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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Neebie...need to know where to start..

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Expert: - 8/28/2008


Question

Ramaya smiling for cam
Good Day to you Kitty. My name is Maria Singh..I have been told over and over again that my daughter Ramaya 7 months old, should be on a magazine..tv..etc...

She's been told by so many strangers what a great personality she has and how beautiful she is. I just don't know where to start. I live in NJ. Farmingdale NJ ( Monmouth County)...and I don't know where or who to start with. I would like to get her into print as well as modeling and acting. I just don't know what agencies to go to...or how to seek representation. If you can please shed some light on how and what direction I should take. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time.

Maria Singh

Answer
How cute and adorable Ramaya looks!  You are fairly close to the NYC area, where there are a plethora of agencies for both modeling and acting.  You can get one of the modeling agency directories available in your local library, bookstore, online, or on newsstands in the NYC area. (The Ross Reports is a good directory.)

Another thing to do is pick up one of the books written about child modeling/acting that includes an agency directory - as those are agencies that specialize in or have a children's division.

You will still need to contact the agencies you are interested in to make sure that they represent children of your daughter's age - many agencies have a minimum age (such as two years) for representation.

Most agencies will accept a snapshot such as you have and a brief cover letter mailed in to them for consideration.  At that age you probably will not need professional materials (such as a modeling composite card or actor's headshot), even once you have gotten representation for Ramaya.

The agent's job is to secure work for their talent/models.  The agency earns their money by taking a percentage off of the money talent earns through them (usually 10-20%).  If you come across an agency that earns money in another way (such as by selling classes, printing/photography services, etc.) it may be better to look elsewhere.

Good luck to you both,
~Kitty  

Kitty Kavey

Expertise

I can answer questions from those looking to get into the fashion or commercial modeling industry. Specifically, the requirements, what is needed, how to find an agent, what they look for, how to avoid scams, the difference between what a commercial model does, and a fashion model, would travel/relocation be required, what is on a comp card and in your portfolio.

Experience

Both my acting and modeling resume/portfolio is available online on my website. I am a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and also have available my actor's demo reel and voice-over demo online. I founded both the Florida-Models.com and Florida-Actors.com websites, which provide free modeling and acting info to the public. I have moved into directing, producing and screenwriting - and have won awards for my writing. I have worked in the industry as both a model and actress in Florida, New York City and Los Angeles until October 2007. I now reside in Europe.

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