Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!!!

Geddes is a very established Chicago talent agency with a successful office here in LA.

This other "company" sounds likes a total scam. You don't need them to submit to Geddes. You guys can just do it yourself.

quote:

Originally posted by CSilvera:
Not that she can't make it--but there are 1000s of others out there who think they can make it also.

That's for sure!!! For every role, for every modeling job, for every commercial... there are 500 or more kids who fit the bill. All kids are cute or quirky or have a look/personality about them. This business is the toughest one around. I remember on some documentary, they were interviewing a casting director and he said one time, they were looking for a VERY specific type of child and thought for sure they weren't going to find him because it was such a strange request. Well, they put the breakdown out there and got about 200 kids who fit the look EXACTLY as they wanted it.

Joe, your daughter may be adorable and have a great personality and be very smart but just remember, there are thousands of other kids out there just like her whose parents are looking to do the same thing you are.

thanks again. Having a creative parent I would think helps as well.

Thanks for the info on Geddes also.

I disagree--having a parent with good business knowledge is far more important.

quote:

Originally posted by Mykidz:
thanks again. Having a creative parent I would think helps as well.

Thanks for the info on Geddes also.

Joe,
Everyone is creative in one way or the other. You have to come into this with eyes WIDE open.... you can't think that just because your daughter is adorable or just because you're creative that your daughter is going to be the next Miley Cyrus or Dakota Fanning or Abigal Breslin. It doesn't work that way. For every Dakota, there are about 10,000 who don't make it.

I don't know what your experience is or what you know about show business, but you're totally ignoring all advice offered here and being obnoxious/arrogant about it, to boot.

When I first started pursuing this seriously for my daughter (at HER request), I came to these boards and was open to all information and advice that was offered here. The result? I didn't get scammed, I got help with her resume and other things, my daughter has worked, and, most importantly, she has remained SAFE. The best part, though, has been several people here who I speak to off-board through emails, etc (one day, we will all get together!) who are encouraging, informative, helpful, and supportive.

Everyone cut this guy a break! He said he wasn't going to pursue the questionable agency. He thanked you for the advice. I didn't read any arrogance or intent to be arrogant in his reply. He is a newbie and has no idea where to start. I was in the very same shoes not much more than a year ago.

Joe, please do read the "for parents of kids getting started" thread. I will bump it for you if it has not been bumped already. Read every post, read every book referenced in that thread. Read Bonnie Gilepsie's column on the showfax board. The link can be found using a simple search on this board. She did a 3-part series on kids in showbiz. I also recommend Nancy Carson's book, "Raising a Star." This book is a great intro into the biz, especially for those starting in a smaller market.

If you feel you want to start submitting your DD, submit directly to reputable Chicago agencies. There are a number of them in Chicago. You should be able to find the info in a Ross Reports.

As Diane stated, pursuing showbiz can't really be approached as a hobby. It is best to approach it as a business from the get go. It's hard to understand that concept initially, but, once you embark on this journey and your kid gets signed, agents, and other industry professionals will expect your kid to be available when they want your kid, not when you feel like it...a big reason you can't really go into it as a hobby. So, you are either in or out. Once you are in, Diane is right, you must be willing to drop everything to get to auditions. In our family, no plans are firmed up until 6pm each day. The agent's offices close at 6 and auditions are firmed up by that time (usually!). We live a life of making loose plans that can be changed at a moment's notice...kinda crazy, huh?! But our kids love this crazy biz so we do what we can to make it work for us and them.

I'm sure this is much more than you were looking for...but if you'd like to know what the life of a working child model/performer is like, I'm sure we can all share our stories with you.

GL...welcome to the board. I hope you find useful info here.

In addition to Bonnie Gillespie's column, you should also read her books.... they are a wealth of information and are available on Amazon.


Sorry... Kipmil is right... you weren't exactly arrogant or obnoxious, but it was getting annoying that you were thanking us but at the same time seemingly ignoring what we were saying.

Just read the boards, check out the books and columns and be sure this is what you want to do before you get started.

Seemingly is a perceptive word over the net.

I was thanking you!


You are now on the other side of this fence and make it sound easy. Sometimes you should put yourself back and in my shoes at the starting line. Your advice is taken well


We are pursuing this and will use this board as an open source of info. Im looking for help,so to be arrongant and would not be in my best interest.

Hi Joe,
I apologize again... My annoyance got the better of me....

I know you're just starting out and we want to help you. We don't want to see anyone get scammed or anyone's kid getting hurt or exploited.

The boards here are so full of great information and the books by Bonnie Gillespie and Nancy Carson are great resources.

Just remember... you DON'T need professional pics for your daughter yet. Just use clear snapshots.... Full legnth, closeup (head/shoulders). No "big" hair, no accessories, no distracting patterns. Just crisp, clear pictures.

Remember, don't give anyone $$$ for anything!

The most important thing to remember is that this is for your daughter... make sure she wants to do it and that she's having FUN doing it! Once it stops being fun, it's time to stop.