Any other ford moms get the "call"
Today? We just left another agency to sign with them, and we just can't believe this. What now???

Ford Childrens Division, New York? We havent heard yet.

We heard thru the grapevine that they're shutting down the Kids Division.

quote:

Originally posted by Maddiestravelagent:
We heard thru the grapevine that they're shutting down the Kids Division.

I just spoke with our DD's agent and she confirmed that the NY Kids division will close February 1. She also said they are going to make sure all their kids are placed with other agencies. We absolutely loved Ford and it's a shame they chose to close the division.

I haven't gotten the call yet. I can't believe I'm finding this out on a chat board. This is really disturbing news

I found out last night from another Ford mom. I called in and they apologized that I heard before they had a chance to call me. I believe Megan and Michelle were blindsided by the news yesterday.

This is unsettling news. I hope all the kids will get into the agencies of their choice. Did they give a reason why they are closing? I am sure there will be a lot of speculations going around. Kids agencies close all the time, just not such large/successful ones. I wonder what the impact will be on the industry..

I'm sorry for all the Ford moms out there! But remember that your beautiful kiddos were with one of of the top agencies for a good reason and I'm sure you will all land at a great agency!

The agents have been busy making calls all day yesterday and its really actually only one of the 3 doing the informing of this unfortunate news so those that haven't gotten the call yet will soon. There are a ton of families for them to reach. As far as why, we were given the reason that the higher ups decided to "rebrand" so who knows what that means. Maybe having a kids division was just not worth the time and effort compared to the multiple adult divisions they are successfully running.

quote:

Originally posted by shipstress:
I'm sorry for all the Ford moms out there! But remember that your beautiful kiddos were with one of of the top agencies for a good reason and I'm sure you will all land at a great agency!

Thanks, Shipstress! Maddie's agent said Ford will have her placed with another agency by the end of the month. Already looking like Wilhelmina will likely pick her up. Lots of kids looking for new representation.

At least she'll have bragging rights as being one of the last Ford Kids. It's a shame as we really enjoyed working for them.

Maddiestravelagent & EWMom, did they ask you if you have a preference of agency to be placed with? I haven't gotten the call from yet.

No specifics about placement but I'm sure they will have no issues placing talent elsewhere. Though is ultimately the talent that has the say in whether they wanna work where they are going. I don't blame some already switching or looking to switch before the "deadline" since they wanna ensure a smooth transition. I know many of us though plan on waiting it out to see how this pans out.

Not fiscally worth it to keep the division open. Kids make very little money compared to the adults and a mere pittance compared to TV/Film work. Ford was on top for a long time- but as other agencies popped up and took away clients, they no longer cornered the market. We were with them for ten years before we jumped ship to TV/Film and never looked back. Good luck to everyone.

I am sure all the agencies will be fighting over the Ford kids! I hope all the kids will have a ton of choices.

quote:

Originally posted by EWMom:
No specifics about placement but I'm sure they will have no issues placing talent elsewhere. Though is ultimately the talent that has the say in whether they wanna work where they are going. I don't blame some already switching or looking to switch before the "deadline" since they wanna ensure a smooth transition. I know many of us though plan on waiting it out to see how this pans out.

I'm sure our agents have multiple offers pouring in from other agencies. I do know that they are planning on bringing their "kids" wherever they land post-Ford. Waiting seems to be the thing to do.