Expert: Kitty Kavey - 6/20/2008

Question
I have been told more times than I can remember that I should put my daughter in modeling or acting, She looks like a mini Halle Berry. She is 16 months old. I would like to look into modeling, but I don't really know how to go about it without running into scams and wasting a bunch of time and money.  Can you tell me if you know of any reputable agencies in Chicago, and how to go about starting my child in modeling?  I appreciate any advice!

Answer
There are quite a few agencies in Chicago.  You will need to locate one that represents babies, as many modeling/talent agencies have a minimum age even for their children's division.  At that age, though, you should not be asked to provide professional photos (such as a modeling composite card or actor's headshot/resume.)  Children under age 12 usually can work from a snapshot or two, although some agencies do want to have more once your child is accepted for representation.

Here's a list of agencies in your area (below).  Use your favorite search engine to see if the agency has a website.  If they do, quite often there is information for new faces, and agency requirements (such as if they represent children of your daughter's age.)  The list is from the Screen Actor's Guild, so some may only represent actors, but those agencies not only have to comply with any state/local laws/regulations, but also with SAG rules/regulations, so they tend to be quite reputable.

If the agency does not have a website, you can call them to inquire if they represent babies.  If they do not, be sure to ask if they could recommend a local agency who does - sometimes you can get a great referral that way.

As far as scams go, the general rule of thumb is - if an agency is earning money from something other than getting modeling/acting work for their talent (for which they earn a commission of usually 10-20%) then you may want to look for representation elsewhere.  Agencies who offer printing, photography/portfolio services, classes, registration/website fees, etc. can be suspect.

There are model marketing services, modeling conventions, and modeling schools (which are not agencies) and it's my opinion that one should avoid such things and just use a legitimate modeling agency.  

For acting on the other hand, I do recommend (when the talent is old enough) to take a class or course in acting and/or auditioning, but again to avoid modeling/acting conventions and talent marketing services.

Good luck to you and your daughter,
~Kitty

In the list below where it says the type of agency, full service, all ages usually means they represent models as well as actors, although you will still have to check what their minimum age is.

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Ambassador Talent Agents
333 N. MICHIGAN AVE, SUITE 910, CHICAGO, IL 60601
312-641-3491

Aria Model & Talent Mgmt.
1017 W WASHINGTON STREET, #2C, CHICAGO, IL 60607
312-243-9400

BMG Talent Group
456 NORTH MAY, CHICAGO, IL 60622
312-829-9100
Type: Full Service (All Ages)

Baker & Rowley Talent Agency, Inc.
3106 S RACINE AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60608
312-850-4700
Type: Full Service (All Ages)

Big Mouth Talent
900 N FRANKLIN STREET STE 709, CHICAGO, IL 60610
312-421-4400
Type: Full Service (All Ages)

Charlie's Talent Agency
1350 OLD SKOKIE ROAD, STE. 201, HIGHLAND PARK, IL 60035
847-831-8833
Type: Full Service (All Ages)

DeSanti Talents Inc
700 N GREEN STREET, SUITE 503, CHICAGO, IL 60622
312-666-1677
Type: Full Service (All Ages)

E T A Inc
7558 S CHICAGO AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60619
773-752-3955
Type: Commercial

Encore Talent Agency, Inc.
1732 W HUBBARD STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60622
312-738-0230

Ford Talent Group, Inc.
1017 WEST WASHINGTON, SUITE 2C, CHICAGO, IL 60607-2119
312-243-9400
Type: Full Service (All Ages)

Grossman & Jack Talent, Inc.
230 EAST OHIO STREET, SUITE #200, CHICAGO, IL 60611
312-587-1155
Type: Full Service (All Ages)

Hamilton, Shirley
333 E ONTARIO, SUITE B, CHICAGO, IL 60611
312-787-4700

Iris Talent Agency, LLC
1932 S. HALSTED #403, CHICAGO, IL 60608
312-563-1005
Type: Full Service (All Ages)

Jennifer's Talent Unlimited Inc
740 N. PLANKINTON SUITE 300, MILWAUKEE, WI 53203
414-277-9440
Type: Full Service (All Ages)

Lilys Talent Agency
1301 W. WASHINGTON, SUITE B, CHICAGO, IL 60607
312-601-2345

Moore Creative Talent, Inc.
1610 WEST LAKE STREET, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55408
612-827-3823
Type: Full Service (All Ages)

Stewart Talent Management
58 WEST HURON, CHICAGO, IL 60610
312-943-3131
Type: Full Service (All Ages)

Wehmann Models/Talent, Inc.
1128 HARMON PLACE 202, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55403
612-333-6393
Type: Full Service (All Ages)

Wilson Talent, Arlene, Inc
430 W ERIE STREET, SUITE #210, CHICAGO, IL 60610
312-573-0200