The Real Deal on Child Acting and Modeling
written by Jacque Pedersen of Maier Mgmt, Beverly Hills, CA
Hello Moms and Dads,
Over the next few months, I will be writing a series of articles for you to get familiar with Agents, Managers, Photos, Resumes, and everything you will need to get your child started in modeling and/or acting. With over 25 years of in the industry, I hope you can learn from my experience!
Introduction – What to expect from me! Don't get ripped off by companies that want you to invest large amounts of money for unnecessary photos, portfolios and classes that teach more etiquette than acting. Get a foot in the door, with proper information. These articles do not promise any results, but will provide you general guidelines. Please read all the articles… Don't try to get your child started on looks alone. The material in my articles can be translated into the language of any state in the country (or world) where the entertainment industry is found. The movie industry in particular is growing rapidly in almost every state and in Canada and Mexico. But along with movies, modeling and commercials are also no longer just in the major markets. The guidelines I give concerning breaking into the industry will vary only as they pertain to the requirements under the law of each state in connection with work permits, regulation and licensing of agents and child labor laws. The mechanics of breaking into the business and the names of the regulating government agencies will remain the same no matter where in the live in the United States. Part One - WHAT MAKES A CHILD AN ACTOR OR MODEL? What makes a child "right" for show business? A child must be bright, talented, outgoing, well-behaved, and very importantly willing to take risks and live with lots of disappointments; and do it all with a smile and a sparkle! I have seen children with a great look and a very outgoing personality, but they could not take direction. They were not cut out for this business. Important! - Some children do not handle rejection well (and neither do their parents). These children can actually be damaged by putting them in this industry. Please do not pressure your child.
Another important consideration (especially for infants and toddlers) is yours child's ability to separate from mom and/or dad. Casting directors do not have the time (or patience) to let your child warm up to the actor playing "mom" or "dad". For infants you will be in the room with your child, BUT you will not be in front of the camera with him/her. This is even more important as your child gets older. At two or three years of age, casting directors will be interviewing your child WITHOUT you in the room. (More on "auditions" will come in a later article) Does your child often mimic what he/she sees and hears on television? This is a good sign that your child is ready for this business. Every child will have "on" days and "off" days, but be honest with yourself about how many "off" days your child has. Do they sing, dance, perform WITHOUT your coaxing or do you have to beg or pressure your child to perform in front of family and friends? Make sure you are honest with your evaluation. Does your child have lots of after school or outside activities? Do they belong to sports team? Dance or cheer? Belong to church or religious activities? There is no way to know when you will get an audition and if your child is busy 2-3 days a week and cannot audition - an agent will not be interested in even trying to work around YOUR schedule. This is a ON DEMAND business… and you must be ready at a moments notice. Now for the parents! Can you afford to have a child in the business - both time and financially? Do you have other children that will need your time after school? Do you have childcare for other children (only one child and one parent on auditions and on set - NO exceptions)? Do you need to be home to prepare dinner every evening? Your child will audition many times before getting a job (booking) and each audition will cost you (gas, parking, and perhaps a drive thru dinner) along with the staples of good headshots and resumes (photographer and printing costs). Then if you child is over the age of 6 (and sometimes younger) you will need to have your child in a class ($150-200 a session). If you want your child to be competitive, one session will not be enough. My daughter was in class from age 6 - 18 when she retired from the business to go to college! Your agent/manager will advise you on this area - but beware of any agent/manager who demands that you take a class from a particular coach or teacher or even worse, from them! They should not have incentive from that teacher to make money for themselves! Please be sure to take this information in the right context. This can be a rewarding and spectacular time for you and your child. Remember, success usually happens through hard work and effort.
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