Expert: Kitty Kavey - 7/11/2010

Question
Hi. My 2 child, daughter 6yrs old and son 8 yrs old audition for the American mall model search in SI,NY Mall back in May2010 and I just recently July2010 received a mail for both my kids of a modeling winning contract with the model production. I research on both the company AMMS and MD and find alot of complaint.
Now I don't know should I continue with this and do as they said to make casting card, resume and sign the contract. I have to reply everything they ask for back to them by 8.25.2010.
My kids really want to do this thinking they really was chosen to become something, while I have a question mark (?)
Can you please give me some advise.

Answer
My advice would be to seek out a legitimate licensed model/talent agency instead.  Model and talent agencies should earn their income by taking a percentage off of what their talent earns through them.  Most legit agencies take 10-20%, so figure for every $100 your child earns through them, the agency gets only $10 or $20.  If the agency is earning money instead by charging "registration" or website fees, charging for photography or printing services, charging for classes and so forth, then there is very little incentive for them to try and book work for their talent.  

I know it can be difficult to help children really understand what it means to be an actor or model.  This is a business, and you're doing the right thing by researching and investigating.  Perhaps it would be helpful to explain to them that like many other professions, you need to learn what you can about the work before you can commit to a career.

You can try using the Screen Actor's Guild list of franchised agents: http://www.sag.org/content/find-agent

There's a drop box for you to choose the location in the US closest to you.  Say for example you select 'New York' - there's a list of over twenty agents in the NYC area.  Agencies marked as 'full service' represent other types of talent besides just actors - usually models as well.  Where it says 'all ages' that generally means they represent children as well as adults.  Use your favorite search engine to locate the website of any agency you think would be right for your children.  Most have websites, and when they do usually details as to what type of talent/models they represent as well as information and submission instructions for new talent is included.

Generally, children under age 12 are not required to have professional materials (such as a professional actor's headshot and resume or modeling composite card) to sign with an agency.  Very young children and most babies grow too fast (their look/sizes can change completely in only a few months) to keep investing in such things, and can usually work from a clear snapshot.

So if there is an agency that is asking you to invest a lot of money and putting pressure on you to sign now or the offer is gone, I'm sure there is a better agency out there for you and your children who won't do that.  I hope that you find them soon, and remind your children to have patience - they already are special, wonderful people with a mother who cares enough to make sure they follow a safer (less costly!) path to success.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty