Expert: Kitty Kavey - 7/13/2006

Question
I've been doing research on what advice you have given me. I've called all the SAG associated agencies in Houston that is listed on the Franchised SAG website. My son is 2 years old and they none of the agencies work with ages 4 and up. Should I be looking in another place like LA, California. Also, have you heard of Newfaces.com where you can upload your own picture and have agents view your portfolio online. If so, do you think that would be a good place for me to start. Please help I don't know what to do.

Lakeisha
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
I am interested in getting my son into the Modeling and Acting Industry. I have taken him to StarBiz in Phx, AZ and paid over $700 to have some pictures taken of him. Nothing came of that and I feel I was scammed. I'm ready to invest my time and effort into getting him started. Please advise me on what is the first step and additional steps I need to take to get the ball rolling. I know my son has potential, I just don't know where to start without getting scammed.

Answer -
Depending on the age of your son, he may not even need photos to begin modeling.  He will need a reputable agent.  It is my suggestion not to use model searches, conventions or schools, but only submit your son's information directly to the agencies you are interested in.  There is no cost other than postage and photo copies to do so.  

Young children, since they grow and change so quickly, usually only use a single photo instead of a modeling composite card.  If your son is older, you may have to put together a modeling comp card, although most agencies will accept copies of snapshots for consideration.

You can use one of the modeling agency directories to locate agents closest to you. (Available in your local library, bookstore or online.) It is still up to you to do due diligence - make sure you know your state's laws concerning talent agencies.  If agencies are required to be licensed and bonded by the state, make sure they are.  Check with your state's licensing department or  business regulation department to see if there have been any complaints filed against the agency.  

A good list of reputable agencies can also be found on the Screen Actors Guild website. (ww.SAG.org, under Resources, Agent Information.)  You can search by location in the US.  Those agencies marked FS (full service) are those that have a commercial print modeling division in addition to representing actors.  

You will need to confirm that they represent children of your son's age.  If they do not, be sure to inquire if they can recommend someone who does.  You can get great leads that way as well.  SAG-franchised agencies not only have to adhere to state laws, but also the union's rules and regulations, so they tend to be quite reputable.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty

Answer
If there is no one in your area who represents those younger than four years of age, you may just want to wait until your son is a bit older.  
If you are planning to move to another area, certainly go ahead and contact the agencies there once you know the date you'll be in town.  The SAG agency list covers the entire US.  
Again, if a particular agency doesn't represent someone so young, ask if they could recommend an agency who does.  If no one can, there may not be one in that area.
As for posting online, make sure it doesn't cost you anything to do so.  If it does, it's not worth it.  
Also, unless the site is a local website, be aware that travel may be a requirement to even be considered for any available work.  If you haven't already, you may have to get your son a passport, and you would certainly need yours current, as well as any inoculations or other requirements for travel abroad.  
It is my opinion that it is more economical to consider only agencies that service the area in which you live, unless you plan to commute and can afford to.  There are certainly people who do, and I myself used to commute from St Petersburg, FL to Miami, FL (where my agent was located, and about 3-4 hours driving) for quite some time.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty