Ever wonder how child actors get started or get discovered? There was a time I wondered that myself. I think it crosses all parent's minds at one point or another. As time went on, opportunity presented itself to our family and I now have a son that has done quite well acting in Hollywood TV commercials. So nowadays, one of the most common questions I'm asked by other parents is, "How do I get my kids into that?"
I'm sure there are many ways and maybe some are better than this, but these tips by experts at Child Actor LA are based on my experiences working with talent agents and managers in the Los Angeles area. So first off, let's talk about your kid.
He or she does not have to be cute or gorgeous! Most casting agents are looking for unique, or a regular neighborhood kid look. When you think about it, most commercial feature "the kid next door" types and not models. Models have their place, but usually in print work such as magazines and posters (which indecently, pay very little). Most talent agents try to fill their portfolios with different actors that represent each different kind of look, from goofy, to jock, to geek, to beautiful. Races do play into it as far as demand and requests for a particular races. By popularity, it goes White, then Black, then Latino, and then Asians. Being last in the race, hasn't been problem for us, because my kid does so well on the auditions he goes on.
Personality and the ability to read and recite naturally is a big bonus. Speaking roles pay soooo much more. With that in mind, do NOT enroll them in acting courses, unless suggested by your agent or manager. If they do suggest, then go with the teacher or coach of the agent's choice. You don't want to severely ruin the young actor's chances by giving them a bad coach
Do not go out and get headshots until instructed to so by your agent. Why spend the money until you need to. How then do you find an agent without headshots? Here's how we did it. Have a fried with a decent camera snap off a couple of rolls of your kid, against a plain background. Have them take headshots, and then whole body shots. Pick 2 photos, one of the head/face and one entire body that a few of your friends like (not just you), and go to your local Walmart and get about 50 copies of each.
Then go to the Screen Actor's Guild website and lookup agents in your area. Call, write or send them an email asking if they are accepting or considering new talent. If they are, then send them some photos. Do not email pictures, this is frowned upon. If they like the photo's they may set an appointment for a meet and greet with you and your child. At no time ever, should they ask you for money. They may ask you to sign an exclusive contract, or pay for outside private acting lessons, but they should NEVER ask you for money. If they do... RUN!
After that, be ready to go on some auditions!
