I have 2 daughters 8 and 11 that have been doing background TV/Film and one commercial so far. Just recently joined SAG/registered with Central Casting and I'm starting to get calls/jobs. My situation is: I'm starting to be pursued by agents (from my mailings to them) and will be soon be meeting with a highly respected office (from other posts on this board). Can anyone give advice as to when to be "signed" with an agent?

When you find the right agent for your child.
When you, as the parent, are ready to make the time commitment necessary.
When your child(ren) want it.


If this respected agency wants to sign your kids, there will be others - get the best fit.

What I believe I think about the "right" agent is one that will send us to quality projects, and respect my limits as to how often my kids can work (of course time would tell if both parties expectations are being met). As a parent I already have made the time commitment which got to to where they are now. Lastly, nothing is ever perfect but they do enjoy working and enjoy new situations and meeting people. What factors do others here consider when deciding on an agent?

All agents want to know that you are totally committed. They want to know that when you get called for an audition you will do everything possible to get there. This is not really a part-time business. There is a long line of kids who can make every audition and agents will not submit your kids, have the CD request them and then have to tell the CD that you aren't coming.

Everyone has to start somewhere and you may not qualify for "quality" projects until you prove you can book small ones. We would all love to limit our auditions to starring roles in studio films, but that is not the way it works. There is just not a ton of huge projects being cast out of NY and you have to take what you can get.

It sounds like you have done all of the right things up to now, but getting an agent takes you into another level and you should be prepared.

Thank you Not Blond, Yes I understand. By quality projects I just meant paying jobs as opposed to many more go-sees than actual work. They've only done background to date and I realize they must become students and apply themselves to go any further. I guess I just want to know that if a well respected agent from these boards is interested in them - would it be wise to just go for it and see where it leads? I have always gone to every go-see and also jobs but I do admit I'm not sure how I'd handle them working every single week. I guess that would be something that I would express in a conversation with an agent.

quote:

I guess that would be something that I would express in a conversation with an agent.

I wouldn't mention this to a potential agent.

What are you looking for in an agency? i.e. Commercial, Print, Theatrical?

Signing with a well respected agency should give your daughters access to opportunities that are not available without an agent/manager behind them. For that reason, of course you should meet with the agent.

FYI there have been times where we have traveled into NYC 3x a week for several weeks in a row - followed by periods of no activity. This is for one child. Depending upon your DD's skills/look you may have a similar time expectation.

Thanks for the reality check and input Todo - With no theatrical experience yet it would be commercial or print.

FYI -- you could be doing these 3x a week for months and still not book anything. (most top agents don't submit bg work) Just be prepared.

Edited to add, just noticed they are SAG -- remember they will be going against kids some with great resumes

If background is the only experience my girls have - why would an agent want to see them then?

agents will recognize talent or potential in your child even if they don't have a lot of experience. It would depend on the agent and your kids, if the agent sees potential they will take a chance on your child and hopefully your child will book jobs and get experience then and make them even more marketable. Of course we are fairly new to this business and I'm only going by my experiences with my kids. Lots of luck to you and your kids!

Thank you Everyone, I'll let you know how my first agent meeting turns out.