Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jun 5, 2007 11:28:41 GMT -5
Parent with Acting Kid Question/Answer
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I received this email and decided to post it with my reply.
If you have a child signed or looking to sign with an area
talent agency, this might be of interest. ~ MJ
Hoosier Mom
I viewed your profile I realized you are into the arts and I have been looking for info in indy for the past year to no avail regarding my son. I am a southern california transplant and grew up in the business and then did a lot of print modeling in my twenties....I'm a mom now, but have a really bright outgoing child and would love to talk to someone about modeling of acting for him. I have had him registered with artistic enterprises, they have called me once in the last year, i realize indy is a small market but i just haven't been in the area long enough to know what's legite and what's not. I hope this makes sense would love to have your professional insight and advice if you have the time....thanks so much!
Thank you for contacting me. The Indianapolis market can be considered a 'small market' based on certain factors in regards to your child.
I list FOUR of them here:
1. Age
~ Most children get the brunt of their commercial and print work before the age of 10. These are the years before the gawkiness sets in. Braces, voice changing, growth spurts, baby fat. Not that any of these factors are prevalent in your child at this time, they are factors in decisions made when casting the child talent.
2. Your agent
~ The TOP THREE talent agencies in the area are Helen Wells, Artistic Enterprise (both union affiliated) and Act I (no longer union, but still maintains clients for TV, print and promotional work). ~
When it comes to auditions from these three, think of the local market as a M*A*S*H unit from the old TV show. At times, there is so much demand for your child's age group you will think you are just a taxi service for him. When at other times there is so much down time, you worry if you are still listed with them at all.
3. Keeping up with marketing.
The agencies have had to deal with this aspect for years and years...does your child's current look match their pictures? When in contact with a client the agency will be trading information through resumes and pictures. As you probably remember from your own experience, your pictures are your calling card. If your boy looks like a mini George Clooney these days, but his pictures still have the Billy Idol hair cut from last summer, he may miss out on some work.
Yes! There are many clients out there who will have a talent look see to compensate for this, but there are also the same number of clients who were given the green light and expected to hire talent immediately. They need the talent and they need the talent now.
4. Modeling Scams
a. If you hear about an audition on the radio for a Hollywood casting agent, bring your checkbook. They will audition your child, but also try to hook you into joining one of the top area Modeling Schools marketing out there. You came for the audition, you left with $1800-$10,000 worth of classes.
b. If someone approaches you at the Mall with a clipboard? Well, you know the routine. Even some recent mailers have been ingenious.
c. The Hotel Model Expos. Round One... you were picked for Round Two. Round Two... Bring checkbook, for the same reason mentioned above.
OK, let's say that you are happy with your agent. They have an office close by, they know you or your child by their first name and their auditions have tried not to conflict with school. But you are not getting or winning auditions. Take in consideration these 3 things:
1. The agency is saturated with kids your son's age.
2. The agency is saturated with kids having your son's look.
3. The agency has been pushing another child since they are "hot" right now.
Joining another Agency isn't always the next step. I have always believed that you can groom your agent to work for you. At Artistic, you should be able to talk with Skip, Michelle or Kris about your child's situation. They usually tell it like it is. The same goes for Lori and Helen at the Helen Wells office. Just don't catch them in the middle of an audition or work order rush. Early mornings, right after lunch, or just before the end of the work day work best. Other than classes (which I will bring up later), what does the Agency need? New pictures, a demo, placement on the website? These are legitimate questions.
Now, about me!
I have been hired by these agents and many others to help scout and cast agency kids for commercials. My program is the Creative Kids Talent Workshop. I am on call 24/7 to parents, like yourself, who want to market their children and cut through some of the nonsense in promoting their careers. I know all the area agents personally. I know the majority of ad agencies in this market and their creative directors (having and currently still working with them as a talent). I am in contact with production and recording studios. And I also know and support the majority of all the acting and theater programs for children in the area.
Now comes the time to pinpoint what expectations you have and see how to achieve your goals.
If you would like to touch base, call me at 317-466-4100. I will go over this information and more.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I received this email and decided to post it with my reply.
If you have a child signed or looking to sign with an area
talent agency, this might be of interest. ~ MJ
Hoosier Mom
I viewed your profile I realized you are into the arts and I have been looking for info in indy for the past year to no avail regarding my son. I am a southern california transplant and grew up in the business and then did a lot of print modeling in my twenties....I'm a mom now, but have a really bright outgoing child and would love to talk to someone about modeling of acting for him. I have had him registered with artistic enterprises, they have called me once in the last year, i realize indy is a small market but i just haven't been in the area long enough to know what's legite and what's not. I hope this makes sense would love to have your professional insight and advice if you have the time....thanks so much!
Thank you for contacting me. The Indianapolis market can be considered a 'small market' based on certain factors in regards to your child.
I list FOUR of them here:
1. Age
~ Most children get the brunt of their commercial and print work before the age of 10. These are the years before the gawkiness sets in. Braces, voice changing, growth spurts, baby fat. Not that any of these factors are prevalent in your child at this time, they are factors in decisions made when casting the child talent.
2. Your agent
~ The TOP THREE talent agencies in the area are Helen Wells, Artistic Enterprise (both union affiliated) and Act I (no longer union, but still maintains clients for TV, print and promotional work). ~
When it comes to auditions from these three, think of the local market as a M*A*S*H unit from the old TV show. At times, there is so much demand for your child's age group you will think you are just a taxi service for him. When at other times there is so much down time, you worry if you are still listed with them at all.
3. Keeping up with marketing.
The agencies have had to deal with this aspect for years and years...does your child's current look match their pictures? When in contact with a client the agency will be trading information through resumes and pictures. As you probably remember from your own experience, your pictures are your calling card. If your boy looks like a mini George Clooney these days, but his pictures still have the Billy Idol hair cut from last summer, he may miss out on some work.
Yes! There are many clients out there who will have a talent look see to compensate for this, but there are also the same number of clients who were given the green light and expected to hire talent immediately. They need the talent and they need the talent now.
4. Modeling Scams
a. If you hear about an audition on the radio for a Hollywood casting agent, bring your checkbook. They will audition your child, but also try to hook you into joining one of the top area Modeling Schools marketing out there. You came for the audition, you left with $1800-$10,000 worth of classes.
b. If someone approaches you at the Mall with a clipboard? Well, you know the routine. Even some recent mailers have been ingenious.
c. The Hotel Model Expos. Round One... you were picked for Round Two. Round Two... Bring checkbook, for the same reason mentioned above.
OK, let's say that you are happy with your agent. They have an office close by, they know you or your child by their first name and their auditions have tried not to conflict with school. But you are not getting or winning auditions. Take in consideration these 3 things:
1. The agency is saturated with kids your son's age.
2. The agency is saturated with kids having your son's look.
3. The agency has been pushing another child since they are "hot" right now.
Joining another Agency isn't always the next step. I have always believed that you can groom your agent to work for you. At Artistic, you should be able to talk with Skip, Michelle or Kris about your child's situation. They usually tell it like it is. The same goes for Lori and Helen at the Helen Wells office. Just don't catch them in the middle of an audition or work order rush. Early mornings, right after lunch, or just before the end of the work day work best. Other than classes (which I will bring up later), what does the Agency need? New pictures, a demo, placement on the website? These are legitimate questions.
Now, about me!
I have been hired by these agents and many others to help scout and cast agency kids for commercials. My program is the Creative Kids Talent Workshop. I am on call 24/7 to parents, like yourself, who want to market their children and cut through some of the nonsense in promoting their careers. I know all the area agents personally. I know the majority of ad agencies in this market and their creative directors (having and currently still working with them as a talent). I am in contact with production and recording studios. And I also know and support the majority of all the acting and theater programs for children in the area.
Now comes the time to pinpoint what expectations you have and see how to achieve your goals.
If you would like to touch base, call me at 317-466-4100. I will go over this information and more.