Expert: Kitty Kavey - 10/3/2006

Question
I have a 4 year old son and ever since he was a baby people have said he should be a model. Well, the other day I finally got the courage to meet with a "talent agent". The company is Tru Talent and it is located here in Las Vegas were we live. He wants $1000.00 to represent him (which we can pay through out the year) starting with 10% down. That 10% would then get his photos done and his web page done etc,etc. He also said that when he has his photo shoot done, I would have to buy one of each print totalling 6 prints at $40 a piece for copyright purposes and every job the agent would get 15%. Does this sound right? Or should I take him somewhere else?

Answer
No!  That does not sound right!  Technically speaking, a model or actor "hires" an agent to represent them.  The agent works for you to obtain jobs.  They negotiate the rates for the jobs you book through them, and then take a percentage of what you earn (through them), usually 10-20%.  That is how they get paid.  There are laws in certain states that specifically make it illegal for a licensed model/talent agent to operate other conflict of interest businesses (like a photography studio, print shop or 'modeling' school.)
You do not pay an agent, they collect the wages from the client, take their percentage and pass what's left along to you.
As for photos, both very young models and actors are rarely required to have a modeling composite card or professional headshot - it's just not necessary as their look changes so rapidly (as does their height, weight and size).  Most of the time very young children just use snapshots, although here in Los Angeles there's a headshot photographer who shoots children age 5 and under for free (in support of Amber Alert) and I know there's a few parents who also use those for their kid's acting career.
I strongly encourage you to contact the list of agents below instead.  (There are seven listed.)  Call and ask them if they have a modeling division, and if they represent children of your son's age.  If they do not, ask them if they could recommend someone who does.  Have a friend or family member who is good with a camera take a couple of simple photos of your son, and use those.  Or contact your local community college or the like that offers classes in photography.  Tell them your young son needs some modeling photos and experience in front of the camera, and see if there are students who would also like to practice their skills.  You could give them photo credit, and have permission to use and reprint the best photo(s)to obtain representation and modeling work for your son at no charge. (and without copyright infringement).
Good luck to you both,
~Kitty
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Baskow, J & Associates
2948 E. Russell Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89120
Tel: 702-733-7818

Best Agency
5565 South Decatur Boulevard, Suite 106, Las Vegas, NV 89118
Tel: 702-889-2900

Classic Models, Ltd.
3305 Spring Mountain Rd., Suite 12, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Tel: 702-367-1444

Lenz Agency
1591 East Desert Inn Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Tel: 702-733-6888

McCarty Talent, Inc.
4220 So. Maryland Pkwy, A-211, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Tel: 702-944-4440

Wauhob,Donna Agency
2565 Chandler Ave., Suite 30, Las Vegas, NV 89120
Tel: 702-795-1523

eNVy Model & Talent Agency
101 Convention Center Dr., Suite 1110, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Tel: 702-878-7368