Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/KIDS WANT TO BE ACTORS AND MODELS

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Expert: - 6/7/2007


Question
I HAVE A 14 YEAR OLD SON THAT FEELS HE COULD BE IN ACTING AND MODELING. ALSO, AS A MENTOR TO KIDS PARENTS OF CHILDREN(6 MT. TO ADULT )  ARE ASKING ABOUT LEGIT AGENCIES AND THE INDUSTRY. I AM IN CHICAGO IL. I NEED INFORMATION. MANY OF THE KIDS FEEL THEY ARE READY TO WORK NOW. WHAT IS THE REALITY OF GETTING STARTED IN THIS INDUSTRY?

Answer
Chicago is a good mid-sized market for both acting and modeling.  I suggest using the Screen Actors Guild affiliated agencies there, as they tend to be the most reputable and trustworthy.  You can access the list on www.sag.org under Resources, Agent Information, Find a SAG Franchised Agent Now. The list is searchable by location in the US, and those agencies marked FS (full service) are those that have a commercial print modeling division in addition to representing actors.  You can use your favorite search engine to locate the website for each agency you are interested in.  Many of the websites contain submission instructions for new faces, as well as a description of the types/ages that they represent.  If they do not, you'll need to call them to confirm, particularly for the kids, if they represent talent of that age, if they are looking for new faces, and what they want to see from prospective talent.  
Good luck to you,
~Kitty

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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Volunteer

Kitty Kavey

Expertise

I can answer questions from those looking to get into the fashion or commercial modeling industry. Specifically, the requirements, what is needed, how to find an agent, what they look for, how to avoid scams, the difference between what a commercial model does, and a fashion model, would travel/relocation be required, what is on a comp card and in your portfolio.

Experience

Both my acting and modeling resume/portfolio is available online on my website. I am a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and also have available my actor's demo reel and voice-over demo online. I founded both the Florida-Models.com and Florida-Actors.com websites, which provide free modeling and acting info to the public. I have moved into directing, producing and screenwriting - and have won awards for my writing. I have worked in the industry as both a model and actress in Florida, New York City and Los Angeles until October 2007. I now reside in Europe.

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