Talent agencies

[pilotwife_02]

How can one find a reputable company? And no, I'm not looking for MY kids, although I do think by two boys are the cutest kids out there

My friend is looking for one her daughter and is worried about how to find one that isn't creepy and going to take advantage of her and take her $$. She's not out to make her daughter the next Disney star lmao just trying to see if her daughter would even get work doing things like ads for department stores and stuff.

So how do you find such a place? And would you do this for your kids? I would like to pass along both pros and cons of people who have gone through this before. Thanks!

 

[mjkacmom]

Well, how far is she from a major city? For child modelling agencies, you send them a candid photograph of your child, with relevant information on the back (age, weight, size), and they'll get back to you if interested. Here in the NYC area, I know Ford and Wilhelmina are legit. If an agency wants to charge you to take photos, run. A legit agency will recommend a photographer, but starting out, you shouldn't need one.

Same with talent agencies - send in some pictures, and you might get an audition. The child is then asked to do a cold reading, sing a song or two, and then answer questions. They will ask for no money from you, and will not offer classes or lessons.

Unless you are in or near a big city, though, there might be nothing available. There are SO many out there that are scams. Maybe she could find someone who's child is already involved (and make sure they weren't scammed too), or maybe ask people who run local community theaters - I think they're in the know.

 

[pilotwife_02]

We live in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio so we are close to a pretty big city (well big for the area..LOL). I know there is one talent agency in a mall around here, I see it every time we go shopping there so I was going to suggest she check that out since it can't hurt.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll pass them along to her. It's good to know that some may ask you get pictures done but some may just ask to send some pictures in. It can be scary in the day and age when it comes to kids to get them started.

 

[mjkacmom]

We live in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio so we are close to a pretty big city (well big for the area..LOL). I know there is one talent agency in a mall around here, I see it every time we go shopping there so I was going to suggest she check that out since it can't hurt.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll pass them along to her. It's good to know that some may ask you get pictures done but some may just ask to send some pictures in. It can be scary in the day and age when it comes to kids to get them started.

I can't imagine a mall kiosk to be legit. Real talent/modelling agencies don't solicit you, they give you the honor of granting you an autition. I guarantee the mall place will be asking for money, for either classes, photos, or both. I don't know how old the child is, but my kids have all taken some theater classes (we have a lot of community theater around here outside NYC). For talent agencies, they want to know what experience the kids have had (dance, vocal training, acting). My dd13 was in a production of The Sound of Music ($25 a ticket, so a "real" show ), and the younger kids had SO much experience!

 

[pilotwife_02]

Sorry, I didn't explain it correctly, it's not a kiosk. It's an office in the mall. The mall has an office building in it (sort of a weird set up, my OB/GYN is there also, don't know who came up with the whole business offices in the same location as a mall).

 

[rubato]

How can one find a reputable company? And no, I'm not looking for MY kids, although I do think by two boys are the cutest kids out there

My friend is looking for one her daughter and is worried about how to find one that isn't creepy and going to take advantage of her and take her $$. She's not out to make her daughter the next Disney star lmao just trying to see if her daughter would even get work doing things like ads for department stores and stuff.

So how do you find such a place? And would you do this for your kids? I would like to pass along both pros and cons of people who have gone through this before. Thanks!

The most important thing is the $. If an agency is going to charge you a fee, don't do it. They should be willing to sign you up for free and take a % off of what you make on your jobs. They may try to talk you into using one of their photogs for your head shots, but you can get anyone to do it.

My sons agent charges 15% and we find that to be very fair. He's only done some local stuff, and, now that he's 10, he's doesn't want to do it anymore. He's outgrown it. But, he has a nice start to his college fund!