Representation for adults and young talent
Fonfe Talent is a bespoke talent management agency.
We constantly strive to provide the best for our talented adults and young people by ensuring our selective client base is informed and given the utmost opportunities.
Our clients have been successfully cast in all fields of the performing world, commercial, TV, film and musical theatre.
About Fonfe Talent
Fonfe Talent was established in 2022 by Sammy Fonfe.
As the owner of two of the most successful theatre schools in Berkshire, Sammy has provided exceptional training and opportunities for young talent to work professionally in the performing arts industry for many years.
With a strong team behind her, Sammy has now taken the leap in establishing the Fonfe Talent management agency to help adults and young actors and performers to succeed in the TV, film and theatre industries.
With a prolific and successful career as a performer from a young age into adulthood, Sammy has a wealth of experience in the industry with first-hand knowledge of what life as a child and adult performer is really like.
Sammy trained at Italia Conti and Arts Ed, completing a Master’s Degree at Arts Ed in Creative Musical Theatre Practise.
Her focus, dedication and passion is testament to her success and only serves to enhance her clients prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to join the agency?
There is currently no entry fee for joining Fonfe Talent, however, there are some extra costs that you will need to cover.
You will need to pay to have a professional theatrical headshot of your child taken with our chosen photographer.
You will also be required to register your child on the Spotlight talent directory.
What is Spotlight and how much does it cost to join?
Spotlight is the largest casting directory in the world. Every single professional actor is listed, including major A-list film stars.
Spotlight is the first port-of-call for all casting directors when selecting actors to audition for a role and talent will not be seen if they are not listed in this directory.
Spotlight subscription is currently charged at £172 per year. For more information and to apply to be listed on the Spotlight directory, visit spotlight.com/join-us.
Note that we cannot submit you or your child for auditions if they are not listed in the Spotlight directory.
Will I be guaranteed to be submitted for auditions?
No, and it would be wrong of any professional agent to tell you otherwise. Talent is selected for auditions by casting directors who are unable to see everybody, therefore they select to audition only those that are 100% suitable for a role, in terms of height, colouring, age etc.
How much notice will I get when called for an audition?
Auditions are usually called at short notice. They will be held on a specific day and time and you won’t be offered optional time slots.
Auditions take place at a variety of venues, often in Central London. You may be required to film and submit self-tapes or audition via an online Zoom video call. This requires a degree of commitment and flexibility in being available to respond quickly to an audition when called.
Are all professional roles paid?
Payment for acting work varies on a job-by-job basis.
In the case of young talent, it is becoming more frequent for children to be paid expenses only, largely due to the highly competitive field and the large number of young people competing for available roles.
Fonfe Talent will, of course, always negotiate the best deal possible for of our clients.
If my child isn’t successful at auditions, will it knock their confidence?
It is vital that parents remain upbeat and optimistic when children attend auditions. It is more likely that your child will be unsuccessful at a casting due to the fact that so many are seen for a role. Note that only 7% of professional actors are in work at any one time. Our clients should simply be encouraged to enjoy the audition opportunities presented to them and be relaxed about the outcome.
The audition process is a great experience for gaining self-confidence and will help in college and job interviews in the future. You will find that, the more auditions your child attend, the more comfortable they will be with the process. Setting an expectation with your child is vital to not build up any unnecessary disappointment.
Are all auditions in person?
Not all auditions are held in person. The first round of an audition process is often held online or a self-tape may be requested.
Parents will need to be prepared to film their child’s self-tape at home. Fonfe Talent will always provide full guidance on how to create a suitable self-tape for an audition.
We have no say in whether an audition is online or in person.
What is a self-tape?
It has become more and more frequent for the first round of any casting to be either online via a Zoom video call or by self-tape.
A self-tape is simply a video of yourself auditioning for a role. The casting director will provide you with a brief to follow and you’ll research the role before recording and delivering your self-tape as required.
Fonfe Talent will be able to provide guidance and advice on how to create your video so that it stands the best chance of success.
Will I need a new headshot if my appearance changes?
If your appearance changes significantly you will need to have a new headshot taken as we cannot submit headshots that are no longer a true likeness of the talent.
In the case of children and young talent, headshots should be updated around every 2 years.
How will I be paid for any work undertaken?
If you’ve been successful at an audition and have been offered a paid role (and/or expenses), Fonfe Talent will be paid directly by the production company. We will then pay you, minus a commission fee.
If my child successfully auditions for a role, what level of commitment does the parent have?
All children must legally be chaperoned whilst working, whether filming a commercial or performing on stage.
Some production companies will have a chaperone they employ to look after children, some don’t. In the case that a chaperone isn’t provided, a parent or carer of the child will be required to attend throughout the duration of the work on location.
Will I get to choose which roles I'm submitted for?
No. As the agent, we will suggest our clients for roles they fit the criteria for and are able to achieve.
If you are selected by a casting team to audition or self-tape – you can turn it down if you wish.
If you have any questions that aren’t covered above or would like more details before applying, please feel free to get in touch.
“Fonfe Talent has provided my son with the confidence and tools to really get a head start to be successful in this saturated industry. They have not only provided him with amazing opportunities but have been there every step of the way for advice, confidence and guidance. I know my child’s career is in such safe and incredible hands with Sammy and her team.”
Parent of young talent client.