The CuteKid’s Blog

So many parents are submitting online for projects, I thought I would talk a little about how to submit your child for projects you find online. I recommend you only use for the following services if you want to submit online - these are the ones those of us in the industry use:

Actors Access (also known as Breakdown Services) LA Casting NOW Casting There might be other services for your local area so check it out! Call a licensed agency in your area and ask if they can recommend an online casting site.

TIP #1:

KNOW YOUR CHILD’S TYPE AND THEN SUBMIT ONLY FOR THOSE PROJECTS In the casting the character descriptions were very clear and detailed. Make sure your child’s stats are exactly what they have listed. Make sure your child fits the description and age range! Don’t waste your time or the casting director’s time submitting your 6 year old to play a toddler!

If they are casting for a certain ethnicity - make sure your child is that ethnicity! Also be honest about what your child’s look is! Is your child athletic looking? Looks like a bully? Perhaps your child looks like a nerd? Or are they the classic Ralph Lauren looking child? No child can do it all so be realistic when submitting!

TIP #2:

THE PICTURE

If your child is under the age of 4, a snapshot is all you need BUT it must be a great snapshot! It needs to be clear and in focus (you can’t believe how many out of focus shots I get). Also make sure that the picture has no other people in it (or pets). It should be a nice closeup but not so close that the face takes up the entire frame. If your child is over the age of 4, make sure you have professional headshots! If you are trying to use snapshots or “family” type studio shots it shows  that you do not take your career serious. And all pics should be in color! Sepia tone and Black and White make great pics for your mantle but do not belong in the business!

TIP #3:

PICTURES MUST BE CURRENT!!!!

 For little ones under the age of 4 this mean pictures that are no older than 3 months old! For children over 4, pictures MUST be updated every 12 months (and sooner if teeth come and go, hair is longer or shorter, etc).

If a Casting Director calls your child in it is because they want to see the child in the picture! It is imperative that your child looks like the picture! I strongly suggest that you always date the picture if possible!

TIP #4:

ARE THERE SPECIAL SKILLS NEEDED?

 When something specific is noted, it means your child’s resume needs to show that they have that capability. For little ones it can mean “can sit up alone, can stand alone, can walk alone, and for older kids it can mean actual skills such as bike riding, skateboarding, gymnastics, dance, sports, swimming, etc. A very important note here - if your child took 6 weeks of gymnastics two years ago then gymnastics should NOT be on your resume! I get resumes for kids that have them being able to do everything from playing piano to being an Olympic quality athlete! You could end up embarrassing your child (and yourself) if you stretch the truth on a resume and then the child is asked to perform the skill at the audition and cannot do it! This can also leave such a bad impression with the casting director that they make a note to NEVER call your child in again!

TIP 5:

 CONTACT INFO

This is where I feel parents can almost give too much information! Use a separate email just for your child’s submissions. DO NOT use your personal email address especially if you receive lots of emails and there is a chance that an audition notice could go to the Junk Mail or be deleted.

NEVER use your personal home phone number and NEVER NEVER EVER put down your home address! Use a separate cell phone if possible! I suggest the ones that you can buy minutes on (to keep the cost down and you do not need to sign a contract). These type phones are inexpensive and keep your information PRIVATE. If your child starts working a lot, then you might decided to get a dedicated line for them!

TIP #6:

CUTE EMAIL ADDRESSES/LONG “CUTE” MESSAGES ON YOUR ANSWERING SERVICE

It never ceases to amaze what some people will put in an email address! Remember that first impressions are everything in this business and do not make up a funny or what you think is cute email address! I even received emails from addresses that sounded like they were coming from an adult performer (referring to specific body parts - yes I have gotten those kind and they were from parents of kids)!

And please do not have music, your child singing or talking, or a long drawn out message that the caller has to wait for in order to leave you a message. The best messages are succinct! Leave your name (first only), child’s name (first only), your number and a SHORT note - “Sorry we can’t pick up the phone right now but leave a message and we will call you back as soon as we can!”

Suggestive or cute email addresses, answering machine messages that consists of listening to a minute of music, a child talking, a child singing or other “cute” things are unprofessional. What Grandma thinks is cute - won’t be what a casting director thinks!

TIP #7

RESUME

The most important part of a resume for a child is the STATS! Make sure they are as current as possible! My clients must update their stats every month!

If your child does have some credit - make sure it is real! DO NOT lie on your child’s resume! There are loads of opportunities to perform, even at a local level. Local print and commercials, local community theatre (or school theatre- but never list your child’s school on a resume as a predator would have your child’s name, age, and school and could do something unthinkable). You can list school/church/synagogue related activities just as that - giving the character and project name and listing it as a school play, church or synagogue event!

TIP #8

WHERE IS THE PROJECT?

If you live in Memphis, TN (a great town that I called home for many years) and the project is casting in Dallas - can you make the audition? No one will pay for you to bring your child to an audition! For those of you in an area where you have several metro areas around you - you have the option of trying to work in all of them but just remember that you have to get you and your child to the audition and back at your expense.

I get hundreds of calls from people all over the country and they ask how they can be repped by me - when I say they need to live in LA area, they stock answer is “we are willing to move, if we get a good offer”. Unless your child is cast in a television series as a regular, a major film or other big money project - no one will offer you anything! And it is difficult to be cast in these type of projects unless you live in one of the major metro areas! This does not mean Los Angeles or NYC alone! Dallas, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans and other large cities have great opportunities. And if you have REPRESENTATION that can submit you via tape for projects in LA or NYC and you can make it to the callbacks in those cities - then you and your child can have the opportunity to make it BIG!

TIP #9

KNOW THE BUSINESS

Make sure you know if your child needs an Entertainment Work Permit for your state and make sure if so, your child’s permit is CURRENT.

Make sure you know the Child Labor Laws for your state

Make sure you understand any contracts that you are given

DO NOT put you or child in a dangerous situation (do not go to castings that are held in a private home, hotel room, etc)

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS and your obligations!

Keep a journal of auditions, notes on auditions, bookings etc

Keep all business expenses separate and make sure you understand (if your child makes money) the tax laws

TIP #10

Understand that this is a BUSINESS and all of us in it are here to make money! We do not do this because it is FUN! There are few “overnight success stories”. TO be successful in this or in any field (sports, music, dance, business) it takes hard work, time and a little luck! If you are looking for that overnight success - then this is probably not the business for you!

If you are going to get your children involved in the acting or modeling business, you must be willing to be patient and understanding of the uncertainty of your child’s behavior that day. NEVER get upset or frustrated with your child. Casting directors are aware that children/babies are not always comfortable in new surroundings and can have a bad day. That being said, ALWAYS, give them encouraging words even if you know the day did not go well for your child.

You may walk into an audition and your child is having a great day and suddenly they have a melt down at the audition. Don’t give up-the next audition could get them the job.

Also, if your child is painfully shy or you say to yourself “they need to warm up for a while”, you may need to reconsider the entertainment business. Though they may be the most beautiful child in the world, whether acting or modeling, the casting directors only give each child a few minutes and they must see or hear the personality withing a few minutes. On many occasions, they will take the child(if they are of speaking age) in the audition room without the parents.

There is NO SPECIFIC LOOK OR FORMULA!

Every client (advertising company or product representatives) will all decide what they are looking for based on their product and the consumers. It can be a Midwest look, urban look, quirky , etc

THE IMPORTANT THING TO NOTE IS, THEY LOOK FOR CHILDREN THAT ARE NATURAL. They do not look favorably on children that are too made up like you would see in child pageants. (unless it is requested by client)

Casting directors look for children that can follow directions and listen well. Being there is a limited time for all productions; those children that can follow directions well will usually be considered first for commercial/acting projects. They will be viewed as “easier to work with “

Many times it is the child with a certain personality that will override a specific look.

Try to get your child in school plays and high school drama classes, You can also find classes and/or productions through your local community colleges theatre arts/drama programs, in community theatre, and in films made by students at local universities without any prior experience (all of these performances are acceptable on a resume).

These are free and very-low cost ways in. If you have the money, you may take beginning acting classes offered by private institutions-but you need to be wise about giving your money away. Also check with you local church or synagogue for plays.

Even professional actors continue to take classes well into their careers to keep sharp and to learn new skills.

There also tons of showcase/ competitions that offer workshops and the chance to be seen by casting, agents, managers, etc. These are great if you can afford to attend!

There are also the new “internet” casting companies, Some are excellent, some are ok and some are not so good (posting old notices or fake notices). Just make sure that you are careful about sending out your personal information!If you are under 18 and posting on actor sites, DO NOT POST ANYTHING IN YOUR PROFILE that will tell people where your child goes to school, lives etc. If you have already done so, goback into those posts or profiles and delete it. The world is full of predators looking for young girls and boys!

You really know very little about people you meet on the Internet and claim to tell the truth about who they are and their intentions, but there are thousands more who are just not what they say they are! Be smart and be realistic, otherwise you don’t stand a CHANCE at making it in entertainment.

If I had a dollar for every time I have been asked this question, I would be in Bali right now sipping a Mai Tai on the beach!

Wouldn’t it be great to “get discovered” while walking through the mall because an industry professional happens to notice your child and offers them a role in a major feature film or big print campaign? Or maybe your child can get discovered by doing a beauty pageant, online contest or just eating ice cream at the local ice cream parlor. Your chances are about as good of having this happen as winning the lottery. Does it happen? Yes, it happened for Spencer Breslin. But most of you might not live in NYC or LA where agents/casting directors/directors/producers are seen at the corner Starbuck’s. Even if you do, you might still never “accidently” run into someone who is looking for the next child star! Some people are lucky to know someone who knows someone and can give you a referral! And even if you who do live in major city, so does a lot other “competition”.
So while “being discovered,” does happen occasionally, most actors go through stages before making it big. Pursuing this industry means getting the best headshot possible. It means taking classes (acting, dance, singing, etc). It means YOU researching the industry in your specific geographical area so that you understand what you need and what you do not need! You must determine your stage - do you have a great headshot, work permit if needed), has your child taken classes, worked in local theatre and do you have representation? Then after you have done all the previously mentioned “steps”, you go on auditions and finally, book jobs. It takes time and an understanding to know what your focus should be at each step in the process. If you are just starting out, your focus should be on finding representation rather than finding auditions. Remember that there are lots of “not so nice” people lurking on the Web and it can be a dangerous submitting your child’s picture (with contact information) to strangers via the Web!

Today there are hundreds (if not more) casting sites boasting thousands of audition opportunities. Try to be realistic - if the casting site is advertising your child could be in the new Brad Pitt movie and you live in Butte, Montana (nothing wrong with Butte - I have been there and it is gorgeous), how are you going to get to LA (or NY) to audition for this movie? And what, there are not enough kids in LA (or NY) that have professional experience and big time agents that casting is looking in Butte? With claims like these it is easy to think that you do not need representation and that you can do it yourself! But if you’re submitting to these sites without luck, it may be because you’re simply focusing on the wrong step.

Why is your child not being “discovered” or getting auditions through casting sites? It could be because 1001 people are applying for 2 castings! It could also be that the Casting Directors are simply not drawn in by your online profile or headshot/resume. It could also be that the casting director did not post this casting (some sites “pirate” casting notices) and thus the casting director will not accept submissions from these sites.

Let me try to explain the process in easy to understand terms.

First the producer HIRES the casting director to cast his/her project.

Casting Directors then notify talent representatives (agents and managers) to the project and what kind of actors/models they want to see for the project. Casting depends on the talent representatives to ONLY submit actors who they believe are “right” for the part. Most casting directors use only the industry sites (Breakdown Service in all the major markets, LA Casting in LA and NOW Casting in LA and some other major markets). Casting directors also email and or call their “favorite” agents and managers with casting notices and do NOT put them out on any casting sites!

Generally, the casting director has a short amount of time to sort through all of headshots they receive (this is why your headshot is so important). It is not an exaggeration to say that for every role a casting director is looking for, he/she receives perhaps a thousand or more submissions! Casting will then select as many potential actors as they have time to audition but generally this number is well under 100 and sometimes it is only a handful of 20-30 people that get the chance to audition for cssting. From this first “call”, casting will narrow down the number to c a relative small number of actors to present to the director/producer/ad agency execs who will make the final hiring decision.

Now you can see how tough it is just to get an audition, let alone a book a job!

The question is, where does your child fall within the casting process? If you are currently without representation and are struggling to get work directly from casting websites, consider shifting your focus to finding representation rather than submitting to casting calls.

Actors with representation should consider themselves very lucky and wll on their way to working in this industry! ladder. Having representation is like wearing a badge that says “I’m a professional.” Why? Because a casting director/director/producer/ad agency knows that an agent or manager has already screened the child and that the child is likely to be good in front of the camera, respond well to direction and authority, has taken acting classes, has experience and/or great potential! This separates your child from the rest of the wanna be child stars.

I have written on this before but I don’t think you can hear this advice too many times!
Infant and child modeling becomes a very popular, but increasingly controversial area.
To begin with, ask yourself a few questions about you and your child-
Can I afford to have my child in this industry? With the price of gasoline today you could spend a lot of money going to and from auditions. You can only take the child that is auditioning to the audition so can you get child care for the siblings (if you have other children)? Also getting pictures and resumes printed cost money. When your child is older you will probably have to get a flipper for them (fake teeth) so their smile is perfect.
Are you sure your child is cut out for modeling? Your baby may be gorgeous, but can they handle the stress of modeling and especially the stress of strangers handle with your without you. Also remember that casting rooms can be crowded and filled with lots of other children who are making a lot of noise.
Can you handle the rejection? Your child is going to “not get the job” more times than they “book” the job.
Do you work outside of the home? If so, do you have extended family that can take the child on auditions? Most, if not all, auditions are during the day on weekdays.
Can your child (and you) handle their daily routine disturbed? Are they involved in a lot of activities and can they handle being distracted from school, club activities, team sports, family and friend?
Does your child handle travel well? This is usually short trips to and from auditions but some children do not handle being “on the go”.
Does your child handle change with a good temperament? Naptime, feeding time, these are all things that may get disrupted for an audition or for shooting.
Some web resources that might help you:

http://www.modelingscams.org/childmodelingscams.html

http://www.baby-place.com/infant_modeling.html

http://www.babycenter.com/dilemma/baby/babydevelopment/1358648.html

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/model.htm

“”There is not a whole lot of [child] modeling work available outside New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Dallas, so make sure that an agency does not give you false information about who their clients include.” — Parents Magazine”

“You need to be able to travel to shoots and meetings on very short notice — sometimes a few hours. Only people who are local can do that.” — Margaret Pelino, booking agent, Ford Modeling Agency, Manhattan”

Some more tips:

Don’t spend a ton of money on a portfolio, because infants/toddlers and pre-school change too quickly.

Get a couple good photos every 3 months or so. You can do these yourself and have them reproduced (or if you have a great printer you can do them yourself)

Make sure you check out the agency with other people in your area or on the Internet. Most legit agencies/managers have websites that you can look at to see who they represent and what those clients are booking.

Ask for some references from other parents whose children are represented by the agency. Do not ask the agent for referrals as no reputable agent/manager will give out personal contact information on their clients.

There are lots of sites were you can ask other parents about a certain agent or manager.

Good luck!

There are shows where kids do not need to be a Triple Threat (singer, dancer, actor) but most shows are looking for those select kids who can do it all and do it well!
This does not mean just adequate in any of the talents. Children must be a “10″ as a singer, as a dancer and as an actor. Training is vital and the training must be the best. A great vocal coach (one that has Broadway experience or credentials) is a must. The same for dance. Performing on Broadway is a full time career so make sure, as a family, you are willing to pack up and move to New York! Of course, there are other avenues of work in NYC - commercials, print and television!
Compared to commercial acting or print work - making it on Broadway is perhaps the most difficult to accomplish.
So how can you help get your child ready for Broadway if he or she has natural ability? First find a GREAT vocal coach. This should be someone who is very familiar with Broadway performance. This person must also know how to work with children. Over straining young vocal chords can be very damaging! Now find a great dance teacher. Ballet is the basis of all dance and I would recommend several years of ballet before starting jazz and or tap. Your child should be fundamentally strong in all three areas of dance. An acting coach is also a must and he/she must be a coach that is experienced in stage acting. Stage acting is very different from commercial or film/television acting!
Start out by having your child audition for every stage production in your local area. This can be everything from the recitals put on by the teacher/school to community theatre to legit theatre depending on your area. Many Broadway shows use “local” hires when they travel and this is an excellent opportunity for your child to be in a professional production without leaving your area.
When you think your child is ready to make a try at Broadway - find representation! If you are not in the greater NYC area, find representation that handles Broadway actors. Many managers in the larger metro areas, have access to the audition notices for Broadway and can submit your child via a taped audition. Just be aware that should the producer/director want to see your child (unless they are a star), the cost of traveling to NYC (including transportation, meals, hotel) will be your responsibility.
Unlike Los Angeles, in NYC, auditions are publicized and easily attainable even without representation. But again I will say find representation! Trying to make it in this industry without representation is frustrating and can even be dangerous!

Good luck!

Does your child have a great voice? Can he or she do characters or “weird” voices? Does your child love to read out loud and put “energy and personality” into their reading? Is your child’s reading level above their age level? Is your child shy or nervous in front of an audience or adults? Have you thought about Voice Over work? Let me say that voice over work is very competitive and not as easy to get into as you might think. Adults are hired to sound like children and they can work longer hours so it is more economical for the producers.
But with all the animated movies and television (including commercials) there is a larger demand now for real kids doing voice over.
Not all agencies represent for voice over! Some of the best are listed here. If you live in the LA area, check out their websites (if listed) and see what the submission requirements are and follow them. You will need a CD or tape (check submission requirements) to send them. DO NOT: have your child call them so they can see how cute his/her voice is; send a pic and letter telling them about what a great voice your child has without a sample; and finally do not waste your time or theirs if you do not live within an hour of Los Angeles.
What if you do not live in Los Angeles? Contact your local talent agencies and ask about voice over. The larger markets are your best chances.

Abrams Artists Agency - LA

9200 Sunset Blvd. #407

Los Angeles, CA 90069

USA

tel: 310-728-1050, Fax 310-859-9791

email: aaalavb@abramsart.com

web: http://www.abramsartists.com

ACME VOICES (formerly Acme/Posh)

4727 Wilshire Blvd STE 333

Los Angeles, CA 90010

USA

tel: 323.602.0370

email: posshvoices@aol.com

web: http://www.voicebank.net/default.

AKA Talent Agency - Youth Division

6310 San Vicente Blvd, #200

Los Angeles, CA 90048

USA

tel: 323-965-5600

email: julie@akatalent.com

web: http://www.akatalent.com

Arlene Thornton & Associates

12711 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 490

Studio City, CA 91604

USA

tel: 818-760-6688

email: arlene@arlenethornton.com

web: http://www.arlenethornton.com/

Berzon Talent Agency

336 East 17th

Costa Mesa, Ca 92632

USA

tel: (949) 631-5936

email: Mark@Berzon.com

web: http://www.berzon.com

BTG (Buchwald Talent Group) - Youth and Adult 6500 Wilshire Blvd., Suite #2210 Los Angeles, CA 90048 USA

tel: 323-852-9555

email: julie@buchwald.com

web: http://www.buchwald.com

CAA (Creative Artists Agency)

9830 Wilshire Blvd

Beverly Hills, CA 90035

USA

tel: 310-288-4545

email: jnicolay@caa.com

web: http://www.caa.com/

Cassell - Levy Inc.

843 N Sycamore Ave

Los Angeles, CA. 90038

USA

tel: 323-461-3971

email: clincvoices@earthlink.net

web: http://www.voicebank.net/

CESD (Cunningham, Escott, Slevin, Doherty) - LA

10635 Santa Monica Blvd. #130

Los Angeles, CA 90025

USA

tel: 310-475-2111

email: LAAuditions@cesdtalent.com

web: http://www.cesdvoices.com

Coast to Coast Talent Group

3350 Barham Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90068

USA

tel: 323.845.9200

email: SCORMIER@CTCTALENT.COM

web: http://www.ctctalent.com

Dramatic Artists Agency - LA & Seattle

103 West Alameda #139

Burbank, CA 91502

USA

tel: 818.288.1859

email: crgrager@dramaticartists.com

web: http://www.voicebank.net/default.jsp?

Endeavor

9601 Wilshire Blvd. 3rd Floor

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

USA

tel: 310-246-3334

email: bbalbo@endeavorla.com

web: http://voicebank.net/default.

Hervey/Grimes Talent Agency

10561 Missouri Ave., #2

Los Angeles, CA 90025

USA

tel: 310-475-2010

email: nick@ppnnews.com

web: http://www.herveygrimes.com/

Imperium 7

9911 West Pico Blvd., Suite 1290

Los Angeles, California 90035

USA

tel: 310.203.9009

email: admin@imperium-7.com

web: http://www.voicebank.net/default.jsp?7

Innovative Artists - LA

1505 10th Street

Santa Monica, CA 90401

USA

tel: 310.656.0400

email: voiceoverla@iala.com

web: http://www.voicebank.net/default.jsp?

Kazarian Spencer & Associates - 25 and under only

11365 Ventura Blvd. #100

Studio City, CA 91604

USA

tel: 818.769.9111

email: Philip@ksawest.com

web: http://www.ksawest.com/

Osbrink Agency

4343 Lankershim Blvd. Suite # 100

Universal City, CA 91602

USA

tel: 818-760-2488

email: maureen@osbrinkagency.com

web: http://www.osbrinkagency.com

Sande Schnarr Talent

8500 Melrose Ave. #212

West Hollywood, CA 90069

USA

tel: 310-360-7680

email: voicebankinfo@sstvo.com

web: http://www.voicebank.net/default.jsp?

Solid Talent

6860 Lexington Ave.

Los Angeles, California 90038

USA

tel: 323-978-0808

email: mikesoliday@solidtalent.com

web: http://www.solidtalent.com

Special Artists Agency

9465 Wilshire Blvd, Ste. 890

Beverly Hills, CA 90212

USA

tel: 310-859-9688

email: ldalling@specialartists.com

web: http://www.voicebank.net/default.jsp?

Sutton, Barth, & Vennari

145 S. Fairfax Ave. #310

Los Angeles, CA 90036

USA

tel: 323-938-6000

email: voiceover@sbvtalent.com

web: http://www.sbvtalent.com

The Savage Agency

6212 Banner Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90038

USA

tel: 323 461 8316

email: savageagencyvo@pacbell.net

web: http://www.voicebank.net/default.jsp?

Tisherman Gilbert Motley Drozdoski - TGMD Talent Agency

6767 Forest Lawn Drive #101

Los Angeles, CA 90068

USA

tel: 323-850-6767

email: auditions@tgmdtalent.com

web: http://www.tgmdtalent.com/

United Talent Agency

9560 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 500

Beverly Hills, CA 90212

USA

tel: 310-273-6700

email: DucotyG@unitedtalent.com

web: http://www.unitedtalent.com/

VOX, Inc.

5670 Wilshire Blvd. Suite #820

Los Angeles, CA 90036

USA

tel: 323-655-8699

email: wstevens@voxusa.net

web: http://www.voxusa.net

William Morris Agency - LA

151 El Camino Drive

Beverly Hills, CA 90212

USA

tel: 310-859-4085

email: voices@wma.com

web: http://www.wma.com

GOOD LUCK!

Thought you might be interested in this article!
 
Talent Mgr. Pleads Guilty to Annoyance / Molestation Joshua Werkman could face a year in jail for child annoyance/molesting.

March 13, 2008

By Nicole Kristal

Los Angeles-based talent manager Joshua Werkman, who formerly represented child actors such as twins Dylan and Cole Sprouse (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody), pleaded no contest at the Ventura County Superior Court in California Feb. 29 to misdemeanor counts of child annoyance/molesting and of furnishing alcohol to an underage person. Werkman could face up to one year in jail and will have to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for April 2.

 

Ventura County deputy district attorney Rameen Minoui said he could not comment on the underlying facts of the case or verify the age of the victim, but a felony complaint document obtained by Back Stage, filed Aug. 30, 2007, and signed by Minoui, states that Werkman “did willfully and unlawfully touch an intimate part” of a 16-year-old boy Aug. 23. The complaint was later amended to the above misdemeanor counts, stating that Werkman “did unlawfully annoy a child, John Doe, under the age of 18 years.” The amendment, Minoui said, was not part of a plea bargain. “We don’t plea-bargain here in Ventura,” said Minoui. “What we do is we assess all the information and evidence, and then we file the charge that we can properly prove in court in front of a jury.”

 

But Werkman’s attorney Steven Cron of Cron, Israels & Stark said the amendment to the original charge speaks to the severity of the crime: “The original charge was [California Penal Code] 243.4[(a)], which is sexual battery, but that was a felony, and you know, the fact that the district attorney’s office reduced it to a misdemeanor says a lot about the severity of the activity.” The attorney also said, “By pleading no contest [Werkman] acknowledged that he used bad judgment on the day in question and accepted responsibility for his behavior.”

 

Staying Safe

Anne Henry, co-founder of the BizParentz Foundation — a nonprofit that provides education, advocacy, and charitable support to parents and children in the entertainment industry — said her organization has received complaints about Werkman for the past four years. “The most recent complaints were on sets in Florida and Texas where parents were calling us who were working as extras on those sets and he was talking to them about representation,” said Henry. “What parents found odd and what we [found] odd is that someone who was representing stars at the level of Cole and Dylan would be recruiting out of the extras tent at a movie shoot.” Henry, who noted that BizParentz played no role in Werkman’s conviction, said she also heard reports that Werkman held social gatherings for his clients.

 

Back Stage was unable to contact any of Werkman’s former clients. However, parents of young performers in the industry have strong feelings about the manager’s conviction. Jane Gordon, the mother of child actor Jonah Meyerson (The Matador, The Royal Tenenbaums), said of Werkman’s conviction, “It’s a sad commentary on what happens in this business, but I’m gratified that they got him.” Gordon said the bigger message of the Werkman case is that even established industry professionals shouldn’t be left alone with child actors. “[Parents] think, ‘Well, the person must be on the up-and-up if they have a marquee client.’ But here’s a perfect example of why that isn’t the case,” she said.

 

 

Isabella Nwankwo, mother of child actors Sarah and Flavia Nanko, said parents need to remember they have the sole responsibility of preserving their children’s welfare and that knowing someone in a professional capacity is not the same as knowing someone’s private life. “An acting child’s manager or agent is…responsible for the child’s acting career, not the child’s welfare,” said Nwankwo. “What would make me think that I could entrust my child’s health and welfare to a person just because I have hired him to help my child be successful as an actor?”

 

Out of L.A.

But parents of young performers don’t seem to be getting the message not to leave their kids alone with adults in the entertainment industry. Werkman’s conviction came the same day Broadway actor James Barbour (Beauty and the Beast) was sentenced in New York to 60 days in jail and three years’ probation for sexual encounters with a 15-year-old female drama student. As part of a plea deal, Barbour pleaded guilty in January to two misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a minor.

 

On Jan. 31, Thomas Conrad Lowery, a Georgia man who served as a consultant to aspiring child actors, was convicted by a federal jury on charges of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity; receiving child pornography; and possessing child pornography. According to a Department of Justice press release, Lowery faces up to 15 years for transporting the child, five to 15 years for receiving child pornography, and up to five years for possessing child pornography. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release, it said.

 

To keep children safe, Minoui recommended that parents avoid buying into stereotypes about what child molesters look like and how they behave; they come in all different ages, backgrounds, and looks. “There is no way to tell someone’s sexual interest by their appearance,” said Minoui.

 

Henry said parents can keep their children safe by following one simple rule: “The one overall issue is if the parents would never let their kids be alone — ever, ever, ever, no matter what, even if you think you know the person — that would solve a lot of [problems].”     

 

 

Try to get your child in school plays and high school drama classes, You can also find classes and/or productions through your local community colleges theatre arts/drama programs, in community theatre, and in films made by students at local universities without any prior experience (all of these performances are acceptable on a resume).
These are free and very-low cost ways in. If you have the money, you may take beginning acting classes offered by private institutions-but you need to be wise about giving your money away. Also check with you local church or synagogue for plays. Even professional actors continue to take classes well into their careers to keep sharp and to learn new skills. There also tons of showcase/ competitions that offer workshops and the chance to be seen by casting, agents, managers, etc. These are great if you can afford to attend!
There are also the new “internet” casting companies, Some are excellent, some are ok and some are not so good (posting old notices or fake notices). Just make sure that you are careful about sending out your personal information!If you are under 18 and posting on actor sites, DO NOT POST ANYTHING IN YOUR PROFILE that will tell people where your child goes to school, lives etc. If you have already done so, goback into those posts or profiles and delete it. The world is full of predators looking for young girls and boys!
You really know very little about people you meet on the Internet and claim to tell the truth about who they are and their intentions, but there are thousands more who are just not what they say they are! Be smart and be realistic, otherwise you don’t stand a CHANCE at making it in entertainment.