Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 10/23/2008

Question
I've noticed more and more my 4 year old son is able to see a movie and quote all his favorite lines days later, he remembers many different movie quotes, and can act it out.  What is the least expensive way to start getting him in to acting or modeling.  What would you do to start your son or daughter in acting????

Answer
Hi Jeanne,

Sounds like you have a precocious son there!

Before I get into the question, I'd like to address the situation.
Children are little marvels. They have the ability to absorb so much at an early age. I like to think of it as uploading software. They are programming memories of textures, smells, tastes, patterns of all kinds. Because they are unbound by having to be perfect and the harnesses life puts on you are applied, they have few of the pressures an adult does and are "allowed" to play with their imaginations and be free of distractions. Couple that with watching a video hundreds of times and they can soak up anything.
Does this mean he will be the next Russell Crowe or Daniel Day Lewis? Who knows!
The thing is, it is perfectly fine to be a proud parent and want the best for your child. Acting can be a growing experience for them that can enrich their lives. It can be a fun lark. It might be a life-long passion. But it can also be something that they grow to hate. It can be something that they do just because they see you proud and smiling and eagerly want to please you.
I worked on a Disney movie years ago called "Blank Check" as a waiter. I would come up and pour water for the two main characters: an undercover female FBI agent and the star, the little boy from "Growing Pains", Brian Bonsall. What I saw was the director having to take him for runs around the building in between shots to get him to "wake up". Someone in wardrobe attributed it to his staying up late at night at the hotel playing with other kids. I saw it more as he was bored to tears and not wanting to do it anymore.
You know, I can't recall seeing him in anything since then.

Many teens that I have met in the business who started as children have absolutely no interest in it anymore. Burn out? Maybe they just are "over it". The attention is fun for a while, then it gets old. Not getting to experience the normal things kids get to do, not getting to play and have endless summer days -all of that.
I suppose what I am saying is: as long as he wants to do it, great! But be extra careful, pay attention to the little clues and ASK him! Have heart to heart talks now and again with him along the way about how he feels. Even if he is doing great and getting to be the next Jonathan Lipnicki, if he says "whoa!" Let him stop.

Film sets don't usually move at a swift pace. It is usually glacial.
They can be very boring: to children as well as adults! Doing takes over and over, waiting to set up new shots, waiting for airplanes to pass by, all of these things!

Off the soap box!

Most agents I know don't require a professional headshot right away. You can probably just send a letter with a very good shot of his face in good light along with a brief letter stating you are seeking representation in the local market for your son. State that you would like to meet to see if representation would be mutually agreeable. Notice how that doesn't sound desperate or pushy, but direct? Agents fear "stage parents" -it is often more trouble than it is worth dealing with someone who will call incessantly to ask questions or push to have their child seen when casting has said "No thanks!".

You need to look under "Talent Agents" in the nearest big city's yellow pages. Don't look on the internet if possible, as sham agencies are abundant there. Avoid any slick "showcase" agencies. Remember that no (NO) real agent asks you for money to represent talent. They only take a small percentage (usually 15%) from the paychecks earned when a job is complete. They do not require classes to be taken from any school they have an interest in, nor do they ask you to only go to "their" photographer. It's ok if they suggest taking classes, or provide you with names of good photographers for the inevitable headshots, just no "steering" you toward them.

There you go!
Hope he does very well...

Taylor