My first meeting with the agent is Wednesday and I was wondering what to expect from a GOOD agent. My daughter is a Shirley Temple look alike and they loved her in the audition.

Should I be paying any money up front
Should the agent pay for all photo costs?


thanks for your help in advance

You should never pay an agent up front for anything. They get paid a commission after they find you a paying job. Generally 5-year-olds do not need professional pictures, but your market may be different. However, you should choose the photographer that fits your needs and budget. If any agent requires you to use their photographer you should politely decline and say you'd prefer to use your own. If they are legit they will accept that. You will be responsible for paying the photographer and providing prints to the agent.

You may find that after you sign and your child is being sent out, there will be fees for things like messenger services added to your account. They are usually not collectible until after some income starts coming in.

In most case print agents take 20%, commercial/legit take 10% and managers take 15%.

You should expect a good agent to have a plan for marketing your child. They should discuss the types of jobs she is right for and what is available in your area. Most importantly, you should feel comfortable with them and be able to communicate as often as you need to.

Absolutely NO up front agency fees.

As far as photos, good agents will give you a list of photographers to choose from. You pay the photographer of your choice for his/her services.

Tell your daughter to have fun and just be herself during her interview. Good luck!

When you go, the agent will most likely want to meet with your daughter alone. Prepare her that this might happen so she isn't caught unaware.

Thanks for the replies. I was told they will take 20% and pay some of the photo fees.


Tomorrow is the big day.

How did the meeting go?