Expert: Kitty Kavey - 12/17/2007

Question
I want my 3 year old son to get in the commercial/TV industry and modeling.  
This is new to me.  Should I go online to sites that place childs photo online
for agencies to view.  How do I get a list of SAG agencies that are licensed?  Is
it good to go to those types of cattle calls for children you may see in local
newspaper.  Do you have to live in NYor L.A. to get work.  We are willing to
travel to the area where the work is, is there a chance we may get called.
How do I know the different between a real agency and a online agent that is
just looking to have children's photos on line even though you do not have to
pay for the service for one or two photos.  I am so confused.

Answer
Agencies generally do not have the time or the need to go online to find models.  There are submissions that come into their agency every day from new faces, and they all have a roster of models that they know and work with.
The SAG agency list is on their website: www.sag.org under Resources, Agent Information, Find a SAG Franchised Agent.  You would choose the geographic location closest to you, and can use your favorite search engine to see if the agents you are interested in have a website.  If they do, they usually list what their criteria is for new talent, and how to submit your information to them.  If they do not have a website, you can call to find out what ages they represent, and what they would want to see from your son for consideration.  If they do not represent children of his age, you can ask if they could recommend an agency who does.  A referral can be another great way to find reputable agencies.
I would not recommend going to a cattle call, unless it's an open call for a specific show (for example; you're an excellent singer and it's for American Idol).
There is work outside of LA and NYC, but the smaller markets may have fewer opportunities.  You can tell by the number of agencies that service an area, how much work is available.  Hollywood has 139 agencies listed on the SAG website, while all of Colorado has 4, and Alaska has none.  So that gives you an idea of the amount of work available in those areas.
If you stick to the SAG agency list, and you can also check with your state's laws and regulations concerning talent agencies, you shouldn't have a problem.  While many brick and mortar model and talent agencies have a website, I would recommend avoiding web-only "agencies" in favor of traditional representation by a licensed talent/model agent.
Good luck to you and your son,
~Kitty