Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/twins modeling/acting

Advertisement

Expert: Michelle Renee Krehl - 5/20/2010


Question

6 1/2 months
Hi-
I am the proud mommy of 7 month old identical twin girls.  I am constantly stopped while out and about with people telling me how cute and smiley they are. I am considering getting them into modeling or acting. Cute identical twin girls that are so smiley and good natured must be hard to come by!! I live in Livermore, 45 min outside of San Francisco.  Do you have any suggestions on how to find a casting call or what to do? I tried to find casting calls or agencies but most don't start as young as the girls are.

Thank you, Jamie

Answer
Jamie,

Oh my goodness, they are absolutely adorable!! But yes, you are right, most agencies do not use infants as young as your beautiful girls. There are many issues with the amount of hours children are allowed to work, (which is the reason behind using twins so often in acting in the first place, one works part of the time, then the other, but no one can tell the difference!)

There are several good talent and modeling agencies in the Bay, Stars, City, and Look, are among them. Ford models are also in the Bay, but I have really no idea how young Ford takes children. Some agencies may have different standards, but all must of course adhere to the legal ones.

My best suggestion is you call each individual agency or look up their open call or submission requirements and ask them the age they begin representation, and if they know who reps infants 9often they have no issue sharing that type of info.)

When infants/toddlers model, there is the need to update photos extremely frequently (like when they get a new tooth, or hair changes, or size, etc. they look different so quickly!) Many agents are even hesitant when repping children, as they change so often, they make look completely different 6 months later. (hence many juvenile contracts are short term).

I do want to stress that you should never pay anything to anyone to represent your children, or for auditions/castings, etc. and contests are generally scams, so stay away from them. Your only expenses should be for pictures that you pay to the photographer of your choice.

Best of luck to you!

Michelle

Michelle Renee Krehl

Expertise

I can answer questions relating to most types of fashion and commercial modeling, such as requirements, how to find an agent, etc. as well as information about portfolio development, comp cards, etc.

Experience

I am a professional plus size model, currently based in Los Angeles. I have modeled as both a straight size model, (in my teens and 20's) and as a plus size model (currently). I am represented by a reputable agency and have worked for many clients, both plus and non-plus specific. I am experienced in print, runway, fit, TV, and film.

Publications
I am currently a writer for PLUS Model Magazine. You may read articles I have written in the archives. I generally do pieces relating to fashion events in the Los Angeles area.

Education/Credentials
My educational background is in Child Development. But I also hold a diploma in Fashion Merchandising as well. I have not attended modeling school. Modeling schools are completely unnecessary and a waste of time for potential models. They exist only to make money.

Past/Present Clients
Sears, The Style Network, Lifetime Network, Inchant, Kitsch*n Glam, Zaftique, Plus by Design, Big on Batik, The Greater L.A. Woman, Little In The Middle, Pro-Girl, Deborah Lindquist, Roger Perry, Shop Translated, Redrawn Arts, Big Gals Lingerie, Love Fifi, Here Come the Brides, Josephine's Bridals, California Bridal Shows, The Tyra Banks Show, Inside San Diego, Manhattan Beachwear, and many more.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.