How actors and models can start their professional careers abroad

The international market can seem closed off until you realize that entering it consists of a few clear steps, and much of the initial work is done remotely. Let's break down the process—from preparing your materials to signing the contract.

Where to Start

The first thing to understand is that you cannot simply expect to be cast in a lead role immediately. Most professionals start with segments where look, type, and reliability are more important than native fluency or an extensive filmography:

• Commercials and Catalog Shoots. The primary entry point for models.
• Co-productions. Projects filmed in your home country by an international crew are the easiest first step.
• Foreigner Roles. Your accent transforms from a disadvantage into a specific requirement.
• Voiceover and Dubbing in your native language—work that can be done entirely remotely.
• Extras and Background Work on international projects filming in your region.

Materials for the International Market

International materials differ from local ones not in quality, but in format:

• English Resume. One page, standard structure: measurements, filmography, education, and skills. Project titles should be in Latin characters, indicating the country of production.
• Unretouched Headshots. International standards are often 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 clip, 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 your local databases.

Regarding language: be honest about your level. Specifically note whether you can act in the language, not just speak it. These are different skills, and any discrepancy will be revealed 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 serves as your entire first impression.

Visas and Permits

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

• Is a work visa required, or is another category sufficient?
• Who is responsible for issuing the invitation and handling the paperwork?
• Who covers the application fees and service costs?
• How long does the processing take, and does it fit within the filming 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-site" is simply shifting that risk onto you.

Contracts: Key Points to Watch

Beyond the standard clauses, international contracts require special attention to:

• Currency and Payment Method. Clarify how the funds will reach you and who pays the transfer commissions.
• Taxation. Determine where you owe taxes on this income and whether the client withholds any taxes. This is a case where consulting an accountant pays off immediately. Note that tax rules and contract forms differ by market.
• Usage Territory. "Worldwide" usage in a commercial contract is more expensive than usage limited to one country.
• Travel and Accommodation. Who pays for the flights and housing, 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 very difficult to recover funds.
• Contract Language. Sign only what you fully understand; request a translation if necessary.

International Agencies

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

The red flags are the same as they are locally: requests for money to be included in a 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 introduction video (slate) in English.
3. Set up profiles on international 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 send materials following their specific guidelines.

Find projects, including co-productions, in the castings section.