thanks for all this info! I'm not a parent (or a child actor) but a lot of it was still really helpful. My question - and you're one of the only people I saw even post about it - is where to find the Hollywood Reporter. I found it online but I'd love to be able to pick up a hard copy - do you know?
Posts: 1 | Location: Hollywood, CA | Registered: October 21, 2009
Originally posted by amuse: thanks for all this info! I'm not a parent (or a child actor) but a lot of it was still really helpful. My question - and you're one of the only people I saw even post about it - is where to find the Hollywood Reporter. I found it online but I'd love to be able to pick up a hard copy - do you know?
Hi amuse, and welcome! You should be able to pick up the HR at any bookstore or major newsstand in LA.
- MIB - If you can dream, you can do. Making it happen is up to you.
Posts: 1156 | Location: SoCal | Registered: July 13, 2005
I have a question about self-submitting. First, your info for parents is the bible of show business. Thank you for all you have done. Now, the questions. We are in smaller market, but I submit my d through AA & BS. When there is an audition close to us, she doesn't get a call. If it is in NYC, she always gets called in. She's got some jobs, she's come close to getting some, and some she just wasn't right for the part. She has a local agent, not someone who would submit anywhere but around here. Realistically speaking, how often do kids with local agents get called in for roles in the big markets? I try not to submit for AFTRA or SAG, but I think she's getting enough experience to attack that beast. I know union actors get seen first, then non-union, but I've seen some roles she would be good for, and I think she's ready. Should I send out her h/r, even though she's non-union, or is it a waste of time. I read BS's articles on the youth market and it was kind of inspiring. My husband and I have realistic expectations, and we are financially sound, so we're not looking for the golden goose, my kid just wants to act. What're the chances?
Posts: 298 | Location: east coast | Registered: October 16, 2008
Originally posted by nonstagemom: I have a question about self-submitting. First, your info for parents is the bible of show business. Thank you for all you have done.
Realistically speaking, how often do kids with local agents get called in for roles in the big markets? I try not to submit for AFTRA or SAG, but I think she's getting enough experience to attack that beast. I know union actors get seen first, then non-union, but I've seen some roles she would be good for, and I think she's ready. Should I send out her h/r, even though she's non-union, or is it a waste of time.
First of all, thank you and I'm glad you've found this board to be of help. There are so many of us here that contribute, I'm grateful to all of them, as well!
As far as submitting to any market, don't let union opportunities ever stop you from submitting to them. It is never a waste of time, unless your child is totally wrong for the role (does not come close to the description in the breakdown), or has no desire to want to do it in the first place. All union actors started out as non-union and it's not always true that union actors are seen before non-union, especially for child actors. You should submit for anything your child is interested in that fits the description, if you are willing to travel at a moments notice and there are no conflicts of dates and availability.
There is really no set rule as to how many child actors get called in from smaller markets to major ones, union or not. Some total unknowns have booked their first ever audition just by being in the right place at the right time with the right look and talent. But, it does help to be prepared and have as many marketing tools in place as possilble. Be prepared to submit, have a video camera ready to make an audtion tape if requested and if you have a demo reel of other work your child has done, that is another plus. Have copies ready to mail out when requested, or have them uploaded on various sites such as Actors Access, Now Casting, Backstage, etc., that have those options. That way, the link can be sent directly to casting anywhere in the world for them to view your child's headshot, resume and demo reel or actor slate, immediately. Things can happen literally overnight in this industry, so the better prepared, the better the chances. Another good reason to have passports ready for the child and at least one parent or guardian, as well.
So, don't worry about chances, just do it! Make it happen!
- MIB - If you can dream, you can do. Making it happen is up to you.
Posts: 1156 | Location: SoCal | Registered: July 13, 2005
Mominbiz, Janet P and the many others, I know you make up the great advice here. So one more question. I guess I am doing what shouldn't be done. Submitting without an agent, is what I'm asking. Will dd get tossed, because legitimate agents are submitting their kids? I hate going out and finding an agent in a big market. I can find her one, I've had a couple of nibbles, but does she really need one? Have there been kids who have been hired without one?
Posts: 298 | Location: east coast | Registered: October 16, 2008
The thing about agents is this: most of the bigger projects are on Breakdown Services, which is ONLY available to agents. I think something like 70% of the jobs are on that, and 30% on Actors Access. So without an agent, you don't get the opportunity to submit to a lot of things.
But the flip side is, if you see a casting on Actors Access, that means they definitely ARE willing to hire actors who don't have agents. (Because if they only wanted to see actors with agents, they wouldn't have put the notice on Actors Access, only Breakdown Services. See?)
So if you see a casting on AA that your daughter is right for, you should DEFINITELY submit!
Posts: 436 | Location: New York | Registered: December 29, 2008
Originally posted by nonstagemom: Mominbiz, Janet P and the many others, I know you make up the great advice here. So one more question. I guess I am doing what shouldn't be done. Submitting without an agent, is what I'm asking. Will dd get tossed, because legitimate agents are submitting their kids? I hate going out and finding an agent in a big market. I can find her one, I've had a couple of nibbles, but does she really need one? Have there been kids who have been hired without one?
I think your question really is important and perhaps a separate thread will provide you with more insight/suggestions.
why don't you make a separate thread - smaller markets are a little more tricky and may require some extra leg work, however, I'd rather see a good discussion happen rather than having a parent perhaps go out and spend $$$$ and hopping on the talent/modeling convention wagon when they get discouraged which some do.
Question..did you try a manager? Managers can perhaps take more time to help develop your child's career and introduce her to agents they work directly with.
I know there have been some very well respected workshops mentioned here with showcases, has your child ever done that before?
try a separate thread cos your question I think is important and you'll get more responses that way and i will always have my favorite book, the best I've seen out there
"Raising a Star" written by Nancy Carson, very well respected Talent Agent. Best advice I've seen yet. I recommend it all the time, it's a must!
You can order it Amazon or Barnes and Noble, paperback online.
Recent agency openings-closings, agents, the type of talent they represent (theater/tv/fim/commercial/print/kids/teens/adults/voiceover and what type of talent some agencies are currently seeking. I believe there are some personal managers listed as well.
Posts: 309 | Location: ny | Registered: March 02, 2008
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