How much will I need to invest in my child model’s career?
As with any new venture or career, there are certain costs involved. Some costs are tangible such as photography, headshots, composites, acting classes, etc.  Some costs are not as tangible, such as gas to and from auditions and bookings, parking fees, flipper (fake teeth if and when your child needs one), fast food dinner because auditions interfere with family dinner, babysitting fees for other children (you can NEVER take extra children on auditions or bookings), etc.  Good photography and promotional items are the key to obtaining bookings since pictures are the first view a client has of an actor/model. Babies and toddlers can usually get by using snapshots because their look changes so quickly.  Some agents and managers request that you are on casting sites which cost and some even charge a small fee to be up on their websites. One large modeling agency (LA and NYC offices) charge models $165 a year to have their portfolio and resume posted on the agency website.

Do you accept every applicant?
Legitimate agencies and managers accept ONLY children with true potential for a particular market.  Children are selected according to personality, animation, availability, size and look.  Of course, NO GUARANTEES go along with this industry. I accept about one out of twenty of the children I interview.

Can I print my own Headshots/Composites?
All agencies and most managers have a design format that makes the agency/manager recognizable to their clients and that are competitive in the marketplace.  I encourage parents of my infants and toddlers to simply download and print a pic/resume for auditions since the child changes so quickly but for kids over the age of 5, I do insist on professional pictures and professionally printed headshots.

Do you accept all of the children in the same family?
I will always consider siblings if  have the same qualifications needed to be successful in the industry. I also always encourage a “family” pic (including pets) be included in a client’s profile – if the whole family is willing, for projects that are looking for REAL families.

Can my child be listed with another agency?
In California you can only have one agent (you can have a different agent for print, commercial and theatrical) for any one area.  So you have rep in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco but you cannot have two print agents (or commercial or theatrical) in any one area.
In Las Vegas and NYC you can be represented by multiple agencies. In Atlanta most agencies will want you exclusively.
Clients tend to recognize models/actors and their agency affiliation and do not want to have to choose one agency over the other when requesting a model/actor. This is known as an “Exclusive Model”. The better agencies require all of their models to have this arrangement. Also remember that if you have two or three agents or managers representing you (in one area) you could be liable to pay a commission to each one!
For managers, you should only have one manager, no matter how many agents you have.

Must I be available when my child is called for an audition or booking?
Yes. Otherwise, you and your agent/manager will be wasting each other’s time.  Of course I understand that parents cannot accept every audition but declining more than a few is unacceptable.

Are there auditions on weekends since I work full time?
Rarely.  Most auditions are 9-6 on weekdays, even during the school year. Be prepared for your child to miss school occasionally. In California, a child cannot audition during school hours but auditions start at 3 PM (usually) and if you live 90 minutes from Los Angeles, then making auditions could be a problem.
I would strongly DISCOURAGE a parent who works full time from trying to get their child started in the industry. I do not know of any managers or agents who would take a child who could not make auditions during the week.

Do you get many bookings for infants?
Infants work sporadically because they change daily.  I interview most infants so that I have a nice stable when the time comes to “book” a baby. There “seasons” for infant print bookings.  Normally it will be prior to holidays such as Christmas & Easter and March. Advertising agencies print catalogs several months ahead of these seasons. Commercials, television shows and films are casting all the time for infants so there is no season.  A baby only needs to be good natured to get work.

How much will my child make modeling?
That depends on an infinite number of factors such as; temperament, availability, age, size, looks, general personality and promotional materials (photos, snapshots, etc.)  Some children make a few hundred dollars a year while others make many thousands.  I can not predict the number of auditions and I certainly would never predict how many bookings or how much money a child will make. In most cases, a parent will invest more in a child’s career than the child will ever make!

What is the percentage taken by your agency from my child’s earnings?
I normally work on 15% from all gross monies booked. Occasionally, I deduct varying amounts according to the arrangement and fees paid by the client or advertiser.  I always tell my clients the quoted rate at the time I give them the audition. Unless it is a Union job (and print jobs are never SAG) there will be different rates for different jobs.

My child is missing front teeth. Can she/he still model/act?
It is best to begin a modeling/acting career WITH teeth. Then when this natural process occurs, clients already know that your child is a good model/actor and may continue to book them. If the child has no experience, it is more difficult but not impossible to get a client interested. Braces used to be “death” for kids but now braces are more acceptable in the industry (except for food commercials).

How much notice will I receive prior to my child’s audition?
Sometimes as much as 2-3 days, most likely it will be 24 hours or less and sometimes only a few hours. Therefore I keep several children of similar looks and age in every division so that a client’s needs can always be met.

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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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Most parents who want to get their child started in the modeling or acting business dream of having their child discovered and whisked away to fame and fortune in NYC or LA. This is a small reality for a very few. The larger reality is finding work in your local area. Almost every area of the country has some print jobs for local merchants and even commercials for local merchants!

How do you find these opportunities? It might take more effort than if you live in one of the major markets, but it can be done. My son had a great career in Memphis until he decided he wanted to play football and not do fashion shows or commercials! If you live in a city of more than 100,000 people – first check to see if there are any agents in your city. You must remember that unlike California, many states allow agents to sell pics and classes or charge an upfront fee. So here are some points to remember if this applies to your state!

#1 – Children under 4 years of age do NOT need professional pics and they most certainly do not need a ZED/composite card or a portfolio.
#2 – Children over 4 will need a good professional headshot but probably not a ZED/composite or portfolio. How much you pay for these pics will vary in every area. Children will need updated photos on a regular basis but usually at least once a year until they are in their teens.
#3 – In larger markets, you might be able to find TFP (time for prints) where photographers will shoot the model and give the model prints in exchange for the photographer using the pics for his/her advertisement. Just remember that the photos BELONG to the photographer and he/she can sell them or do whatever with them in most cases.
#4 – Children over 5 will need at least a Commercial Acting class to get started. They will need to know how to slate, how to read copy into a camera and how to take direction! Most commercial workshops are 4- 6 weeks and in LA.
#5 – Children who are over 10 and really want to ACT (film/television) will need an acting class. These are usually on going classes (even Merle Streep and Robert DeNiro still take acting classes).
#6 – For print and other modeling jobs, I feel a modeling class can be beneficial but it should concentrate of photo posing and runway! But if your child is a “natural” then they might not need a modeling class but children are not natural at taking direction and understanding terms that are related to this business so I still suggest a class of some kind.

With that being said, if your state allows agents to sell pics and classes – just make sure that the cost of these are not out of line with the industry.

But what if you live in a town of under 100,000 people? There are still opportunities to get your child started! If your town has a clothing store that caters to children or teens, ask if they do fashion shows and find out who you need to talk to get your child considered. If they do not do fashion shows – ask if they would consider doing one. Does your church or synagogue have luncheons or other special events perhaps for fundraising? Suggest a fashion show! What about for your child’s sports team – they are always looking for ways to make money. Along with school plays, there are usually opportunities in local theatre groups and if not – why don’t you start one? Almost every business, even in small towns, do some sort of advertising – find out how you can submit your child for these opportunities.

Now a few words on a couple of other options for those who do not live in a major market.

The Internet has really “brought” Hollywood to the whole country and you can sign up for one of the thousands “casting” sites that have sprung up. Most of these, in my opinion, are a waste of your money as they “repost” audition notices (and alter them) from other sites and then charge their members to see them. In most cases by the time these notices (especially for television and commercials) are reposted, the job has already been booked! Some of these sites do offer local opportunities so don’t overlook the good sites! Just remember that you should NEVER put anything online that can direct people to your child without your permission so no name of school, no home address or phone number, etc.

The other avenue to pursue for some of you might be the talent and modeling conventions/competitions. These venues have agents, managers, casting directors form the major markets come and “scout” talent at large events. There are numerous events like this with some concentrating on the East Coast, some the South, etc and there are a few that have their conventions in LA and/or NYC and bring talent from all over the country and even the world! What is the benefit? Well, you get an immediate feedback if your child is considered “talented” by the agents/casting directors/managers in attendance by way of callbacks. In a 3-4 day (sometimes less and sometimes more depending on the event) your child can be seen by the TOP industry professionals. If you tried to get interviews with these people – you could take you months! But, of course, there is a down side and that is the cost of attending such an event. Most of these types of events can cost thousands of dollars and none have a guarantee that your child will even get one callback from all the industry professionals there. And if your child does get an offer for representation – if the industry professional is from LA, NYC, Europe or another major market – it will be your responsibility to get your child to that city to start auditioning. I would suggest this type of event if your child is a little older (at least a tween) and you have the flexibility to move to pursue your child’s career and of course, if you can afford it!

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1. Make sure you read the entire posting and that you only submit if your child truly fits the description and if it says “local hire”, do not submit unless you live in that area.
Especially for jobs in LA and NYC, there are literally thousands of submissions for each casting, so unless the client really wants to see out of area kids, the chances of your child being selected for an audition is almost non-existent. And if they are chosen to audition – the cost of traveling to and from the audition city is YOURS! I have never heard of anyone paying someone to attend an audition!

2. Send only one headshot and one full body UNLESS other types of photos are requested. Never send an attachment or a link unless requested.

3. Send all pertinent information: Date of birth, height, weight, shoe size, dress/pant size and contact information but NEVER EVER NEVER send a home phone number or home address! Keep your child safe- that is rule #1!
If it is for a print or runway casting, then send all stats (height, weight, inseam, waist, chest, hips, and even sometimes neck measurement).

4. Do not write in the cover letter that your child has no experience or anything else that might have the person reading your email hit the delete button! If you child has no experience, that will be obvious from the resume (see #5) so you did not need to reinstate it. Also avoid “cute” sayings about how everyone tells you that your child should be a model or that your child is a natural actor or loves to pose.

5. Always submit a resume! The resume should have all the vital stats as stated above, the contact info (no home address or phone) along with any experience. This can be a school or church play, a performance at a community center or senior citizen center. Also include any training or classes the child has or is taking. List all skills that the child has but DO NOT exaggerate! I once submitted a child because on the resume under skills was “gymnastics”, the casting director called and wanted “details” on what kind of gymnastics and how long the child had been training. When I called the mom she informed me the child had gone to ONE class three years prior! Only put on skills that your child is at least “average” in performing. But don’t forget the everyday skills – riding a bicycle, swimming, riding a scooter, etc. If your child plays a sport, make sure you note what position they play and how long they have been playing!

6. Photos should be of the child ONLY! No siblings, parents, grandparents or pets (unless requested). Also try to get shots that show the child smiling (we need to see teeth) and looking directly at the camera. The photos should be clear and in focus. This sounds ridiculous I know as you would think that people would send clear and in focus shots, but trust me, I get shots all the time that are so dark I cannot tell what ethnicity the child is or so out of focus it gives me a headache looking at it.

7. After submitting your child, DO NOT contact the agent/manager/casting director (whomever posted the casting) unless you are asked to follow up. Most agents/managers/casting directors do not have the time to reply that your submission has been received. Also do not send an email (or more than one), asking when your child will know if they got the job! The agent/manager/casting director will ONLY contact those who are being asked to audition.

8. If you have an agent or manager, have the agent or manager submit your child especially if it is for a local casting. Even if your agent and or manager is OK with you self-submitting, make sure you always email them that you have submitted for a specific project.

9. If you have more than one child that you are submitting, you should send a separate email for each child/submission.

10. Always watch out for castings that sound too good to be true! Disney, Nickelodeon, and all the top shows seldom, if ever, cast unknowns with no experience that do not live in LA, NYC or Orlando!

Because children grow and change so quickly, an in-person audition is always required! A photo does not tell me (or whomever is casting) if the child is personable, well behaved and can take direction.

Like I have said before and will talk about in a future blog – start in your own area! No matter what city you live in, as long as you live within 90 minutes of a major metro area, there will be some work! Don’t forget local theatre, school productions, recitals etc – all are wonderful training venues! The Internet has opened up a whole new way we work in this industry but it has also opened up new ways for predators to find children and new ways for some people to expoit the willingness of some parents to get their child started in the business!

If you have any questions, please ask as I would love to hear from you! And good luck to all the little stars and starlets out there! I hope to see you in Hollywood one day!

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