Expert: Michelle Renee Krehl - 5/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: hello
I am interested in my 2 year old modeling and acting but don't do where to began. i was recently contacted by industry studios who want me to pay $550 for one picture they said after that the agencies and other people in the industry will be able to contact them to hire my daughter. when i search online everyone said its a scam. can you let me the procedure for getting a two year old into modeling and acting.
Thank you.

ANSWER: Jalane,

You are right to be hesitant regarding the "studio" who contacted you. That is really not the way things work. When getting a child into acting or modeling I always advise to proceed with extreme caution.

Children who are infant/toddler age still need photos, that is true. And it is also true that you are responsible for paying for the pictures. BUT, you do NOT get the photos taken by someone who says that after that take these photos at an inflated price that agents will be looking to hire your daughter. Agencies do not "hire" anyone. Clients do. Clients go to agents to hire models or actors. A photographer or a studio has NOTHING to do with this. Agents simply represent talent and take a percentage of money from the jobs you work. (usually between 10-20%)

Small children (really any under the age of about 14 or 15) need photos taken and retaken frequently, as they are changing constantly. Generally an agent can recommend a photographer, as they usually have a list of some they like to send their talent to. I do not know where you are located, but in Los Angeles, you can often get headshots done for around $200 and some specialize in children. Occasionally photographers offer headshot specials and I have had them done for as little as $99.

To get an agent, you need to find licensed talent/modeling agencies in your area, which can be done with a little research on your part. Ask them if they have open calls or are interviewing new talent. If you know of any advertising agencies in your area you can ask them who they book talent through. That can give you a good start. Not knowing your location, it is hard for me to give you any specific recommendation as far as an agent, other than do your homework and do not give any middlemen $$$ for something that they cannot and will not deliver. You do not pay to get represented. Do not fall for any online sites that say casting directors are looking at it to find the next Disney star. It just is not true. Luck and being in the right place at the right time has alot to do with it as well. Being one of a couple hundred kids on an online talent website is just someone's money making opportunity.

I know several small and successful children in the business. One that was on a major soap, and another who is a children's fashion/catalog model. The young actress has 2 parents who are both television and music celebrities. The young model has a mother who is a magazine art director. I would be lying if who you know is not a big help to get your foot in the door. I am definitely NOT saying it is impossible for a child to get into the business. Look at Miley Cyrus, she definitely had connections!!! ;) But I am saying there are many unscrupulous people out there banking on the fact that there are parents willing to believe anything and pay anything for their child to be a star. So use caution!

Craigslist "talent" classifieds can sometimes have legitimate castings for acting/modeling jobs. Again, Exercise extreme caution, but I have done jobs for major networks and apparel companies from Craiglist ads. It is a place to check out and maybe get your child's feet wet, and see if this is something they can do.

It takes a great deal of determination, patience, and also a very compliant child when trying to break in with a toddler. Do not let anyone take advantage of you, and be sure that it is something your daughter actually enjoys. I do not know very many 2 year olds who can stand still for 2 hours straight to get a shot, or who enjoy getting madeup for an hour. (I have been an early childhood educator for 10 years.)

Best of luck to you and your daughter!!!

Michelle

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for the information. I found out that indeed I  was scam and am just paying 550 for a picture. I live in new york city, if you now any agency I should call please let me know. I going to research some now. Thanks for all the advice.

Answer
The majority of the agencies I am familiar with do not represent infants/toddlers, but I am going to get back to you with some suggestions. I have a close friend with a major agency there and am going to see if she has some insight as to representation for smaller children. Most of what I am familiar with is more from the modeling aspect, but since you said you are interested in both, I will see what I can find out!!

Have a nice weekend!

Michelle

Added on later:

Please visit www.willykids.com

I can give no better recommendation than Wilhelmina as an agency. They are great and extremely well respected and well known. I am not certain of their track record with children, but they represent very small ones. Be advised, often acting jobs for children under 3 can go to twins if available, as they can work them longer (one at a time) because children have limited hours they are allowed to work. Give them a try.

:)