Expert: Kitty Kavey - 5/30/2007

Question
I live in the DC metro area and I have a beautiful 10 month old son.  I am constantly told that I should "put him in magazine".  Not so simple!  I have looked for an agency that might be able to help me put him in the "right places" and in front of the right people.  I have made no headway.  I have seen many agencies for older children but not much for babies.  Also, please give me tips on how to avoid being scammed and how to keep my child safe once in the industry.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Unfortunately, you may have to look further out from your area to find an agency who represents children of your son's age.  Kids International Talent Agency in MD doesn't represent children under the age of 3 1/2.  You'd have to contact the agencies in the Philadelphia area or the next closest area to you to see if they have a children's division, and if they do, what ages they represent.  Many of the agencies have websites, some of which may include information for new faces (such as what ages they represent, or submission instructions for new talent)

Docherty, Inc.
109 Market Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Tel: 412-765-1400

Expressions Modeling & Talent
220 Church Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Tel: 215-923-4420

G Williams Agency
525 S. 4th Street, #365, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Tel: 215-627-9533

Goodman, Veronica Agency
200 Route 70 East, Suite 201, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Tel: 856-216-8000

Mary Anne Claro Talent Agency Inc.
1513 West Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Tel: 215-465-7788

Mccullough Associates
8 South Hanover Avenue, Margate City, NJ 08402-2615
Tel: 609-822-2222

Models On The Move
1200 Route 70, Barclay Towers, #6, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Tel: 856-667-1060

Plaza 7
160 N Gulph Road, King Of Prussia, PA 19406
Tel: 610-337-2693
 
Reinhard Agency
2021 Arch Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tel: 215-567-2008

T.G. Agency, The
2820 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Tel: 412-471-8011
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If you call an agency, and they do not represent children or children of you son's age, be sure to ask if they could refer you to someone who does.  Sometimes they do know of a good agency, and a referral is a terrific thing to have.  All of the agencies above are affiliated with the Screen Actor's Guild, and adhere not only to union rules, but also state/local laws.  They are all licensed and bonded.  With a reputable agency representing your son, you should have no problems with safety or scams.  There are also quite a few books written on the subject of child modeling, some of which also contain a modeling agency directory of agents who represent children exclusively, or have a children's division.  That may also be a good resource for you.  Check your local library, bookstore or online for available titles.  Amazon.com has recommendations/reviews which might help you select which books would address specifically baby modeling and/or acting.
Good luck to you both,
~Kitty