Expert: Kitty Kavey - 8/7/2008

Question
i have 3 kid (6,2 and 1) adorable, and i want them to get into modeling acting etc.. but i would like to know where to start instead of these seminars that ask for outrageous prices for portfolios and no follow through?

Answer
There's no need for either a seminar, or for a portfolio for models of your children's ages.  Even for acting, generally kids under teenage and usually babies and toddlers can work from a snapshot rather than a portfolio or actor's headshot/resume.

A good list of some of the top agencies can be found on the Screen Actor's Guild website (www.sag.org, under Member Services, Find an Agent.) The list is organized by location in the US, and those agencies marked Full Service, are those with a modeling division in addition to representing actors.

Even if the agency says all ages in that list, you will still need to use your favorite search engine to see if the agency has a website (or if they do not, telephone them) to find out what ages they represent.  Quite often the agency will have a website, and they usually have submission instructions for new talent, as well as what criteria the agency has (ages, types they represent, etc.)

No legit agency should ask you for upfront fees - they should earn their money by taking a percentage (usually 10-20%) off of the money your children earn through them.

I wish you all the best of luck,
~Kitty