The CuteKid’s Blog

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.

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!

Pilot season is on the horizon. Actors can boost their chances by planning now for this active time in the TV industry. Whether you travel to Los Angeles for auditions, or live in Hollywood-land already  you need to be ready. All major markets have busy seasons (New York has the 2nd biggest pilot season) so no matter where you live this is the time you need to push!

“Now, what is pilot season again?”
From Jan. through April, network execs work with producers to create and select new shows for the fall season. The 1st episode of a series is called a pilot, as in test sample. Pilot season represents a terrific opportunity for actors to audition. It could lead to a great role on a breakout show. You’re interested, your child’s interested; now what?

“What do I need to think about?”

Headshots: Among the many “tools of the trade” your headshot ranks 1st in importance and represents the first impression you’ll make. You’ll probably want to have it ready before traveling to L.A.

Resume: At some point you’ll need to create a resume for your child that includes entertainment industry experience. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t have any theater experience, there are still plenty of things to include. Does your child juggle, play sports, dance or play an instrument?

Talent Agencies: A talent agency links the actor to auditions and work opportunities. You need an agent or manager BEFORE thinking about coming out to L.A.

Lodging: Lodging will be your biggest fixed cost in a pilot season campaign if you live out of town. Count on $1,500 +  in monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment. 

One popular apartment complex you will hear about is Oakwood Corporate Housing. They provide a kid-friendly space long used by acting families. It is conveniently located near movie studios, casting offices & talent agencies. The Oakwood’s “Child Actor Program” features schooling services with credentialed teachers, acting classes and seminars related to children working in the industry. The Oakwood fills up fast, so be sure to give yourself ample time to shop around for a safe haven to call home while in L.A.

~Some other housing resources are Archstone Apartments, Westside Rentals and Craigslist.

Schooling for your child: Several options exist for your child’s education if you travel for pilot season:

Enrollment in a public or private school in L.A.; Independent Study set up with the child’s regular school; or, enrollment in an accredited “home school” program. 

Work Permits: California law requires all minors (under 18) have a current permit to work in the entertainment industry. The original “Work Permit” must be carried at all times while working. 

Child Labor Laws in California: California has specific regulations governing the welfare of minors working in the entertainment industry.

Good luck with your endeavors in the acting world!

Some of the warning signs may indicate a scam or a less then legitimate or poorly run modeling agency. It does not necessarily mean that they are not legitimate operations but be sure to ask lots of questions.
*Newspaper classified ad or display ad looking for any kind of model or talent other than nude glamour modeling. Modeling agencies have plenty of people coming to them so they don’t have to advertise for models.
*Pictures of famous supermodels on the walls since it is obvious that small modeling agencies have never represented Cindy Crawford.
*Any up front fees. This might be signing fees, new account fees or evaluation fees. If an agency has to charge money in the beginning, it means the agency does not have enough modeling work for the agency to survive on jobs they are able to get for their models.
*They want you to pay for test shots. Legitimate agencies will provide you with a list of photographers that you may go to. You should be free to go to any photographer you want to. If the agency tells you that you must use their photographer, it’s a bad sign.
*They want you to take classes with their agency before offering you work.
*They say they can guarantee work. Modeling agencies are not employers. They can only represent you to try and get you work. Most of the time they don’t know for sure what type of jobs will come in or what look may be needed, thus there is no way they can guarantee you work.
If you live in Texas, Florida or California make sure you see the Agency license displayed in the front office! If you live in any other state, check with your state’s licensing office to see if talent agents must be licensed in your state. You can also check with Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Association of Talent Agents (ATA) for a list of franchised agents in your state.

If you are approached by someone in the mall, on the street or at the beach claiming to be a representative of the business-BE LEARY!!

While there are people that do legitimately scout on the street (look for talent on the street) , YOU MUST check out their company before you ever get involved. If you do get approached by someone that seems legitimate but they ask you to sign a lengthy contract, ask you to pay for them to get your child involved-DON’T DO IT!! (Regardless of how pretty their office looks)

These companies may offer you photo shoots by professional photographers, guaranteed exposure and classes, exposure to casting directors…BUT THEY CANNOT GUARANTEE YOU CHILD WILL GET A JOB .The casting directors choose your child not the photographers unless it is a photo contest.

YOU SHOULD ALSO NEVER PAY A CASTING DIRECTOR…THEY ARE THERE TO FILL THE JOB FOR THE CLIENT. NEVER PAY TO GO ON AN AUDITION!!

There are cheaper ways you can get these things yourself!

If you want to get your child professional photos, look into photographers in your area. Also , look into child workshops and classes offered in your area.

There are accredited management companies you can find online. Though, not every manager or agent that is legitimate is listed. There may be a smaller agencies that are not listed and

Very legitimate but DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

YOU SPEND THE TIME CHECKING INTO A BABYSITTER OR CHILDCARE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF YOUR CHILD…DO THE SAME THING WHEN IT COMES TO THE ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS!!

Talent advice and casting info! Read here to get the scoop! Lights, Camera ACTION!