A newbie here... What is a direct book and how do you get it? Thank you!

It's when a client contacts you or your agent directly to book your DC -- without a gosee or audition. Usually from either past work or by having seen your DC's photo/ resume.

It's the best, if you ask me!

Thanks. That does sound IDEAL!! Does it happen often? It almost makes me want to spend a few hundred bucks to put LO on the agency website (if that really even helps?)...

DD has only DB once, but it sure was nice. Booked gig, and then was requested to return for next season's shoot. I believe many casting companies book talent repeatedly if they enjoy working with DC.

Some companies almost always direct book...some seem to never direct book. It's typically b/c your agent has submitted them, or they go to agent's website, or you self-submit.
EB you have to pay to put your child on your agency's website? Ours does automatically and a few direct bookings have come from that.
Also quite a few self-submits are direct bookings, lower pay though too.

Yes, we have to pay quite a sum to put up pictures on the agency website. Being a newbie, I'm hoping that LO will have some solid bookings before I go ahead with it. But then if he does get enough bookings, I guess we don't need to post his pics online!

EB - From what I was told, the website fee can range from $120 to $200 (per year or as one time fee, depending on the agency) for different reputable agencies. So, I certainly hope your agency is not asking for more... And some agencies don't charge for their website at all.

I believe direct booking happens both from a client looking at agency websites but also from agencies submitting kids and the client selecting from those digitally submitted. I also think it happens more now than in the past, which I assume is because it is cheaper for the client to do it that way. I know for sure of one big company who used to do casting calls a couple of years ago and now I think only does direct bookings. A lot of companies repeat book their kids without go-sees too. Some though are totally bizarre (in my opinion) and have kids they've used over and over still go to go-sees. The thing about direct booking is that you typically don't see those discussed on message boards so it is almost impossible to gauge what proportion of jobs are or are not direct books.

Thanks, EMMom, yes, our agency fee for posting pics online is within the range. If we get a direct booking, I think I'd cry. Fingers crossed.