I thought I would just go over a FEW simple things for newcomers wanting to get their child into the modeling and/or acting business.

-Before you spend any money towards a career in this business, call local agents to find out how to apply and follow the instructions CAREFULLY.
-Do not train as a model before you are seen by agents in your market. Your first step needs to be so see if you can succeed as a model.
-If you want to get your child into acting, and they are 5 years and over, a good commercial workshop should be the start BEFORE you start contacting agents.
-Contact agents in your LOCAL area! If you are in a state that requires an agency to be licensed, make sure you see the license displayed in their office, or on their website or ask them for their license number. Most states issue licenses with TA before the numbers of the license.
-Do NOT get professional photos before you get an agent unless you get a manager first and your manager wants you to get professional photos.
-Most agents will only consider potential new clients if they send a headshot, resume and cover letter. Some will accept submissions via their websites, a few will accept email submissions but the most professional way is to send a hardcopy by regular post. Most agency website will tell you how they want submissions – follow their instructions.
-Do NOT get a composite card (also called a ZED card) or portfolio BEFORE you get an agent.
-Make sure you have the BASIC tools: social security card, reliable transportation, cell phone, appointment book
-Educate yourself about child labor laws, agency licensing requirements, minor’s work permit for the entertainment industry and a general guideline for the costs of photos, classes, etc. for YOUR area
-Go to the library (or bookstore) to find books and DVDs on modeling, acting or how to get your child started. Amazon is a great place to find books on kids getting started in acting and modeling.
-In some states (California, Florida and New York are three of the most strict) an agency cannot require you to train with them or to require that you have their photographer shoot your headshot or composite. In some states it is perfectly legal (Nevada and Tennessee for example) and a lot of agencies are also training centers.
-In Florida, agents must have an office and cannot work out of their home! California has relaxed this rule and now allows agents to work from a home office.
-Managers should be a member of the TMA (Talent Manager’s Association) or the Conference of Personal Managers (COPM). Many managers do work from a home office.

And always, always, always never put your child’s home address or home telephone number on anything you send over the Internet or mail. I also strongly recommend you never list your child’s school on the resume. Predator’s can find your child but simply going to the school listed on the resume and since they would have a picture and a name – they can approach the child as if they know them!!!

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