by: R. J. Ward, P.M. - Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Emeritus
| Agents | Managers | Bizkids | Resumes | Photos | Videos |
| Agents | Managers | Bizkids | Resumes | Photos | Videos |
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Welcome.. Moms and Dads, read our pages and get familiar with Agents, Managers, Photos, Resumes, and information that will help you get the 'right stuff' to get your child started in Show-Biz. Listings of franchised Agents in Los Angeles area, and other large cities around the U.S., are listed at the bottom of this page and the 'Agents' page. Don't get ripped off by scams that want you to invest large amounts of money, for no guarantee of any success. Get a foot in the door, with proper information. These pages will not promise any results, but will provide you general guidelines. Please read all the pages and links. Getting Started.. Don't try to get your child started on looks alone. Agents prefer looks along with talent, good cold reading, projection, training and experience. It will be beneficial to have acting classes, voice coaching, dance, children's theater, commercials or print work on the resume. This will make finding an agent a little easier. Agents make money when their clients make money. For one to sign up your child, they must see potential and talent. Like any job or career, success can be proportionate to training, attitude, hard work and dedication. Your child must really WANT to do this, or it just won't work! UPDATE.. If your child has a passion to be an Actor, Dancer, Singer, and you support them, learn all you can about helping. Be as 'savvy' as possible in the workings of the Biz. You won't find it on this one page. Read them all, then check around for all the info you can get. It's free. We do not try to bloat, ramble, embellish, but rather cut to the chase with the basics to help you get started. If you live in L.A., you have access to lots of Agents and auditions. Please read our 'Small Town Star' page, you do not have to live in L.A. to become a star! Besides, Pilot Season is not what it was a few years ago, with all the cost cutting, many Networks currently would rather run a simple 'reality' show than an expensive Sitcom series. I would recommend skipping Pilot Season, saving a lot of money, and take my alternative approaches mentioned on this site. Many have made it to Theatre, TV, Movies, Broadway, Orlando, Summer Stock, Chicago, Los Angeles, travelling with Theatre Groups, from Small Town, USA..Just takes talent, and a dedicated, focused, determined parental support team.
Print Work.. A good way to get your aspiring young Star started from scratch, or to maintain ever important exposure. Modeling clothes, or appearing in product ads in newspapers and magazines. In many locations, an Agent isn't even required for most print work. You may have to do some research and digging to find the proper Agencies or P.R. people to steer you in the right direction as to who to contact. A good beginning, and a plus to any resume. Beware of Fees.. All franchised Agents charge a standard 10% commission. If you are asked for a sum of money for photos and acting classes, beware. Although fees are normally 10% of wages earned, in some cases, an agent must negotiate your fee above the minimum scale, in other words, "scale plus 10%" in order to collect commission on a job. This rule may vary according to the local area in which you work, or the collective bargaining agreement you are working under. Costs for coaching, photos, etc. are up to you, not any LEGIT Franchised Agent! Real Agent = Commission only! Your Best Shot.. What will give you a good foot in the door? (1) Live in L.A. (2) Have a child with a good strong voice, and good cold-reading ability. (3) Good attitude and personality. Looks help too. (4) Acting and voice coaching lessons. (5) Some experience in Theatre, Modeling, print work or commercials. Keep an eye out for any and all open auditions. A good Personal Manager can help. Keyword is: GOOD!! Important.. Besides the head-shots and resumes, there are TWO things you must have in order for your child to be able to work. These must be with you at all times. It would be wise to get these as soon as you consider getting your child an agent, or for any commercial or print work. You must get your child a Social Security card. Also needed will be a valid Work Permit from the Department of Social Services. (Entertainment Work Permit Dept. for California.) There is no charge for this. If your child is in school, grades and conduct must be in good standing. Arrangements can be made with a school while on a set, where a tutor will be provided. Hours allowed to actually work will depend on age. Proper time must and will be provided for schooling while on a shoot. Comments.. Parents, be patient and remember..You always have to sacrifice something if you want to be successful. Be realistic, hope for the best, expect the worst. When you are at an agents office, or on an audition, keep quiet! Don't be a 'show-off' parent. Agents prefer their clients parents to go on an audition and be a 'deaf-mute'! They want to audition your child, not hear someone bragging about them. Be cool, stay one step removed, even if it is difficult. Keep a sense of proportion. Many kids have NOT got jobs because of their parents conduct! Don't get caught up in this type of classic stage parent arrogance, ever. Don't be pushy, or overly protective. Although not always necessary, it is frequently well advised to seek some form of representation, then stand back and let the professionals do their job. (A Children's Manager, or good Personal Manager.) Some informed and savvy parents prefer to do this on their own! A Hint or Two.. Hit the Agents during Pilot Season. Best successful age range: 5 to 12. Not too much call for younger. Same for over 12 or 13. Looks, voice and height change rapidly. Any extra talents a definite plus! (Dance, sing, skate-board, gymnastics, juggle.) Of course, a good smile, personality and a strong voice wouldn't hurt your chances either. Not that you cannot get into the business at any age, this information is geared toward the parents of Children. Don't make success in Show Business your child's only objective..or your OWN. Remember, when you go for an audition, job or interview, the accepted professional standard is "One Parent / One Child." Leave your friends and pets at home! Young performers must be well-rounded, outgoing and self-assured. Because of the intense demands with the business in general, minors must be extremely motivated in order to succeed academically and professionally. Pilot Season.. Yes, there is a Pilot Season. It is approximately from late January to March each year, when Studios and production companies are putting together their best shots for a pilot for the new 'Fall Season'. This time of year brings children and parents from far and wide to Hollywood for a chance to land an agent and/or part. If you are among the fortunate to land an interested agent, plan on staying a while. Your agent may call at any time for an audition, some with short notice. This is sometimes a tough decision for parents, but if you leave town, you might miss that last-minute call. It can be a strain on families, but for the determined, it is really imperative to stay around until all efforts are exhausted. I would say at least until the end of pilot season. School work can be arranged with a previous school, involving a local school or tutor. If signed, an agent will prefer you and your child are in the area and readily available! The Basics.. There's no way to explain all that is necessary in these few pages. You might consider the following if you are coming to Hollywood. A Thomas Guide. (To find out how to get where!) Check the daily and weekly trade papers for open auditions. Schmooze, mingle and Network!! NATIONAL LISTINGS QUESTIONS - COMMENTS CONTACT US HOLLYWOOD AGENTS |