Please this is not the last time you will post on this thread and you know that. I am a newbie on here and I have seen where you are all over this thread among others. And for your information those links are private and last name omitted. Apparently you don't get it. loll!

Take care!

Diane, two word for you.... DUCT TAPE ...lol!

That was totally uncalled for.

I noticed that the modeling agancy L & M modeling that is on their myspace pages has it own myspace page. And on their website they consider doing alcohol promotions at bar and serving sample at grocery stores modeling. Interesting. Look at the booked talent pics and see what they call modeling.

Does anyone have a child that has been a stand out athlete in a sport - or multiple sports? When a child shows "potential" in their sport, most likely you will come across coaches who seek (scout) to have that child on their team because they will help that child get to the next level of play. They want them to join the travel team of their city, county, state - because they will get them to the tournaments and events that will help get them noticed by people who perhaps could help them get the ultimate prize of a college scholarship - and maybe even into the next level of play. The fees for these teams, equipment, camps, travel expenses and family time are outrageous - but that doesn't stop the families from taking that chance. The parents believe they are doing what needs to be done for their child or children to be a success in his/her sport, often trusting a coach or coaches. These opportunities and experiences give them a better shot at their goals than not trying at all. My parents did not go to the extremes the parents do today, but I attended all the events I needed to, was coached by the best who had connections to the top "scouts" for college coaches. I was fortunate to have my education paid for! I had ups and downs, but overall great experience.

I feel this relates to this because parents are making choices to get help with their child's future in this industy like others do in sports. Some go to extremes to fund their child's future - lessons, camps, classes, photos. The list can add up fast I imagine. It is up to the inexperienced parents to do our research and listen to people who have been down that road. I think a lot of people made some good points, now it is up to the parent to follow with what they are comfortable with. But, if you don't try, you won't know. I was scammed when my daughter was a baby - paid $600 to AdKids, didn't know any better. Absolutely nothing came of it and I refused to invest another dime. My daughter is now represented, but have nothing going on there, frustrating! Entering a free contest and joining themodelchild.com site was a positive thing for her/us - she is now in the top 20 and I am a proud mom! I don't know what to think other than that it is fun, exciting and I have met some great people - including Nathan. He certainly knows the industry, but maybe he goes about it in a way that is not the so called "norm" - but it doesn't mean it can't be a good option. The others have come on here to post because that is what worked for their child/ren. They should speak as well. The issue of the money - such a small amount, but again a decision a parent can make if they feel it is worth it. The internet is full of free information - but why do so many people buy books, exercise equipment, pay health club fees, etc... to figure out how to lose weight. Bottom line eat less, exercise more! Seems pretty simple to me, but there are a lot of wealthy and successful people who claim to have the miracle answer! We all want to get from A to C without passing B - even if it costs us some money. When it comes to our children, that is another story! Congratulations to the parents and children who have found success, maybe my daughter's success will be that she was a top 20 finalist. (I hope not though!)

You will find many agencies on myspace. Even top agencies are on myspace but some are not registered under their agency name and only clients and talent know the url. Myspace is a great place to network. However, some people approve anyone as a friend and others do not.

to kipmil...wow...you certainly contradict yourself...you say at first that you have 25 years of experience in this "biz"...and then you say you knew "nothing about this until last November...hardly credible poster one would say.....

beth, I read her post and I am shocked that someone is even getting work with school pictures. Not in this neck of the woods!

thanks bellaand jakemom..i am all about keeping it real...have a greta weekend!!!!

I am fairly new to the business and I am not aware of Nathan. I am sure he is a great photographer. But I must agree it does not seem right to charge $25.00 to be able to vote. And as far as everyone giving advise I think it is great!!!. I have learned a lot from this board... You might not agree with what everyone is saying but they are only stating from there experience and everyone's experience is different. You don't have to and shouldn't have to spend money to get into the business. Like they said I just sent a few snap shots to a agency and 2 days later my son was signed. And when my son was signed the first thing they told me was, you don't pay for anything.

Hi mom of 5. I hear what you are saying, but if I may ask.. how old is your son? Because if he is young, then agencies usually work from snapshots since they change so fast and you are not out any money. We have been there and done that since my children started modeling at a young age. But when they get older you need comp cards for modeling and acting headshots. That is start up costs anyway you look at it and it is not cheap and that is a far cry from not paying for anything. And if your older child works a lot, then you can go through a nice stack of marketing materials in a flash and have to re-order. Kaching! lol!

quote:

Also, let's see how far you get telling that nonsense to my two children that shot with him in February and have been signed with one of the top NYC agencies that I could not get my kids in the door years before on my own.

I hate to break this to you but I've never even heard of L&M as an agency, and Funny Face Today, although very good, is not even in the top 5 when it comes to NYC Youth modeling agents. Further, Nathan is the recommended photographer by FFT so of course he has an "IN" with them and you have no idea what kind of arrangement they may have, but I'm pretty sure I do. Lastly, are you traveling to NYC from Maryland for the ego trip of having your kids in the business? Do they like spending that much time in a car for a 2 minute go-see that they have a 1 in 100+ chance of booking? I dont know too many kids who like spending 6+ hrs in a car for a 5 minute shot at booking a low paying job. All of the people I know who do this live IN or near the city and it's more or less an after school hobby for the kids. None of the experienced parents in the business that I know have a myspace page for their kids. The people I know in the business who have REAL experience with acting have IMDB pages...with credits. And even then many are hesitant to include location info, pictures etc.
Have you actually read Nathans book because if that is the type of info he is giving you then the book doesnt seem to be worth much because everything you seem to be doing is in opposite of what the reality and "norm" in this business are.
Nathan IS an excellent photographer who does beautiful work. I am familiar with his headshots and fashion pictures. He may be a terrific guy and he has every right to sell a book and make money. But there are issues here that you clearly do not understand. I suggest you go find the Biz parents website and start taking a look at things they have to say concerning the industry. And oh yeah....they are FREE.

quote:

Originally posted by bella&jakemom:
beth, I read her post and I am shocked that someone is even getting work with school pictures. Not in this neck of the woods!

oh...if you only knew....LOL LOL LOL LOL

quote:

beth, I read her post and I am shocked that someone is even getting work with school pictures. Not in this neck of the woods!

I know Kipmil and I know her children and I have seen their headshots as well as comp cards. Not only is everything she has told you TRUE but the success her children have recently had is something most parents on this board and in the business in general only dream of. She may kill me for this but let me ask you something....when was the last time YOUR child did back to back large budget STUDIO FEATURE films? Does your child have a network contract? If not, then dont even begin to compare yourself to Kipmil or your children to hers. She is leaps and bounds ahead of you in this business and her kids are too. And I can tell you that she absolutely DOES have 25 years in the industry. Her children however, like she CLEARLY said have about a year. She educated herself on the childrens side of the business. Clear enough for you now?

quote:

Originally posted by bethrrosenthal@aol.com:
to kipmil...wow...you certainly contradict yourself...you say at first that you have 25 years of experience in this "biz"...and then you say you knew "nothing about this until last November...hardly credible poster one would say.....

beth...don't even go there. you have no idea who i am in the industry and what my kids have done. If you bothered to do the work, spend the time and search my 700 plus posts, you'd know that your comments make you look foolish. Nuf said. There is no way you could attack my character or integrity on this board. I have a long history...on this board and in the industry. My kids, on the other hand, have been in the biz for one year. Unlike you, I will not spread my kids' personal info all over the web...I don't discuss their reps, or other personal info. There is no way you could possibly discredit me here...except for maybe with people who have posted fewer than 5 times.