getting her into commercials/printed material

cros8380

Hello mommas,

I've taken a hiatus from this website for about a year, but have slowly been coming around more. I am completely lost as to where to start with this idea, so I thought I would ask you ladies...

I am considering trying to get my two-year old daughter into commercials or printed ads. How do I do this? What type of portfolio should she have? Where should I get those pictures taken? (photo studio or private photographer)? Do I create a resume? Where can I find reputable agencies? Casting calls?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

acaudill75

I'm also curious about this. DD1 has the most amazing hair, and everyone is saying I should put her in commercials. I work, so I haven't given it any serious consideration, but if it could help offset her college prepaid ($300/month for the next 16 years!!!), I would make time.

I would also be curious to know from moms who have their kids in it if there are any pitfalls to avoid. 

PP, forgive me for butting in on your post, but totally curious.

Blondangel

First you need to find a reputable agency. They pretty much will do everything else for you. That's their job. Check the Better Business Bureau for reputable agencies. If an agency asks for any $ up front or makes you use a specific photographer and then charges you $$$$ for pics, it's a red flag that it is NOT a reputable agency. The agency makes money when their clients work, they don't ask you to pay them. Send them some shots of your kid. They don't have to be pro pics at all. If they are interested, they'll contact you.      

FYI, there's not a whole lot of money in it and it can be time consuming. You have to be extremely flexible and available. For example, they may call you one day out of the blue at 8 a.m. saying that they need you across town in 2 hours for a job. It's a great experience though. Good Luck!

 

puddin pop

I spent 7 years as a commercial casting director in Manhattan before my daughter was born so I can tell you for sure what to look out for and what to say away from.

First of all, ANY agent who tells you that you'll need professional pics for a child and wants you to pay however much for them is someone to stay away from! Children grow & change SO fast that casting directors just need a recent photo. You can even take them with your iPhone and send them to your agent so they're constentenly updated.

Do a little research online for local agents & managers. Understand that they are seperate! Agencies often get kids through managers which means managers can get  your kids pics out to more agencies than one so if you opt to work with a manager you'll have more work (possibly) but you'll also have to give both manager & agent a cut of the pay.

Most jobs will pay the child and give something for the agent/manager but often time you'll have to give 20% to them.

 In NY we had an online service called Actors Access. You may have it across the country which will let you put your kids pics up online with their stats & submit them for jobs on your own. You may even be able to look up some agents/managers through there too. I'm not sure how it works on your end, I only know how the site worked from my end as the "poster of the job"

I hope this helps a little!!

Good luck