How do talent agencies work?

Question

Im interested in sending my toddler to commercial auditions. Ive been told many times my son is unique and cute enough to be in commercials.... Im curious what to do. Does it cost money?

Answer 1

To find out about auditions, you need an agent. If you live in California, you need a childs work permit too. I am not sure about other states, but if your child ever works in Cali you will need it so visit the state's website and download the forms.

Only use a real agent...not a talent school that claims if you take their course that you will get work.

The first rule is NEVER pay a talant agency out of pocket...if a talent agency asks you for money, chances are they won't get you work...They make their money off of people that are willing to pay in the hopes of work...only work with agents that take a cut of what your child earns. Those agents have an incentive to get your child work.

Also, you don't need expensive head shots to get an agent. Real agents don't even want them because little kids change so often that they are outdated before they can even send them to clients. All you need are a few clear snapshots. If an agency wants you to pay them for headshots, RUN don't walk from this agency.

To find an agent, do a search online for one in the closest large city near you...if you don't live close to an agency, chances are slim for breaking in because you need to be available to go to auditions with very little notice.

Your son is cute and unique, but that is only one thing an agent looks for...he also can't be shy. If he is shy and won't ham it up on command, it will also be hard to break in.

If you still want to do this and you are close enough to a large city for it to be possible, good luck! Just remember, the industry can be fun, but if at any point it isn't fun for your child, then quit.

Answer 2

Don't do it. Save your son the misery. And if he does make it, and becomes a child star, he will one day be a "has been" and turn to a life of drugs, alcohol and bizarre sexual behaviors. He needs to stay at home with Mommy.