So you think your child has what it takes to start a career in modeling or acting. Now where do you begin? With so many scams running ramped anymore you need to arm yourself with a bit of knowledge and some tips to help you on your way to finding legitimate agencies and leads.
Start with a portfolio with your child. You can bring your child to any reputable photographer. Ask around town and check with friends and family for what photographer was professional and who took professional photos.
Go with what you know. Two of the top modeling & acting agencies that include children are Barbizon Modeling & Acting and John Casablanca Modeling & Career Center both agencies cater to adults, teens and children. These are not so much agencies but schools where they will teach your child and work towards getting your children work. So if you have the money to spend on places like the above they can help your child but it is not needed on such an expense there are other venues where you can look for modeling and acting classes. If you choose to have your child attend one the above mentioned company in the end you will still need to find yourself a quality agent for your child. An agent will work for your child to get jobs they will also require no money up front. An agent makes money when your child is placed into a job. Keep this in mind when searching for an agent. Ford Kids Modeling agency has been around for a long time and is a legit agency.
When it comes down to getting your children noticed you will need to get your child acting classes and a good portfolio. These and clothing will be the most you spend out of pocket up front. Next would just be transportation to auditions. After your child is picked for a part they should then be receiving a paycheck for the job that will do. If money is tight you could try to get your child a sponsor. It doesn’t have to be a huge commercial name it can be local stores with in your community to help with costs while trying to break into the business. Stores may even donate clothing to you for your child to wear as long as you state where the clothing are coming from. It’s a good idea to approach boutiques for clothing support.
One of the most hardest things when it comes to children’s modeling is teaching your child about rejection. As a parent do not go into this with stars in your eyes and boosting your children up that they will be a star. Let your child know there will comes times when they are not picked for a part they want more then anything. Let them know from the start there will be more no’s then yes’s. This will help you in the long run it will also help your child prepare for a rejection.
Most importantly to protect yourself from getting scammed in this business if someone asks you for money up front. Run! Mostly likely its a scam. You do not pay someone to do a job for them they pay you.
