We are a performing family. My daughter has been on stage with my husband and I performing since she was 3. She has taken a break for the past couple years but has shown interest in modelling or being in a commercial. We live in San Diego and I am curious about the steps it takes to get an audition for something fun and interesting. My husband is a professional photographer so it just seems like we have alot of tools to try this out.
I just don't know how this works...One of my music students is already a professional (he is 11) and I was thinking of asking his mom if I could contact his agent. Is this bad etiquette, though?
I am new to this but interested in the process to give my daughter a head start in modelling or acting. She is a natural performer and loves making her own movies and videos.
The one thing I fear, though, is if she doesn't get a job...I feel the rejection could be damaging to her 9 year old self esteem...and it would be my fault, etc.
She's going to have to be able to take being rejected if she's going to model or be in commercials. It's just part of it.
If her self esteem isn't ready to handle that, then maybe she can try some other form of performing that's fun?
Modeling is hard work... You HAVE to be able to take a LOT of rejection. If she can't handle that, then she is not ready.
I've modeled most of my life and I work independently, as does my daughter. I don't know about the CA area but in DFW Kim Dawson and Campbell are both good agencies. They have models all over the US.
Just be sure you don't "push" her and if she does make any $$, make sure it is in HER account specifically designated for HER because she is the one who worked for it.
Modeling can be very rewarding. I have met some wonderful people and had some great expereinces but it also requires a thicker skin because your look is not always what someone is looking for, therefore, there is a lot of rejection. Also, I've seen some horrid back stage moms... don't do that.
Good luck.
You can upload photos to fordmodels.com and ask if they are interested.. Add her experience and resume and see what happens.
You can also contact the Screen Actor's Guild for a list of recommended agents.
For adult or child:
there are 2 types of people... those with an "internal locus of control" and those with an "external locus of control."
In the first, a person derives their sense of self, from themselves, as a person. Not from what others say or do, have or have not.
In the 2nd, a person derives their sense of self, mainly from external environmental... things, and what others think... about them.
If your child is the type, that depends on external things to "make" or define herself and to have her own sense of self depends on external things to make her "happy"... then she will have a harder time... dealing with rejection. And it will impact, her own sense of self and who, SHE is or not.
And, no matter how pretty or talented or not a person is... they will NOT get every job, they want.
Why not just enroll her in Theater? Kids theater?
Since she as you said, is a "performer" type and likes making movies/videos. Or enroll her in a computer class for making movies and videos?
I would add William Morris Endeavor to Rev. Ruby's list.
No, I don't think its bad etiquette to ask because its really up the agent to take her on and no competition between male and female. I hope she is helpful.
You must know that acting IS rejection, over and over and over. I don't think the damage would be lasting, except may very well put her off acting. There is always the try and see attitude and carefully watching your daughter's reaction to the whole process.
I will add, most actors DO NOT want their children in the business until they're 18, for all kinds of reasons they don't mention as they want to keep their job. Please go into this eye wide open.
Rejection is a given, many, many successful performers put in years of auditioning and receive rejection after rejection trying to get a foot in the door. The fact that their self-esteem doesn't get damaged along the way is a sure sign they are on the right path, they don't give up because it's in their heart. Prepare your daughter if this is something she wishes to pursue she has a lot of work and dedication ahead of her, as well as you and your husband. Are you prepared to encourage her if she gets crushed and not blame yourself? I ask because, how could it be your "fault" if she is rejected? Remember, many are, they're simply not right for the part. If she likes making her own movies and videos perhaps you could encourage her in that field? My 11 year old nephew already fancies himself the next Steven Spielberg and does the same things, he plans to pursue it as a career. He has videos on YouTube and followers.
I don't see harm in talking to your student's mom and asking about his agent, they typically don't have just one client and I don't see it as bad etiquette.
ReverendRuby gave some good tips on how to proceed. Also, start looking for casting calls for commercials and such, one of my grandsons got into the movie "The Santa Clause 3" movie that way.
Get ready for a lot of driving! My 3 year old and 5 year old have been enrolled in an agency for two years. We go to auditions sometimes 5 times in a month and then nothing for a month- it's so weird. They are usually in Hollywood or Santa Monica. If you get into a good agency you will be preselected to audition, meaning its not an open call that everyone is open for. Usually there are around 30-40 on the sign in sheet trying out for the same thing. My kids have both booked two jobs. My 5yo doesn't like waiting or getting ready to audition but once in front if the casting agency she loves the attention. She really isn't old enough to realize that the job is not the audition so we haven't gotten into any hurt feelings. I did some modeling in my teen years and it was really hard not getting jobs. But I will explain to my kids once they are more understanding that you can be as beautiful and talented as ever but if you aren't exactly what they need like a missing puzzle piece then you won't be hired. Private message me if you have any questions!
if your serious about getting in to it you can try these two agencies- colleen cler agency (my daughter was represented by then till we moved out of ca), or you can try zuri (its super hard to get into this one). explore talent is what a friend of mines kids are contracted with. theres many out there but these are the ones i know are real and not scams
