10 Tips for Helping Your Child Be Successful in Acting & Modeling
1. UNDERSTAND THE INDUSTRY
Before you enter it, become an expert (or at least well informed) on the acting/ modeling industry.
Read books on the biz, articles on the Internet, talk to as many parents of young actors and models as you can and talk to as many agents, managers and casting people as you can! Now the latter might not be as easy as the other ways to get knowledge, but it is the best. If you email some agents/managers and ask simple, direct questions - many of us will answer. DO NOT CALL agents. managers or casting directors and ask “how to I get my child started?” We are just too busy to take those calls and please understand that most of us can only tell you about the area of the country that we are doing business in. But if you email us, most of us will take a moment to give you a few suggestions.
2. MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS AND YOUR CHILD’S
Remember that the chances of becoming a star are very small. It takes lots of hard work, time and $$$ to make it in the entertainment industry. Your child may make enough to go to college, perhaps even enough to better the family lifestyle (remember it is the child’s money) after years of training and hard work, but over 90% of all actors/models are unknown and not making enough money to not have a “real job”. If your goal is to have your child be the next Raven Simone, you’ll likely be disappointed. However, if your goal is to give your kid this opportunity because they have expressed an interest and displayed a talent no matter the outcome, then you will have a better chance of not being disappointed. All you need is talent, persistence, flexibility and hard work!
3. TRAINING
Never stop training (for acting). You do not need schools that cost $1,000s but your child does need classes! Take a few classes every year to improve skills. If you are interested in modeling - classes or training are not required but I suggest every child takes some kind of classes to learn to take direction!
4. GET AWESOME HEADSHOTS
Headshots are the primary means of getting work! Take time to get good ones. You do not need to spend a fortune, but school pictures or family type pics are not going to work after you find an agent. You can use school pics or family taken pics to find representation - but you will need top quality photos to work. This does not apply to children under 4 years, we use snapshots, as the kids change so quickly- but even with this I expect GREAT, clean, focused pictures that show personality and size!
5. GET PRACTICE
Don’t wait for the big job. The most successful actors and models are out looking for work every day. In addition to improving your auditioning abilities, working consistently keeps you on directors’ radar and agents love to work with working actors/models. Also, the networking you can do while auditioning and working is priceless. Work begets work! Remember you will learn from every audition and job!
6. NETWORK
Networking is how you learn about this business. Directors and casting love working with people they know - so you need to make yourself known - but not known because you are unreliable or unprofessional!
7. BE POSITIVE
Don’t be negative about any job or offer for a job. Agents work hard to get you auditions and although we would love to only send our clients out on jobs that pay lots of money - most of the jobs/auditions out there are not ones that pay $1,000s.
8. NEVER STOP WANTING MORE
People that succeed (in any field) are ones that ask questions, listen, read, watch film and TV and see what the industry is looking for in their next “star”.
9. KNOW YOUR TYPE
There are opportunities for every look and type! We all think our kids are the most beautiful in the world, but a reality check is vital if you want success. I get more requests for “normal”, “Mid-west looking”, “skinny”, “chubby” kids than I get for “gorgeous kids! Know your market and know yourself!
10. KNOW SUCCESS WHEN YOU HAVE IT
If you are doing work that you love, you are doing what you do best and you are part of an industry you love - you are a success. Don’t feel like you need to be making $1,000s of dollars or be a star of a hit sitcom or face of a major product to be successful. You can be successful in your area! You do not need to be in L.A. or New York. I worked many years in Louisville and Memphis as a model and then as an agent before trying to make it in LA!
And the biggest reason most people are not successful? They do not take that first step! They are too afraid or too busy or say they don’t know where to start or how to begin. Don’t let this be you!
Now go our there and have success!
