Child modeling and acting is probably the most competitive segment of the modeling and entertainment industry. Among a group of children, a high proportion of them will naturally be considered cute -- far more than in a similar group of adults. Consequently, bookers have a huge selection of children to choose from when casting a job, and model and acting agencies have hundreds of submissions each week from parents looking to break their child into modeling. Even if you manage to get your child in the door, be prepared to attend numerous casting calls before booking a job.
Instructions
1. Evaluate if your child has the look and personality to be a child model and actor. Child models should be an age-appropriate clothing size and have no unusual facial features, protruding ears or bad teeth. Even more important than looks is that your child has the personality to break into the entertainment industry. Child models and actors must be prepared to perform in front of numerous strangers at casting calls and will need an outgoing, extroverted personality. Children only have a few seconds to stand out from the crowd, so a shy child is unlikely to succeed.
2. Research the agency you plan to apply to. Ideally your child can sign with a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) affiliated agency that deals with both modeling and acting jobs. The agency should have a specific kids division and be experienced in marketing both child models and actors. Check the Better Business Bureau ratings to make sure the agency is legitimate and has no complaints.
3. Submit photographs to the agency according to its specific submission requirements, usually found on the company website. Most agencies require one or two headshots and two or three full-body pictures. You do not need professional photographs -- any reputable agency will be able to determine if it is interested in your child from casual home snapshots. If the agency is interested, you will typically be required to bring your child for a personal meeting before the agency decides to represent him.
4. Print your composite cards. Sometimes known as zed cards, or headshots, these are used to pass out on casting calls and are supplied to clients by the agency to help them decide who to book. The card usually consists of a headshot on the front, with additional pictures, statistics, resume and contact information on the reverse. Because children's looks change so frequently, professional pictures are not necessary -- particularly when starting out. Your agency should be able to use your home shots to create the initial card. You will be responsible for the costs of printing.
5. Obtain a child entertainment work permit from the state department of labor. If your child will be working in New York, California, New Mexico or Louisiana, you will also need a blocked trust account or "Coogan" account -- a protected bank account to safeguard 15 percent of the child's earnings until she reaches the age of 18. Depending on your state, you either need the account when applying for the permit, or if not, you must provide proof of the trust to accompany the work permit when you accept a job. If you cannot do this, your permit will be void.
6. Attend casting calls until your child gets hired for a position. As he performs more professional jobs, update his resume with new information and replace his pictures with professional images from his tearsheet -- the pictures taken on the job.
