How do i get a 2 year old started in show biz ?

Question

print ads , commercials , etc

i went to one place and they wanted $1500 for my kid to get an agent. i was told not to pay any fees up front so we walked. the place was called fabulous flashcast ... the place has been in business for 20 years. But something just doesnt seem right. i heard they accept all kids. help me out thanks.

Answer 1

i'm not exactly sure how to succeed at it, but i can tell you : never pay for a modeling studio that tells you they will get him in. its a quick way for them to make money & still say your chances are slim since there are so many kids out there trying to get in the biz.

Answer 2

Started in show business doing what? Drooling? Crying? Spitting up? Looking cute? I don't want to be mean, but why don't you wait a couple of years and see if this kid has any talent. You'll be flushing your money down the drain. It is an exhausting endeavor.. running all around, getting a portfolio of pictures of the baby, (I can guarantee that isn't included in the $1,500 "agent" fee), and all the extras the "agency" will want you to pay for. I hope you have a fat bank account and plenty of spare time, as that is what you'll need to get this off the ground.

Answer 3

First of all, the agent only makes money when the client makes money.  This is a law in both New York and California, and generally in most other locations as well.  The standard is 10%.  While I do not recommend a child that young being in show business due to the long hours, the first thing you'll need is photos and I believe a resume.  Most any decent acting business book has a section on kids.  I recommend the ones by Judy Kerr and Glenn Alterman specifically, as they seem to have the most detailed information.  Another good on is the one by K. Callan.  Above all, the rule of thumb is submit, submit, submit.  You don't even need an agent to do this, and honestly it is better off to start by submitting on your own and then look for an agent for the child.  You will have more selection then, though it is largely about how a kid looks and if they can cry on demand.  As the child gets older, invest in acting, music, dance, and any other classes you can think of.  All this will do is help.  DO NOT be an overbearing show business parent.  Those types are generally hated by their child, the outside world, and the industry itself.  After all, nobody likes to be told how to do their job, unless they are being paid to take direction.