Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/daughter's talent agent interview

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Expert: - 8/7/2008


Question
Hi Phil,
My daughter has an interview with a reputable agency (agent of Dakota Fanning) and we are totally newbies at all this. She is 4 years old and I was wondering what we can expect. What to wear or look (for her). What to ask. I am a bit nervous and I have been trying to get my hands on specific advice so that I can be more confident. I just want my daughter to be herself and have fun but it helps to know what to expect.

We live in Los Angeles area so no moving is involved and we do have ties to well known person in the business which is how we got the interview.

I would appreciate any advice.
Thank You!

Answer
B. Grace,

Thanks for writing. Congrats on your upcoming interview. There isn't really much that you and your daughter can prepare for. Pick an outfit that fits her well and is a strong representation of her spirit and personality. Then tell her to be herself. He beauty, charm, and charisma will either naturally come across or not. If the agent sees it, she'll be responsive to it. With children, it's all about a look and a charm. If the camera loves her, and her cuteness and charm come across, then they are worth representing. The rest comes with experience.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil  

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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Phil Nemy

Expertise

I am a motion picture and television producer with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. I am also the author of the book GET A REEL JOB: Finding Your First Job In The Motion Picture Industry In Los Angeles. I can answers questions on a variety of subjects about careers in film from acting to directing to crew work, getting into the unions, successful strategies for networking, etc.

Experience

Former VP, Production for The Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group Supervised production on such films as ARMAGEDDON, THE PRINCESS DIARIES, REMEMBER THE TITANS, PEARL HARBOR, CON AIR, ENEMY OF THE STATE, THE ROCK, CRIMSON TIDE, COYOTE UGLY, A CIVIL ACTION, ROMY & MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, NOTHING TO LOSE, EDDIE and others. Worked as an actor, stage manager, director on broadway and regional theater as well as L.A.' Equity-waiver scene. Former Associate Artistic Director of Los Angeles Equity-Waiver theater.

Organizations
Director's Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, Actor's Equity Association

Education/Credentials
BFA in Acting/Directing from Carnegie Mellon University.

Past/Present Clients
I've worked with such filmmakers as Jerry Bruckheimer, Tony Scott, Steve Zaillian, Scott Rudin, Garry Marshall, Frank Marshall, Michael Bay, etc.

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