Q. What photo do you suggest I use for Spotlight?

A. Please click here to read full information about our photo recommendations and submitting photos to Spotlight.

Q. Can I have a colour / landscape / more than one photo?

A. Only one photograph can appear in the book. This should be supplied as a head and shoulders portrait. It will be cropped if supplied otherwise. This photo will be printed in black and white, with the exception of our stunt artist, dancer and presenter directories, where photos can appear in colour.

On your Spotlight web page, you can have as many photos as you wish, and these can be in colour or black and white, landscape or portrait. We recommend you include a broad selection, so that you can show yourself in a variety of roles and looks. Click here for more details.

Q. What section of the Spotlight directory should I place myself in?

A. The main actor/actress books are divided into four categories/sections to assist casting professionals when they are using them:

• Leading: any age but with experience of playing leading roles
• Character: age range 45 upwards
• Younger Character: age range 30-45
• Young: under 30

Consider carefully where to place yourself given the above criteria, since it will help you to be found for the most relevant work. There is no point categorising yourself as a 'leading' actor if you have no experience of these kinds of roles, or being part of the 'Young' section if you are not! Chances are that a casting director will simply discount you. If you need guidance, Spotlight will be happy to advise, or you could ask your agent.

Other Spotlight directories are simply categorised alphabetically and by gender.

Q. Will I receive a proof of my book page?

A. New members will receive a proof of their book page. This comprises a sheet showing your photo, name, height, eye colour, photographer's name and the year the photo was taken, your contact (agent, or c/o Spotlight) and the section of the directory in which you have asked to appear, e.g. Younger Character.

This proof should be signed and returned to us so that we know the details are correct to print in the book.

Current members who renew their annual membership will not receive a book proof, even if they change their photo.

Q. Can I have credits on my book page?

A. We do not recommend that performers include any excess information in the book directories unless it is very important, e.g. an actor may want to state 'American (No Permit Required)'. Your name and your photo are all that the casting director is looking for at this stage - if they want to know more about you, they will then visit your web page.

Performers should list their full credits and skills on their web pages, and always keep these up to date. You can list full credits and any number of specialist skills, accents or languages.

Q. What is a Spotlight number?

A 'Spotlight number' is your book page number. It has become a standard reference number for castings, helping agents and casting directors to locate performers more quickly, e.g. 'Look at Jenny Jones on page 679 of Spotlight'. It must not be confused with your web PIN numbers (see below).

When you first join Spotlight, you will not be allocated a book page number until a new book comes out with your photo in it.

Q. How do I find out what my Spotlight number is?

A. There are three ways to find out your page number. The easiest is to log-on to our website with your PIN number (see below) and view your web page. As soon as it is available, your book page number will appear at the top of your CV page, underneath your name and the name of the relevant book. Otherwise you can either look at the online version of the Spotlight Index or call the Spotlight offices on 020 7437 7631.

Please remember that your page number will change for every yearly edition. New page numbers for actors are usually available towards the end of March; actresses' page numbers in late September.

Q. What are Spotlight PIN numbers?

A. Every performer in Spotlight is given two PIN numbers which are used for accessing their web CVs. These are twelve digit numbers which never change for as long as you are a member.

Your UPDATE PIN allows you to access your web CV and make updates and changes online. You must not disclose this to anyone else, even your agent.

Your VIEW PIN is a number which can be handed out to casting professionals so that they can look at your CV on the Spotlight website. You will see a box on the top left hand side of our home page ('Looking for an artist?'), where VIEW PINs should be entered.

Q. Do I receive a copy of the book / where can I see copies of the book?

A. You will not receive a copy of the book. Spotlight directories are only available to casting professionals.

You are welcome to view current editions of the directories at Spotlight's Leicester Square offices. We are open weekdays from 10am - 5.30pm. Click here for a map. Most large regional libraries also keep copies of Spotlight. Phone them first to check. If you have an agent they may have recent editions in their office.

Q. Does my agent have a logo? What does this mean?

A. Over 95% of agents with clients in Spotlight give us an agency 'logo' to use by the side of their clients' entries. This means that all their clients have exactly the same agency details printed on their entry. The layout is agreed between Spotlight and an agent and individual clients cannot alter this.

Q. What does 'c/o Spotlight' mean?

A. Performers who do not have an agent will appear in the directory as 'c/o Spotlight'. This means that Spotlight handles casting enquiries on their behalf (free of charge). For security reasons, we do not print personal contact details in our directories.

So, if someone wants to get in touch with you - they will call or email Spotlight. We will double-check the enquiry and then pass it on to you straight away. We take the privacy and security of our members very seriously, and this is reflected in the huge numbers of our clients who trust us with their personal details.

Q. Why do I need to to keep you informed of my change of address if my agent normally deals with my Spotlight entry?

A. In the event that you part company with your agent, Spotlight still needs to be able to pass on work enquiries from casting professionals. From time to time we also may need to contact you to let you know directly about new products/services.

You should always inform Spotlight immediately if there are any changes to your personal or agent contact details.

Q. I do not have access to the Internet, so how can I change or update my web page?

A. Your Update PIN enables you to change your details (with the exception of the contact / agent details) from a computer anywhere in the world where there is Internet access. If you do not have the Internet at home, you might think about using an Internet Cafe or a library. We also have three Internet terminals at Spotlight which you are welcome to use if you are in London. Our office hours are Mon-Fri, 10.00am - 5.30pm. Click here for a map.
Spotlight can also amend your details at any time. Either email these to updates@spotlight.com or post them into us at Data Processing, 7, Leicester Place, London WC2H 7RJ.

Q. When do I get my Spotlight Card?

A. You should receive your Spotlight card within 4-6 weeks of joining. For any queries, please email card@spotlight.com

Q. How do I access Spotlight Card offers?

A. Spotlight card offers are featured on our website. You will be able to see them when you log-in with your UPDATE PIN number.