Someone just told me that since we have a contract with Ford, they have to place you somewhere else. Is that true?

Read your contract. But keep in mind that contracts are not enforceable for minors; that's why many agencies just do a verbal contract. I don't think you should worry about it. There is NO WAY they are going to be able to place all of their kids. If it were me, I'd be out there today making sure my kid is not the one left out.

I know of a couple of agencies closing in the past (small ones) and they always placed ALL of their models. That doesn't mean that you will like where you are placed, or that you will be their top model. So I agree with previous posts that you should start shopping around and interview other agencies to pick the best choice for your kid. With many agencies holding open houses now, its quite easy. But I still think all the Ford kids will have many choices in front of them.

We are currently with Willy and NOT happy, had an appointment set up with Ford for next week. I am so upset about this. For those of you thinking of going to Willy just make sure you are on top of them ALL the time. I think we went to maybe 15 go sees last year and only booked 2 jobs (because I was not in there face ALL the time), and they will not send my 4 year old DD for TV because she cant read. So bummed, thought this was going to DD year!!!

You are right. We've been in contact with four agencies (which I crosschecked against your great list) and have interviews with three of them next week. I think most of the kids will find new representation, but we agree that covering your bases is smart. Nobody likes getting left out in the cold.

quote:

Originally posted by Brandondad:
Read your contract. But keep in mind that contracts are not enforceable for minors; that's why many agencies just do a verbal contract. I don't think you should worry about it. There is NO WAY they are going to be able to place all of their kids. If it were me, I'd be out there today making sure my kid is not the one left out.

Would you go with the agents if they started a new agency or if they went to another agency, say one that doesn't have a kids division? Debating between going and taking interviews with other agencies or waiting and seeing what the agents do/go...what do you think?

Brandondad, how long has it been since you had experience with the agencies mentioned? The info you provided is a little outdated and some of those agencies are doing much better than you reported and a little slanted. But I do agree that Ford kids should act now while the agents are looking and building their rosters. I personally would choose an agencies that has both a print and on camera division even if you are just interested in print and know your kids type and where they would best fit.

The info is not outdated at all. it is just my opinion. What would you change? All opinions are always welcome here. I think my review is pretty dead on.

I would not just go with an agency because they offer across the board representation. Sometimes the mix of two or three agents is better. We have been in the business for 7 years and know all of the players. For instance, I would never sign with Take3 if Abrams was offering to rep my kid. Can't even compare the two.

Wondering if everyone got a call? I still haven't gotten a call.

I haven't received a call either.

First off I won't give my opinion on which agencies are better, what the people are like working there. Everyone has opinions and would differ. I wouldn't go with an agent just because they will sign across the board. Ford is a print agent so I don't think that matters much to those parents looking for a print agent. Some may already be signed with Innovative, a manager, or other agent for on camera. But a print agent with a very good on camera dept ensures their overhead is being paid. The money agents make in kid print is not very profitable. So it is a safer bet to go with an agent that has a very good oncamera dept to ensure they are not going anywhere anytime soon. What would I change? For one I wouldn't say Product has a so so print and Take 3 has grown a lot over the short time in business. Whether they are better is up to the people that choose to sign with them. I thought FFT had on camera management and were starting up their own agency FFT TV? Not up to date with that info. Maybe someone can clue us in.They were not keen on freelancing or signing kids that already had oncamera representation. CESD has a strong commercial print on par with Abrams and FFT and with the recent addition of another new agent that left one of the top agents we will be seeing big changes in their fashion division. I have seen alot of good high fashion bookings come out of Abrams recently so things maybe changing there as well.

The on-camera situation at FFT is up-in-the-air at the moment. They did start a division but some changes may be happening. Can't really say more.

I am glad to hear that CESD has gotten its act together. They were a real force in the kid print biz when we first started.

My comments about Take3 are based on judging their experience. Getting auditions is one thing. Having a seasoned agent negotiate contracts for your child is another. For me, I don't feel comfortable with people who had no prior experience in on-camera, starting a division and expecting it to be a real player right away. it is a great option for beginners but I am positive that any kid with real talent would soon jump ship.

I think the commercial agencies have all added some fashion because the commercial on-camera market has been so slow this past year. Abrams has always sent kids for big jobs like Justice, etc., but not so much for editorial.

Again I think my reviews are a good starting point for parents who are looking for new representation. Everyone needs to make their own decisions. I made some bad ones when we first started out and learned from them. I don't take anyone's word for anything. I like to check it out myself.

Brandondad it's interesting you say this about take 3. Have you ever met the agents? Do you know their previous experience? I was approached by them yesterday. They say they have over 10 yrs experience. I've been doing a bit of research, and apparently according to several of the moms I spoke to, and after scrolling their fb page, it seems they book kids everywhere. Tv Series, commercials, broadway, they have some pretty big local "star" kids on their roster. They have kids in practically every broadway show. I even fb messaged a mom who told me that they have never actually had a kid leave their agency, and I know tons of moms who have left Abrams, gen tv and innovative to sign with them. A few of our friends have a manager who works mostly with them for "legit" and the kids book a lot. Do you know anyone who's left? I wasn't sure I wanted a tv rep, we were really just looking for print, but I'm seriously considering them to be a player. And it doesn't hurt that they have product as a option as well. As for Fftv - isn't that non existent? As for print, you definitely can't compare them to product, as product is far superior. Just look at their websites and fb pages and you can see that. I think your list is a little inaccurate, maybe just out of date-even though its just your opinion, I think a little more research would suit you well. I know I'm just new , so forgive me if I come off harsh, but with all this ford stuff going on, and the fact im now even on this predicament , I guess I've just realized that what we all think is the best sometimes isn't. I think I may give them a chance.

Brandondad could be right about the experience of Take 3. It is not just about booking jobs. When they were just starting out the agents were the same print agents handling the contracts. As far as I know their 10 years experience was in print not on camera. They did have inexperience handling contracts but they could have brought someone in with more experience to handle that. I don't know. But managers like M.Zitner trust them with the contracts so it can't be all that bad.

Just a little note about FFT: In 3 years my DS has booked 2 feature films (one principal, one supporting- not extras), 3 national commercials, 2 national magazine covers, international campaigns (Chicco, Replay) and countless US fashion jobs (Ralph Lauren, Hanna Andersson, Target, Joe Fresh) in addition to all sorts of basic modeling stuff- book covers, magazine editorials, industrials, etc. I'm not trying to brag, I am just letting you guys who are trying to figure out which agency to choose know that they get the same jobs as the big wigs. If you feel your DC could land these jobs then know that FFT is getting the opportunities.
But if you have a 5 year old blond boy please do not apply! Ha ha ha
Good luck!