AMA News: September 2026 Newsletter
01. AMA Board of Directors
Interested in joining the AMA Board of Directors?
As our AMA elections approach, we invite all AMA Members who are interested in joining the board to connect with us.
If you've ever wondered what it's like to serve on the AMA board or have questions regarding roles, responsibilities, and time commitments, we encourage you to reach out via the link below.
Your active participation is crucial in shaping the future of our association. We look forward to hearing from you!
02. Partner Showcase: Lettuce Financial
TOMORROW - September 17th at 11AM PT / 2PM ET
S Corps, Taxes, and Healthcare: What Independent Creative Professionals Should Know
Please join us for our next Partner Showcase featuring Lettuce Financial – Hosted by Brad Matthews, Head of Customer Experience at Lettuce, a solo business owner and a Lettuce S Corp customer.
- When an S Corp structure may make sense for independent professionals
- How an S Corp works to save you tens of thousands a year on your taxes
- Common misconceptions around LLCs vs. S Corps. - What independent professionals should think about before making a change
- How an S Corp works to save you tens of thousands a year on your taxes
- Why healthcare access is such a challenge for one-person businesses
- How Lettuce is helping solopreneurs access quality healthcare options through our solo group benefits model
Partner Showcases are a way to meet the AMA Partners who support our work, learn what they do, and ask practical questions in real time. Think of them as short, conversational spotlights, focused on helpful context, timely insights, and resources you can actually us
All are welcome - please share this with your artists and anyone in your network who might benefit.
Register at the link below and we look forward to seeing you there!
03. Members Roundtable
September 24 | 9:30AM PT / 12:30PM ET
*Please note updated time
The roles of agents and producers in live action and print production continue to evolve, and with that evolution comes new questions, new work flows, and new opportunities to work better together. This roundtable is an open, candid conversation designed to help both sides understand each other better, collaborate more effectively, and ultimately do right by their clients and artists.
Topics we may cover include:
- What are the expectations when a producer brings in a stills or BTS photographer?
- What do agents need from producers to do their job well and what do producers need from agents?
- How should estimates/schedules be structured when budgeting for a stills team. What should the buckets look like?
AMA Advisor Denise Gilmartin of AICP will be present and available to share her knowledge.
We want to hear from you before the roundtable:
Whether you're an agent or a producer, send us your biggest questions, frustrations, or wins. We'll use your input to shape the conversation.
This event is exclusive to AMA members, so please be sure you're logged into your AMA account to register.
Register at the link below and we look forward to seeing you there!
04. Resources + Tools Review
Wednesday | September 30 | 2PM ET / 11AM PT
Please join us on September 30th to learn more about our new and updated AMA resources. We'll be covering:
- AI: Sample Contract Language, AI Glossary
- Thinking about a contract with your artist?
- Usage Glossary Updates
- Terms + Conditions Updates
- Client Nonpayment
- Type of Financing
and more to come.
This conversation is open to Members. You must be logged into your AMA account to register.
If you are unable to attend, please be sure to review the updates in October on the AMA website or reach out to us to directly.
05. Office Hours
An opportunity for direct conversation with experienced industry professionals.
At a time when the industry is changing quickly and many people are navigating these shifts in isolation, the AMA is launching a new monthly initiative to offer something increasingly rare: direct access to experienced professionals working on the front lines of the creative industry.
AMA Office Hours gives artists, agents, and producers the opportunity to ask candid questions, discuss real-world challenges, and gain a practical perspective from people who understand the realities of this business firsthand. Maybe you have questions about:
- Best practices for payroll
- How to properly set up a company
- Why artists need insurance
- Understanding usage rights
Something else? We're all ears!
While we always enjoy seeing new work, the focus of these sessions is conversation, problem-solving, and industry insight rather than portfolio reviews or presentations. This is a working conversation.
Our next session will take place on Monday, October 5 with AMA President Mary Dail and AMA Communications Director and AI Committee Co-Chair Heather Elder.
Bring your questions, your challenges, or simply your curiosity.
Open To
Agents, artists, and producers across all disciplines, including photographers, directors, DPs, stylists, set and production designers, illustrators, animators, hair and makeup artists, nail artists, and CGI artists.
How It Works
- 12PM PT / 3PM ET
- Group Session: $100 per person
- One-on-One Session: $200 for dedicated individual time
All proceeds support AMA programming and initiatives.
Reserve your spot today!
06. Portfolio Reviews
Sign up now for the Fall 2026 AMA Portfolio Reviews!
Get your work reviewed by an industry professional and move closer achieving your career goals. Whether you're an emerging or established photographer, director, stylist, illustrator, or creative professional, this is your chance to receive one-on-one feedback from top artist representatives in the field.
WHEN
Registration Open: September 1-30
Reviews take Place: October 5-30
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Photographers, DP's Wardrobe Stylists, Prop Stylists, Set Designers, Illustrators, Food Stylists, Hair Stylists, Makeup Artists, Animation, AI and CGI Artists.
HOW IT WORKS
One-on-One Reviews - Each review is a private session tailored to your work and career goals. Reserve one review, or multiple.
Virtual & In-Person Options - Reviews are conducted virtually, with select in-person opportunities available.
$125 Per Review – A valuable investment in refining your portfolio and receiving expert guidance. Student Discount: $50 per review (with valid school ID).
Bring a Full Body of Work - Ensure you have a well-rounded portfolio or enough work to review for the most effective feedback.
Limited Spots Available – Register early to secure your session before spaces fill up!
Who Are the Reviewers?
Agency Arts • Agency MJ • Alyssa Pizer Management • Apostrophe • Beauty & Photo • Big Leo • Big Picture Reps • Companion • Exposure NY • Goldteeth & Co. • Great Friends Agency • Halley Resources • Heather Elder Represents • Holly Corbett Represents • Illustration Division • Jacky Winter Group • Jellybean Partners • Laird & Good Company • LF Productions. • Norma Jean Markus • Origin Productions • Pat Bates & Associates • Plum Reps • Print & Contact • Salzman Art • SNYDER • The Good Brigade • This Represents • ViV MGMT
07. AI Webinar - Recording Available
In early February the AMA hosted The AI Conversation: From Terms to Real-World Impact
In this webinar we covered different ways to navigate AI terminology and negotiate usage rights. This webinar was originally available exclusively to AMA members. We are now making it available to the broader industry free of charge.
We covered:
- Key AI terminology and definitions
- Indemnification and other contract considerations
- Monetization options
- Contract protections
- Common questions and concerns members are encountering
Please note: This webinar was recorded in February 2026. The AI landscape moves quickly and some information, terminology, or industry practices discussed may have evolved since the time of recording. We encourage you to stay informed through current industry resources and continue the conversation with your community.
