McCullough Models & Talent

McCullough Models & Talent is a well-established agency serving the Chicago and broader Midwest market that represents both actors and models across commercial, print, film, industrial, and corporate production categories. The agency has been in operation for many years and has developed a thorough understanding of the regional market's dynamics, client needs, and the types of talent that book most consistently. McCullough serves clients across a wide age range and type spectrum, maintaining one of the more diverse rosters in the Chicago market in terms of demographics, physical types, and skill sets. The agency's dual focus on both acting and modeling provides its talent with access to a broader range of booking opportunities than purely acting-focused agencies can offer. Their reputation in the Midwest production community is built on consistent delivery of professional, reliable talent to the advertising agencies, production companies, and corporate clients that drive the regional market.

McCullough Models & Talent occupies a practical and productive position in the Chicago talent ecosystem, providing comprehensive representation that covers the commercial, print, industrial, and film opportunities that collectively make up the majority of available paid work in the Midwest. The agency's modeling division is a notable strength, regularly securing bookings for catalog work, lifestyle photography, commercial print campaigns, and promotional events that provide income streams beyond traditional acting work. For actors who also have print appeal, this dual representation provides genuine financial value through additional booking categories. McCullough's commercial and industrial departments maintain active relationships with the advertising agencies and corporate clients that generate a significant portion of the Midwest's production work. The agency's long tenure in the market has given it deep knowledge of client preferences, casting trends, and the practical aspects of working in the region.

Interested talent can submit through the agency's website with headshots for actors, comp cards or snapshots for model submissions, and a resume and demo reel if available. The agency reviews submissions regularly and reaches out to candidates who fit their current roster needs, which evolve as clients come and go and market demands shift. McCullough looks for talent who present themselves professionally, have a clear understanding of their marketable type, and can demonstrate reliability and work ethic. For model submissions, the agency evaluates potential based on physical attributes, photographic quality, and commercial viability. For acting submissions, training, credits, and on-camera presence are the primary evaluation criteria. The submission process is accessible and designed to accommodate talent at various experience levels.

The working experience through McCullough Models & Talent involves receiving audition and booking opportunities across the agency's various departments, including commercial casting calls, print go-sees, industrial and corporate video auditions, and theatrical submissions for film and television. The agency handles the coordination of bookings, contract negotiation, and client communication on behalf of its talent. McCullough's agents are experienced in managing the logistics of the Midwest market, where shoots may take place at studios, corporate offices, retail locations, and various other practical settings throughout the Chicago area and surrounding region. The industrial and corporate video segment is a particularly steady component of the Chicago market, providing reliable booking opportunities for actors who can deliver clear, professional performances in educational, training, and promotional content. The agency supports clients across both union and non-union work.

McCullough's roster includes actors and models representing a broad demographic range, from children and teens to young adults, middle-aged performers, and senior talent. Both SAG-AFTRA members and non-union performers are represented. The agency attracts talent who appreciate the multi-category approach and understand that versatility and willingness to work across different formats directly translate to more booking opportunities. The modeling clients tend to be commercial and lifestyle models rather than high-fashion types, reflecting the practical commercial needs of the Midwest market. The acting clients range from experienced professionals to developing talent building their resumes through commercial and industrial work. The agency values professionalism, reliability, and a positive attitude as much as raw talent.

McCullough Models & Talent operates on the standard commission-based model with no upfront costs to talent. Commission rates follow industry practices, typically 10 to 20 percent depending on the type of work, and the agency earns only when clients book paid work. This commission-only structure is the hallmark of a legitimate talent agency and should be the only acceptable payment model for any agency relationship. The agency clearly outlines terms in the representation agreement, and talent should read this document thoroughly before signing. Earning potential through McCullough spans the range of available opportunities in the Chicago market, from modest local commercial rates to more significant national campaign fees.

McCullough Models & Talent is a solid choice for Chicago-area actors and models who want comprehensive representation across multiple booking categories and appreciate a practical, market-savvy agency approach. The agency is particularly well-suited for talent with both acting ability and print or modeling appeal, as the multi-category coverage provides genuine financial diversification. If you are primarily focused on high-level theatrical representation, agencies with stronger theatrical departments may serve that specific ambition better. For actors building their commercial and industrial resumes, McCullough provides reliable access to the steady stream of production work that sustains many Midwest acting careers. The agency can serve as both a long-term representation partner and an effective stepping stone for building credits and experience.

Present submission materials that showcase your versatility across available categories — include commercial headshots for acting and body shots or comp cards if you have modeling potential. Highlight any specific skills, physical attributes, or wardrobe assets that make you particularly bookable for the types of commercial and industrial work common in the Midwest market. Once signed, be open to opportunities across all available categories rather than limiting yourself to one type of work, as broader participation leads to more bookings and faster career development. Maintain current photos across all your marketing materials, and update your agency whenever your appearance changes. Treat every booking, whether it is a national commercial or a local corporate video, as a professional engagement that builds your reputation and leads to future opportunities.