Hello, My family and I just moved to NYC and though I am also an artist (a flamenco dancer being bit by the acting bug once again) I am choosing to focus on my daughter's career first. I have read around the forums and know these things

-She needs acting lessons (her only creds now are school plays)
-She needs a headshot (that i already knew lol)
-She needs an agent
-And that an agent will most likely ask her to get other headshots

So, I have a dilemma... Do I go ahead and shell out the bucks for headshots in order to get an agent knowing that an agent will most likely ask for new ones? Or do I try to submit her with photos I take and worry about the headshot when she gets an agent?

Also, do I wait to get an agent until after she's taken classes for a while? Or can I go ahead and submit her now?

And lastly, where are the best places to take her for classes (in NY)? I have searched for this on this forum and came across one post that said there was another post on here about it, though i couldn't find it.

I would appreciate any and all help. And it's fine if you tell me these pictures are horrible... i can take it

Here are some photos I have taken of her:

quote:

Originally posted by Gypsygirl94:
So, I have a dilemma... Do I go ahead and shell out the bucks for headshots in order to get an agent knowing that an agent will most likely ask for new ones? Or do I try to submit her with photos I take and worry about the headshot when she gets an agent?

I have heard this distressing complaint from many, many actors -- not just young people, but actors of all ages.

When the actor's photos are truly bad, then replacing them becomes a necessity. But all too often I see agents routinely diss their new client's headshots simply to make them feel as though they are actually doing something "pro active" for their careers, as a matter of habit, not necessity. When this occurs I take exception, particularly when the headshots are perfectly acceptable.

These are obviously snapshots of an extremely pretty and photogenic child. Eventually, you will have to have them re-done professionally, and as soon as possible.

Hi Gypygirl94 - your daughter is cute! Since you don't have an agent yet, consider subscribing to NYCastings. You could use these photos on the site and directly submit to agents and castings. Check it out. They also look for dancers! I would wait on the professional photos - chances are if you get an agent they will ask you to get new headshots anyway... good luck to you!

quote:

Originally posted by Robert Kim Photography:

These are obviously snapshots of an extremely pretty and photogenic child.

Robert Kim, This is a true compliment coming from you since I've seen you're work (when researching photographers) So thank you. I think you are telling me I should get professional shots done and that I should expect to have to get them redone per an agents request, is this correct?

Boosmom, you're compliment is also very much appreciated! We are both already signed up for nycastings.com, but no success yet. It seems there castings for kids are a little weak, and when reading about such great castings in this forum I feel I am doing her an injustice by not having an agent for her. I just reread your post and you say i can directly submit her to agents through nycastings? is this correct? or is this just for the castings?

Hey, look in the business directory on NYCastings and do a search for talent representation. There are agents that you can directly submit to - both talent managers and print agents.

i see it now thank you! Out of curiosity, did this method work for you?

NY Castings does work, especially if you are very new to the business in NY. That is how we got started and we have booked many jobs since then w/both acting and modeling and are now signed with one of the top print model agencies in NYC thanks to our start with NYCastings. They do not post new things often but its a starting point. Also try Grant Wilfley Casting. and consider doing background or extra work and possibly principal to get exposure and buid your daughters resume. Many people shy away from that but my child will be featured as an extra in a major film with Catherine Zeta Jones and she interact with CZJ's character directly. Also try looking in the Ross Reports - that has a wealth of information with agents names and locations. Good Luck.

Thank you rabbs. I am on the NYCASTINGS site right now. Does directly submitting yourself to agents work or should I do a traditional mailing?

quote:

Originally posted by Gypsygirl94:

quote:

Originally posted by Robert Kim Photography:
These are obviously snapshots of an extremely pretty and photogenic child.

Robert Kim, This is a true compliment coming from you since I've seen you're work (when researching photographers) So thank you. I think you are telling me I should get professional shots done and that I should expect to have to get them redone per an agents request, is this correct?

Whether you're a youngster or an adult, you need professional quality headshots if you want to compete on a professional level.

There are many on this board who would disagree. There are also those who believe that a "five dollar, Sears/Walmart headshot" is all you need to compete favorably in this industry (these kinds of actors are usually referred to as, "unemployed").

My post was an attempt to expose agents who routinely advise their new clients to get new headshots done WHETHER THEY NEED TO OR NOT, simply as a matter of habit. But if you already have professional, up-to-date and flattering headshots of your daughter, YOU SHOULD NOT BE FORCED TO HAVE THEM RE-DONE. The only time an agent should suggest a re-shoot is when your photos are of poor quality, out-of-date, or simply not appropriate to market you. This applies to children as well as adults.

If an agent automatically instructs you to have your headshots re-done, never be afraid to ask him, "Why?" If he has a legitimate reason, he'll be able to tell you exactly what is wrong with your current ones and why he wants them replaced. If he can't, I'd be highly suspicious of his motives.

A good headshot is a good headshot.

Thank you Robert. I appreciate your time explaining this. I guess maybe I didn't know you could question your agent if they tell you to get new ones, so this is good to know!

quote:

Originally posted by Gypsygirl94:
Thank you Robert. I appreciate your time explaining this. I guess maybe I didn't know you could question your agent if they tell you to get new ones, so this is good to know!

I often think that some agents like to occupy an intimidating or god-like position over their clients.

I am never intimidated by agents. My philosophy has always been: "You work for me, not the other way around." I always tell agents what I will and will not do, what pictures to use and why, everything. In essence -- how to sell me. If they're not willing to work with me, I simply look elsewhere.

Break it down, folks. Where do most agents come from? They are usually failed actors or ex-receptionists, or have served as unpaid slaves until they were deemed fit for service. If you ask a child, "What do you want to be when you grow up?", I'll give you a million dollars for every one who replies, "An agent."

Don't be afraid to ask your agent anything, anytime. That's what they are paid for.

“Whatever works.”

www.robertkim.com
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Hi Gypsygirl,
Your dd has a pretty face, but I don't see a lot of energy or personality from
those photos. I know also that getting prof. headshot is a big decision since
they can be very $$$ & there is always a chance that it may not turn out so great.

I would suggest that you retake the photos yourself. Have your dd wear a solid
bright shirt that compliments her skin tone & bring out her blue eyes.
Talk to her while you are taking the photos to bring out her personality-
serious look for theatrical & happy smiley one for commercial. Use the best ones
to submit to agencies (if you are looking for one) or to post on casting sites.
If you have no luck with them then you can consider prof. headshots.
FYI my ds's agent prefers the headshots that I took more than the prof. ones.
We will use it until his look changes. Good luck!

golfmom, thank you for your comment. Perhaps I am not the best one to be taking pictures of her. I think, since she is serious about wanting to do this, i will be investing in some professional headshots for her so that her personality can come out. When we took these pictures, I had looked for a plain colored shirt to wear that would compliment her and in my amazement couldn't find any! (that weren't tank tops which i heard is bad for kids) So we will have to go on a shopping trip before the headshots!


Can anyone help with recommendations for acting classes?