by: R. J. Ward, P.M. - Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Emeritus
Member International Movie Database (IMDb.com)
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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! Suggestions.. Parents..If you have any suggestions for more info, please email us. (At the bottom of this page.) Thanks for your input and support. Beware of 'Talent Agents' that want thousands of dollars, and get your children nowhere.! Read our pages to see how you can get famous from legit local sources and auditions.! 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. MORE.. Do not get discouraged. There are always parts for children. There is Disney, Nickelodeon, Broadway, traveling road shows such as the following, (for instance): 'Charlie and The Chocolate Factory', 'Annie', 'Daddy Warbucks', Les Miserables', Chitty Chitty Bang Bang', etc. Many have found auditions for shows in their local papers, Trades, such as Backstage West, Hollywood Reporter, Variety. There is also print work, (good on any resume), local and National Commercials, THEATRE is an EXCELLENT start.! Parents, just be aware, persistant, curious, but beware of these companies that want thousands of dollars to get them nowhere.! You do NOT have to travel to Hollywood to get a good part! I knew a young lady that even called the Executive offices of a magazine to find out who does their advertising, and promotion. It eventually paid off! Same for some commercials. You can do it too..Good Luck..
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) Have a child with a good strong voice, and good cold-reading ability. (2) Good attitude and personality. Looks help too. (3) Acting and voice coaching lessons. (4) Some experience in Theatre, Modeling, print work or commercials. Keep an eye out for any and all open auditions. (5) A good Personal Manager can help. The big keyword here 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. California law requires a local school or tutor while visiting during school season. A 'vacation' seeking work or an Agent is no excuse for no school.! A Hint or Two.. Find a good local SAG affiliated Agent. 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.. IMPORTANT: The term for the insane competition from January to March or April, is about extinct, like the Dinosaur. It could cost you over $5000 a month to cover expenses, and nowadays, 96% or more, go home empty handed.! The economy and strikes have changed things drastically. I would recommend the 'Bloom Where You Are Planted' approach. Get local classes, a local Franchised Agent, become SAG eligible, dance, acting, theatre and coaching lessons. Watch the papers, the Trades, (Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Backstage West). Get a Web Site. Join Breakdown Services, IMDB.com, get a picture in Academy Players Directory. (Fairly easy, if you have a Manager). A weak or no resume will be a tough time. When you are ready to visit L.A., have a healthy resume, good booking, a Theatre or Film credit or two, on the back of your headshot. In California, you may be up against a 10 year old, with a regular series, major feature films, 5 or 6 guest star roles on their resume.THIS is your competition.!! Become a Star where you are, you will know when you are ready for Hollywood. It might even find you! This will be cheaper, more productive, and better on family relations than running off to the West Coast. 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!! AGENTS - NATIONAL QUESTIONS - FORUM EMAIL US HOLLYWOOD AGENTS |