Expert: Kitty Kavey - 5/25/2006

Question
I sent my son's photo(3mo old) to a reputable agency, I now have a meeting to speak to an agent there. What is this meeting all about, what are they going to do? What should I be prepared for? I have no experience with this at all and want to know what to expect.

Answer
As agencies tend to each have their own way of doing things, I'll answer generally.  They will want to see what your son is like in person, particularly when he's around people he hasn't met before.  
There are times when a parent sends in a photo taken at home, in comfortable surroundings, and perhaps forgets that as soon as the child is in a new environment with strangers they become nervous and shy.  Modeling and acting for children is about presenting an illusion on camera.  Since you are selling products and services that are presumably terrific, much of the time you need to be smiling, happy.  Your agent might want to see if your son can appear happy, maybe smile on cue when he's in their office.  I'm sure since they are a reputable agency they will want to make sure you know what's expected of you as well, and that any contract or paperwork you sign is well-understood.  Your agent is there to work for you - they just want to make sure your son will be able to do the work too, and have fun doing it.
Good luck to you both,
~Kitty