Expert: Kitty Kavey - 4/25/2007

Question
My daughter is DETERMINED to start a career in acting and modeling. She's very pretty, and has a unique look. She's 10 years old and 5'4", very tall for her age. I was against it at first, because I felt the industry is very competitive, but I feel she may have a chance. I'm really just clueless. Is there anything in Minnesota available?
What are 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? What are the basic steps to get started?

Answer
Not so much available in Minnesota, as much as Chicago.  Here's a list of agents in that region.  Most have websites that give further information and details on what your daughter should submit, and you can call to make sure they represent models/talent of your daughter's age.
  
Ambassador Talent Agents
333 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 910
Chicago, IL 60601
Tel: 312-641-3491

Aria Model & Talent Mgmt.
1017 W Washington Street, #2C
Chicago, IL 60607
Tel: 312-243-9400

BMG Talent Group
456 North May
Chicago, IL 60622
Tel: 312-829-9100

Baker & Rowley Talent Agency, Inc.
1327 W. Washington, Suite 5-C
Chicago, IL 60607-1914
Tel: 312-850-4700

DeSanti Talents
700 N Green Street, Suite 503
Chicago, IL 60622
Tel: 312-666-1677

E T A Inc
7558 S Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60619
Tel: 773-752-3955

Encore Talent Agency, Inc.
1732 W Hubbard Street
Chicago, IL 60622
Tel: 312-738-0230

Ford Talent Group, Inc.
1017 West Washington, Suite 2C
Chicago, IL 60607-2119
Tel: 312-243-9400

Geddes Agency
1633 N. Halsted Street, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60614
Tel: 312-787-8333

Grossman & Jack Talent, Inc.
230 East Ohio Street, Suite #200
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel: 312-587-1155

Hamilton, Shirley
333 E Ontario, Suite B
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel: 312-787-4700

Iris Talent Agency, LLC
1932 S. Halsted #403
Chicago, IL 60608
Tel: 312-563-1005

Lilys Talent Agency
1301 W. Washington, Suite B
Chicago, IL 60607
Tel: 312-601-2345

Moore Creative Talent, Inc.
1610 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Tel: 612-827-3823

Stewart Talent Management
58 West Huron
Chicago, IL 60610
Tel: 312-943-3131

Wehmann Models/Talent, Inc.
1128 Harmon Place, Suite 205
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Tel: 612-333-6393

Wilson Talent, Arlene, Inc
430 W Erie Street, Suite #210
Chicago, IL 60610
Tel: 312-573-0200
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At your daughter's age, the only requirement is that she be photogenic, comfortable in front of the camera, able to follow directions on the set, and have at least some talent in acting/auditioning.  You will have to ask each agency what they will need from your daughter for consideration.  They may ask for a modeling composite card, and/or a professional actor's headshot/resume.  They may just want a couple photographs.  Children, because their look changes so quickly, often don't need to use the professional photographs that adult models/actors use.  If you use the list of agents above, you should not have a problem.  Those are talent agencies who are listed with the Screen Actors Guild.  In addition to following state laws and regulations, they also follow union rules.  If any agency asks you to pay them money for registration fees, require that your daughter take specific classes that they hold, or use their photographer or printer - leave.  The only way an agency should be earning money is by taking a percentage of the money your daughter earns through them (usually 10-20%.)  
You don't have to worry yet about fashion modeling, as your daughter is not old enough, nor tall enough to be considered.  When she's around 15 or 16, and at least 5'8 or 5'9, then you can look into the fashion agencies in NYC.  Child modeling, and commercial print modeling for the most part is done locally, and does not require travel to foreign countries, or relocating to a larger market like NYC.  If any of the agencies ask that your daughter submit a modeling composite card or actors headshot, you will be expected to provide that to them.  There are both books in your local library or bookstore, as well as numerous websites online that can provide you with visual samples of composite cards and headshots.  Your daughter does not need a portfolio, as that is supposed to contain samples of the work a (fashion) model has done (also called tear sheets).  I suggest the first thing you do is contact the agencies closest to you, and determine what materials your daughter needs to submit to them for consideration.  Again, they may only ask for a couple of snapshots, or may ask for professional materials.  Whichever it is, get that together and submit it.  They may ask you to mail it in, or they may take appointments or have a open call.  In the meantime, although I do not recommend taking modeling classes, I do recommend that your daughter take classes in the type or types of acting/auditioning she's interested in doing.
Best of luck to you both,
~Kitty