequently.

The red flags are the same as in the local market: demands for money to be "included in the database," mandatory paid shoots, required courses, pressure to decide quickly, refusal to name clients, or multi-year contracts without an exit clause.

Additionally: any offer where it is unclear who the hosting party is or where you will be staying is a reason to decline, regardless of the fee.

Realistic Expectations

• The first six months to a year are usually spent preparing materials and getting into databases, not on set.
• Competition is higher, and discipline requirements are stricter.
• Rates may be higher, but expenses are also greater: travel, housing, taxes, and commissions.
• The language barrier eliminates more roles than it seems — investing in language skills pays off.

Plan for the First Few Months

1. Create a resume and headshots according to international standards.
2. Record a self-tape and a short introductory video (slate) in English.
3. Set up profiles on international casting platforms.
4. Apply for co-productions and "foreigner" roles within your own country.
5. Simultaneously improve your language skills to a level where you can act.
6. Compile a list of agencies in your specific segment and submit materials according to their guidelines.

Projects, including co-productions, can be found in the castings section.