Expert: Kitty Kavey - 8/12/2008

Question
We have been blessed with a beautiful boy child that everyone encourages us to submit to modeling agencies.  He was 4 years old in May.  Is he too young?  What are the right steps to take?  How could he be introduced to an agent?

Answer
There are agencies who either specialize in representing children, or have a children's division.  Whether or not your son would enjoy the work, be comfortable following instructions from strangers, and have the attention span to focus on "getting the shot" is something you'd be best at answering.

At that age, he won't need professional photos to submit to agencies, and probably not to submit to work either.  Just a good clear snapshot or two should suffice, and will show how photogenic he is.

There are books written about child modeling, some of which contain an agency directory (available in your local library, bookstore or online) and I recommend using the Screen Actors Guild list of franchised agencies on www.SAG.org under Member Services, Find an Agent.  

Many of the agencies affiliated with the Screen Actors Guild also have modeling divisions, and you can use your favorite search engine to see if the agencies closest to you have a website.  If they do have a website, there are usually instructions for new faces, as well as agency criteria (such as what ages they represent).

Check with the state you live in to see what laws or regulations there are for talent/modeling agencies, and if licensing is required and you are not using the SAG list, you can make sure any agencies you are interested in are licensed in good standing.

Don't invest in portfolios, modeling classes, or go to modeling conventions.  Those things are neither required nor necessary to begin modeling, at any age.  There is no cost to submit your son's info to any legitimate modeling agency.  

An agency should only be making it's money by taking a percentage off of the earnings from the talent/models they represent (usually 10-20%) so if you come across a modeling marketing service, modeling schools and training, printing/photography services run by an "agency" that may be either a conflict of interest, or illegal where agencies regulated.

Good luck to you and your son,
~Kitty