I was wondering if someone could offer and share some information regarding modeling,and the above agencies.My 5 year old daughter was offered to be represented by both.I am excited,but alittle afraid of the commitment it takes as well!
First, I am not sure about the amount of go-see's you may possibly be called upon to attend.Any ideas? It could turn out to be an expensive proposition traveling to the city,I would imagine.Must you attend each and every go-see? I think the agencies may frown on not going to each one,is this true?
Do clients always use the go-see's as the only way to book children? Do most of the go-see's and shoots take place in NYC?
Ford requests that you have comp-cards made,which can cost anywhere from 400.00 to 700.00.Bit of an expense if it turns out my girl doesn't like it, or never lands a job.Has
anyone who might be with Ford may have used just a snapshot, or maybe found a less expensive photographer?
Also, is one agency preferred over another,in any of your experiences? And I am not talking so much in terms of the amount of jobs or go-see's the child may get,but is one more child/family friendly? Sorry to overload with all these questions.I am excited about this oppurtunity,and I wouldn't want to pass this up,however,I need to consider the other issues as well.

Thank you!!!

Search the board because there was very recently a discussion from a mom who faced the exact same choice. Perhaps you can PM her and find out why she chose one over the other. It does seem strange that comp cards are required for a five-year-old. Can you ask Ford if they will go with snapshots until you see how it goes?

You pretty much have to go to every go-see. If you are away or sick that is one thing, but your agent expects a full commitment from you. Otherwise you are just taking a spot from someone else who can make all the go-sees.

It is expensive to travel to the city, where 99% of all go-sees are. You have to decide if you can afford the gas/tolls/parking or train a few times a week. Children's print pays $75 to $150 an hour (about one to four hours per job) for most things. Every now and then you can book something that pays more, but don't count on it. No one is in it for the money.

You can get a direct booking now and then, but it is always a surprise and not usual.

There are always less expensive photographers out there, but you may end up paying more if you start with an unproven one and then have to do it again. Ask both agencies for lists of photographers and then compare prices.

ALL kid agencies are fairly child friendly, lol. You will have to decide for yourself how you feel when in their company. No one else will be able to judge how comfortable you are.

Good luck!

One of the first things that jumped out at me about your post is that you obviously haven't done your research or thought about this thoroughly before jumping in.

1. Is this something your daughter wants to do or is it something you want?
If it's something you want, I would back out now. I can't tell you the number of times I've seen kids on-set or at a photo shoot who obviously didn't want to be there and let it be known that they didn't want to be there. (one of them actually told a PA that his mom wanted him to do this and he didn't want to do it). It's hard on the child, embarassing to the parent, and a waste of everyone's time. Not to mention, your name will get around.

2. If you're not willing to make the commitment to be available when they call or to miss out on a few things in order to attend a go see or a job, then this isn't the business for you. And, yes, this can mean dropping what you're doing and getting into Manhattan ASAP.
Of course, you can back out of a go-see. However, if you do it more than once, they're going to think twice before calling you again.

3. About the comp cards.... I can't see getting comp cards for a 5 year old for any reason. However, if Ford insists upon them, I would take some great digital pics, have the agent at Ford choose the best ones and go to Modernage to have the comp cards made. That's the cheapest route. If you go to a professional photographer, it's going to cost you hundreds of dollars. Once she starts booking and making some money, you can get professional cards made up. (research the boards on how the pics should look)

4. If I had the decision to make, I would go with Ford. They are a much bigger, worldwide known agency and they get the top jobs. Also, your daughter being signed with Ford will make her much more desirable to other top agencies once you decide to move on.

Thank you for your responses.I appreciate the information.

Hi, My 9 month ols also has offers from generation and ford - which did you choose? Are you happy with your choice? Is one less of a committment than another? Is one more understanding? Thanks!

Congrads on the offers for your daughter. You sound like a great mom who is doing terrific research and asking us, which is why we are here, to help you with our experiences. I can't speak for FORD as I am simply not familiar with them other than an obvious name but I can say that I have known many people who are represented by Generation and they are all very happy. The good news is that if you chose one and it is not a good fit, you may be able to go to the other...Good luck and congrads to your DD and to you for looking out after her best interests.

maxanddizzy no matter who you choose both require 100% commitment-- if you cannot commit at this time maybe it is better to wait till you are.

quote:

Originally posted by castlerock:
maxanddizzy no matter who you choose both require 100% commitment-- if you cannot commit at this time maybe it is better to wait till you are.

I absolutely agree with this. You mentioned this before you went to the meetings and I thought you were going to discuss your concerns with the agency? I can tell you that we would get calls for a go see the night before and frequently would get a call the day of with only a couple of hours notice. Neither agency will be very understanding if you are unable to make the go see. The first time you refuse will be fine but if it happens more than once, probably not so understanding. They won't be angry with you and may not even say anything, but I can guarantee that they are going to call children who are available. I hope that I am not coming off the wrong way at all, but it really does require a full commitment. You have to make sure you are ready for it.

Hi - I appreciate veryones honesty and forwardness! Like I said I am new at this. My real concern is I also have a 4 year old little boy and I dont want to "leave him in the dust". I have to think how this is going to affect everyone. I am defenitely going to give it a try! I just have to decide which agency to go with! Thanks for all your help - will let you know what happens!!

I'll PM you...