How should I go about getting my baby into acting and modeling?

Question

What agencies should I contact? Should I move to a certain area first or wait to see what jobs my child can get before making a big move?

Answer 1

Make sure you're aware of the scams. There are A LOT of sharks in the water! John Robert Powers Agency is a big one! For exapmle, be wary of people saying that they're going to "make your child a star" if you just pay this fee and this fee and this fee...
Remember, real agents never charge a fee for anything until your child has gotten a job. They only work off commission! The same goes for casting directors too with the exception of a small ($10-$20) fee for registration if the actor is non-union.

Your child will need a head shot, first of all. If your child really is a baby, I'm not sure what the standard is, but if he/she is older you'll want to get a good 8x10 of a head or 3/4 shot. Color is the standard for film, tv, commercials, ect. Black and White is still the standard as far as I know, for theatre. Do NOT get a glamour shot of your child. The photo needs to actually look like what your child looks like on a daily basis or at least what they look like on a good day.

And if I were you, I wouldn't make any big moves yet. It's true, LA and NYC are where most of the jobs are, but try to help you child become a big fish in a small pond first, before making the move to the bigger pond. Make sure this is really for them and that they are actually talented enough for this industry. It's really cut-throat out there.

Hope some of this is helpful. Also, check out this site, very good resource: www.actorsite.com
The site too has lots of helpful articles about the biz. This guy taught me everything I know - http://www.actworkshops.com/?act=desk&subact=desk

Keep in mind, all that I just told you is specifically advice for acting. I don't know much about the modeling industry. Good luck!

Answer 2

Baby? I wouldn't make my kid work when they were young enough to still be called a 'baby'. If you mean like 8 years old and asking you to take him or her to auditions, contact your local talent and model agencies. Don't move yet, start small. No need to move to LA to compete with professionals when you can compete with amateurs (and probably get more work) in your hometown.

Good luck to you and your family! And remember, young kids should never be pushed into the entertainment industry. The self-esteem and body issues that arise from show business is too much for most adults, let alone young kids to handle.

Answer 3

First of all you need to live in an area where modeling (either photo or tv commercials) are produced. Most North American commercials and catalogs are produced in only a few cities.

I live in Vancouver BC and there is a lot of tv shot here. My son got into a few (best is Playschool Airtivity Ball Popper).

However, it does not matter how cute the kid is, it matters the personality. The most important thing is the kid has to be happy when with strangers. Parents are not allowed to be present during the actual shoot. My son didn't care at all, and so while all these other kids would come out from auditions crying for their mom, my son didn't. He wasn't cuter, but they could work with him.

Answer 4

You should try it out and see if you kids has the interest, aptitude, and patience to take direction first. If you live in a larger city like Chicago, New York, or LA, look for opportunities to be an extra on a film. I have attached the Chicago Film Office website. They have posting for extras and info on films currently filming in the area.

If you don't live in the larger cities, you could try local theater companies out to get some experience.

Some kids don't have the patience to take direction.

Answer 5

To piggy back on Robin's answer, I think that living close to a big city would be helpful and have more opportunities. But even smaller ones have opps for local tv stations that produce commercials.

Answer 6

Stop trying to live your dreams through your kid.