Generations told us today that they want to represent my daughter (12 months old). Patti was very nice and so was everyone else in the office. We have a meeting with Product as well but not for another couple weeks - I am thinking I should cancel it since Generations and Product seemed to be of the same level. What do you guys think?

I would tell you that you SHOULD keep your meeting with product. It is always better to meet with more than one agency before making your decision. And yes They are both good for print and yes they do get alot of the same calls however... I would never settle with the first agency I met with. (Not until I met with other ones to have something to compare.) Maybe some other posters on here can give you some of there personal experiences with the two agencies. Good luck in your decision and have FUN!

Congratulations on the offer for representation. I'd stick with Generation and cancel your meeting with Product. Just my opinion.

I hear they are both great. Given you were fortunate enough to get the opportunity to meet both of them, you might as well!

Whenever someone asks me how they can get their kid started, I give them 5 agencies (Ford, Willy, Product, Generation, FFT) and tell them to submit. EVERY single one of my friends got an immediate reply from Generation and went on the interview within a week. All of them were told they would be sent out and given vouchers, etc. Some of these friends who were taken on by Generation have seemingly been forgotten about since joining their team. I always feel bad because these are newcomers to the industry and I tell them Generation is one of the best and they get their hopes up when they finish the interview and then its idle therafter. I told one of my friends to call Patti and see whats going on and why none of her THREE sons are being sent out. She was told "oh, can you resend their pics we're sorry"...So now she's looking for a new agent for her kids because she feels like they just sign any cute face and have too many on their roster to know who is who. I did refer one friend to Generation who has had some success, however, one booking and numerous go-sees. So she wasnt forgotten after being signed.
I have two other friends whose daughters are with Product and there are no complaints. Always sent out and always booking.

These are just my experiences with people I know personally...one person's success/failure with an agent doesnt necessarily mean yours will be the same. Go with your gut and good luck!

I just would like to add that if your DD/DS is new to the business and are just signed by a reputable print company, sometimes it takes some time to get your kids marketed or "out there". Especially in this economy, where many companies have significantly downsized their advertising budgets. I just feel that many people have the expectations that because your child has signed with an agent that they should immediately go out to every go-see or book jobs right away.

Just want to let new parents out there know to not be discouraged or disappointed. For many kids, things don't happen "overnight" and that it takes time for your agent to market your children and for your children to make a reputation for themselves to clients.

Unfortunately this profession is highly competitive and there are always waaaay more kids interviewing or auditioning for jobs/parts then there are spots to be filled.

Anyhoo...yippers516, since you already have an appointment with Product scheduled, it won't hurt to have a comparison point. As WillyKid points out, one agent that might work well for one person may not necessarily mean your experience will be the same. Congrats to signing with your new agent soon and best of luck!

Since you have an appointment with Product I'd keep it just to see what they have to say. If I had a choice between the two, I'd go with Generation. They are the more established of the two, have a commercial & legit department, and have not entered into the swarmy field of acting classes and seminars that Product seems to be doing. It's a slippery slope Product is on when an agency starts selling classes etc. JMO

Thanks everyone for your input. I agree with Actorsmommy too - Product is questionable now that they have started offering the seminars and making appointments during the casting call. On top of that, starting next year they want $250 to post the pics on the website. Hence, the reason why I might just stick with Generation. I can always switch agencies later on.

Generation also charges you to be on their website but you don't have to put your child there.

Willykid - how do you like working with Wilhelmina?

Hi Boosmom. Not too bad being that my child is age 2 and isnt expected to be busy at this age. So I can't complain as I wasnt expecting much. We signed at the end of July. Booked first job in August. Had a few requests, holds, and bookings from great clients like Tiffany's, Bennetton, Scholastic, GAP, Parents Mag, and Target. I wish they would answer emails like when I send them updated pics and ask for their opinion for updating our current headshot, but I guess they're too busy. They did recently call me to make sure my child's info (sizes/measurements/pics) were still current. So it assured me that they werent ignoring me or forgetting about us and still are interested working with us. So far, happy where we are and looking forward to what happens as my child gets older.

OK now you got me curuios WillyKid, is your age 2 child boy or girl? 'Cause I haven't gotten a cal for my 2 year old son in, I don't even know the last time, maybe over 6 months, and I sorta assumed their wasn't much for 2 year olds rightnow

A girl. The most recent was Parents Mag last week. Call your agent...sometimes when you are with an agent for a long time, they cater to newer kids. Don't let them forget you!

LOL! We were at Parents Mag last week too in CT. PITA to get to but nicely run. Were you there for the covertry or fashion?

Lizamonique, send the agent some updated photos to pick from and sizes, height, etc. of your kids which should put them back on their radar screen.

Hey Anniesmommy! I wish I knew...her dad took her...I dont know what they needed her for. I just know Parents Mag LOL.