Expert: Kitty Kavey - 9/14/2006

Question
Hello Kitty, Im a father of 2 beautiful identical twin girls age 3. I am frustrated and tired of bad advice from scam agencies and I dont want to mention how much money I've thrown away. Can you please help!. What is my 1st step?.

Answer
For girls that age you shouldn't need anything more than a snapshot to work.  Try the Screen Actors Guild list of franchised agencies to find a reputable agent: www.sag.org under Resources, Agent Information.  Those marked FS (full service) are those that have a commercial print modeling division in addition to representing actors.  You will have to contact them to find out if they represent children.  If they do not, be sure to ask if they can refer you to someone who does.  That can sometimes give you a great lead to a reputable agent as well.
There are also a few books written on the subject of shild modeling (available in your local library, bookstore or online) that may also contain a list of agents.  I trust they would not be included in the books if they were a scam, or the author had not in some way checked them out.
Some of the following titles might be helpful to you:
Kid Stars: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Kid Into Acting and Modeling, by Kate Burke

A Parents Guide to Successful Child Modeling, by Fred Vanore


Wilhemina's World of Child Modeling by, Natasha Esch  


Kids on Camera: A Comprehensive Guide to Child Modeling and Acting, by Eva Stancil and Cynthia Steiner

That should get you started, and although some of the titles are from the 1990's, if they do have agency listings and the agents are still in business - that's a good sign as well.
Good luck to you all,
~Kitty