Anyone Have Their Kids in Modeling/Acting?

[anomaly13]

We have an appointment with an agency and talent scouts in a few days.

How much is a reasonable up front cost?
What questions should I ask?
How much money did you invest and was it worth it?
What did/do you do with money your child earns?

I haven't found any reviews of the agency online, but they seem reputable and have some familiar faces on their talent list. I know better then to fork over money right away but I know there is a cost involved. Two of my best friends in high school modeled and made money doing it, they also got to travel the world, but I do remember their parents having to put up money for their comp cards and some other stuff.

I guess we will see if ds even likes it and if they like him, lol. Let you know what happens.

TIA

[lactavia]

As a former professional myself, the only money you should put out if you are signing with an agency is the commission the agent makes when your child has a gig. They are more likely to push for your child to work then so he/she gets paid.

IF you have to pay them for anything (how to model classes, how to act classes, even headshots sometimes etc) it's a waste of your time and money.

Good luck!

[southernmama]

I think it is hard to find appropriate experiences. DS 4.5 was offered a fairly large movie role as the son- but the movie was about a carjacking!!!! Lots of smoking, some language and kinda scary. We passed. In the end, it comes down to what is best for your kid and what you are comfortable with in terms of exposure.

[LiLStar]

there's a lot of really scammy places out there. just because they have familiar faces on their credits doesn't mean they played any part in the individual's success! (celeb x might have worked with agency y for a couple months 5 years before they ever booked a role) If they seem really eager to be getting more talent or have to actively seek people out, consider it a red flag. A good, legit talent agency is going to be too busy to spend any time *looking* for talent that isn't coming to them. That said, I'll just echo the pp who said to pay for head shots and classes. BUT...the agency does not tell you which photographer to use or which classes to take. That is YOUR choice. They might have a list of recommendations, but thats different from "if you sign with us, you use this photographer and take these classes"

[pigpokey]

Originally Posted by lactavia

IF you have to pay them for anything (how to model classes, how to act classes, even headshots sometimes etc) it's a waste of your time and money.

Just to clarify, you do have to pay for or successfully make your own promotional materials (headshots, resumes, reel, 800Casting subscriptions, etc). But as the length and quality of the resume increases, the "packaging" becomes somewhat less important. The most successful kids I know personally, kids of working actors themselves ... their moms shoot their headshots.

[Surfacing]

I'm very sorry Mamas, I totally don't want to hijack this thread, but since we're on the topic, I respectfully ask for some of your opinions/experience.

How did you decide to get your child into acting/modeling?
What were your reasons for doing so?
Was the child interested?
What age did you start it at?
Were there any unintended consequences (negative or positive)?

TIA

[cocoanib]

subbing

[Drummer's Wife]

How did the appointment go, OP?

[cocoanib]

Originally Posted by Drummer's Wife

How did the appointment go, OP?

Bump

[Mama Shifra]

The book Raising a Star by Nancy Carson is a great introduction to getting your child into show business or modelling.