The fact that parents are often willing to spare no expense to get their kids into show business has fueled the creation of numerous bogus agencies that are happy to take the money and do nothing for it in return. Franchised agencies that are legitimate -- and have the track record to prove it -- are found in resource directories such as the Association of Talent Agents and the Screen Actors Guild. While neither of these entities provides personal recommendations or endorsements, they list agencies by region, identify whether they represent children and address frequently asked questions regarding an agent's role and responsibilities. Licensed agencies do not charge advance fees and typically earn a 10 percent commission for the jobs that they book.
Cute looks alone are not enough to attract and retain the interest of a talent agent. In a marketplace as competitive as this one, agents need to bring a multifaceted package to the attention of casting directors. Accordingly, your child needs a resume that reflects what shows she has already done; the level of training that she has received in singing, dancing, acting, modeling and voice coaching; and whether she has any special skills such as gymnastics, juggling, skating, baton twirling and foreign languages. The resume should also include her contact information, age, height, weight, hair and eye color, as well as the age-range that she can play. In addition to a print resume, you may want to create a supplemental CD of short video clips to showcase your child's versatility.
Invest in the services of a professional photographer to take your child's head-shots. These photographs are produced as 8x10 inch black and white glossy prints. Lightly affix your child's resume to the back so that it can easily be replaced as more experience is acquired. If the resume is more than one page, submit it separately and list only your child's contact information and physical descriptors on the flip side of the photo. Write your child's name in the white border at the bottom of the image.
Your first visit to a talent agent's office will likely involve little more than dropping off the head-shot and resume with the receptionist. As a courtesy, always call first to ask if this is permissible. Have your child with you in the event that the agent has a moment to talk, but don't bring along any extra family members who can cause disruptions or distractions. If you're called for meetings or casting call auditions, be punctual and well-prepared. Never yield to the temptation to be impatient or argumentative, as this is not only embarrassing to your child but could also impact the agent's willingness to work with either one of you.