There are two types of talent agents, theatrical (television and film) and commercial (for television commercials). Being with the same agency for both is called being "signed across the board," but many actors prefer to have separate agents for different types of work, because some agencies can be better commercially, but not as good theatrically, or vice versa. Agents get information about auditions for roles, either directly from casting directors and producers calling them asking for client submissions, or from a service called "the breakdowns," a daily list of roles being cast, sent only to talent agents. Agents work for you, but they only get 10% - 15% of what your child makes, so that means you need to do 90% of the work - especially when your child is getting started. That means your child should always be professional, be skilled in acting, you should network and let casting directors, producers and directors know about their work & upcoming performances by sending out postcards & invitations, know your child's "type", and make sure you and your agent have an understanding about what kinds of parts they will be submitted for.
The Strategy:
Do not randomly stop by agents offices unannounced, they do not accept personal drop-offs. Avoid calling the office for now. Simply send in an 8" X 10" color photo & resume, along with a brief cover letter. Show the agents that you understand how valuable their time is by keeping the cover letter short & sweet.
Far too many parents end up writing a long cover letter, and the agents end up just trowing it in the "circular file" aka trash can.
This is a sample of a good cover letter:
______________________________________
Your Name
4321 Superstar Street
Beverly Hills CA 90210
Attn: Mr. Agent
Enclosed you will find my photo and resume of my (son or daughter) for your consideration. I am currently seeking theatrical (and/or commercial) representation for (child's name). I will be calling your offices in the next week or so to make sure you have received this package in one piece.
Sincerely,
Star Parent
_____________________________________
Now the agent even has a few moments to actually look at the photo and resume!
Then after about a week, give them a quick call and just say your name, tell them that you sent in a photo and resume of your child, and that you are calling back as you had promised in your letter. They will usually write your name down, and say that they will give you a call if interested, or we are reviewing it, etc. Again, just keep it short and show them that you value their time. They will be pleasantly surprised.
Say something like.....
"No problem, I don't want to take up your time. I just promised I would make sure the package got there in one piece (then pause)"...
They'll either be impressed (and relieved) at the brief conversation, or will be so caught off guard that they'll try to explain further. If they haven't said goodbye, then just repeat a variation of your previous words (always offering them a chance to end the conversation and reinforcing that you know their time is valuable). Agents get tired off so many actors calling and somewhat begging, "can I come in for an interview", or "I am very talented and would be a great addition to your roster". If you follow these steps, keep your letter and conversation brief, the agent will most likely appreciate it.
Call the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been made against the agency.
Tips & Warnings
* Agents making their living by earning a percentage of each job they book for an actor. Do not pay any up-front fees to an agent.
* If you're not happy with the number of auditions or bookings your child is getting, set up an appointment with your agent and discuss what you can do to generate more jobs.
Go to the website link below. It is the Screen Actors Guild Agent list for both SAG franchised and non-franchised agencies in all states:
Click Here for the Screen Actors Guild Talent Agency Database.
You can also check the website below to see which type of agency it is (Adults,Youth,Commercial,Etc.)
Click Here for the Association of Talent Agencies database.
Child Actors Resources is the authoritative guide for parents of kids wanting to start working as an actor or extra in film and television.
I have worked in the Entertainment Industry as long as I can remember. I have been a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists since 1985. I decided to create and maintain this blog in my spare time to help parents of kids who are interested in working as an actor or extra on films and television shows. I am independent journalist/publisher and not affiliated in any way with Disney or any other specific studio. All content on third-party advertisers' websites is the sole responsibility of the respective website publisher(s)/owner(s).
Sincerely,
Alan Baltes
Sincerely,
Alan Baltes
Table of Contents
Actors Resources
The Actors Resource Guide eBooks - A must have for both professional and aspiring actors alike!
Comprehensive actors resource guides that include listings of talent agents and casting directors, sample actors resumes, acting classes, headshot photographers, extras casting agencies, work permits, child talent information, and many valuable tips and advice.
Each eBook contains a minimum of the following:
• Casting Directors List
• Extras Casting Directors List
• Talent Agents List
• Acting Schools List
• Headshot Photographers List
• Actors Unions
• Sample Actors Resume
• Sample Beginning Actors Resume
• Sample Cover Letters
• Audition Tips
• How To Make an Audition Video
• General Talent Agent Information
• Entertainment Industry Terminology
• Child Work Permit Information
• Immigration Work Permit Information
• Non-Immigrant Visa Application
• Miscellaneous Resources
• PDF Users Guides
The Actors Resource Guide eBooks are now available for Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, Baltimore/Richmond/Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Orlando, Miami, San Francisco, Seattle, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Michigan, Vancouver, New Zealand, Toronto, Australia, and London.
More locations coming soon.
If you are serious about becoming a working professional film and television actor, then these eBooks are an absolute must-have. Take a giant step towards making your dreams come true and obtain one of the most valuable tools available for all actors - The Actors Resource Guide eBooks.
Click Here to order your eBook Now!
Comprehensive actors resource guides that include listings of talent agents and casting directors, sample actors resumes, acting classes, headshot photographers, extras casting agencies, work permits, child talent information, and many valuable tips and advice.
Each eBook contains a minimum of the following:
• Casting Directors List
• Extras Casting Directors List
• Talent Agents List
• Acting Schools List
• Headshot Photographers List
• Actors Unions
• Sample Actors Resume
• Sample Beginning Actors Resume
• Sample Cover Letters
• Audition Tips
• How To Make an Audition Video
• General Talent Agent Information
• Entertainment Industry Terminology
• Child Work Permit Information
• Immigration Work Permit Information
• Non-Immigrant Visa Application
• Miscellaneous Resources
• PDF Users Guides
The Actors Resource Guide eBooks are now available for Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, Baltimore/Richmond/Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Orlando, Miami, San Francisco, Seattle, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Michigan, Vancouver, New Zealand, Toronto, Australia, and London.
More locations coming soon.
If you are serious about becoming a working professional film and television actor, then these eBooks are an absolute must-have. Take a giant step towards making your dreams come true and obtain one of the most valuable tools available for all actors - The Actors Resource Guide eBooks.
Click Here to order your eBook Now!
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Parents Do's and Don't's
KNOW the rules and regulations which govern the employment of your child, as well as your responsibilities. Ultimately, YOU are responsible for your child's safety and welfare.
BRING social security number, work permit and I-9 identification.
PLAN to arrive on the set 15-30 minutes early.
CHECK-IN with the designated person on the set, usually the A.D. (Assistant Director) or the Stage Manager. Also, check in with the teacher if there is one.
SIGN a completed copy of your child's contract for the job before your child begins work. (Be sure all blanks are filled in.) Call your agent if there are any problems or questions.
STAY within sight and sound of your child on the set. It is always your right to do so, but be unobtrusive about it.
BRING at least three hours of schoolwork if your child is being tutored on the set. Be prepared to supervise your child during meal periods and non-school times.
SPEAK UP if you feel your child is working too long without a rest break or being asked to do something you feel he/she should not be doing.
TELL your agent ahead of time if your child has special food or medication requirements, or if your child has unusual educational course work, so proper arrangements can be made, or bring the necessary items yourself, where possible.
SIGN OUT at the end of the work day.
DON'T assume anything. When in doubt, ask. Call the Union
DON'T forget. Your child will not be allowed to work without these documents.
DON'T be late. DON'T bring other children, relatives or friends to the set.
DON'T ever leave your child unattended on the set.
DON'T allow your child to begin work if you have not received a contract, and don't sign the contract if it differs in any way from your understanding of the terms of employment. This is Union Rule!
DON'T bother other actors, the director or crew members. Keep out of the way while watching your child on the set.
DON'T interrupt the classroom or "hang out" with the teacher and your child during school time.
DON'T be intimidated into yielding to unreasonable requests or making exceptions to provisions in the contract.
DON'T wait until the last minute to arrange for your child's special needs (e.g. food, medication or specific educational requirements.
DON'T let anyone else sign out for your child.
Questions To Keep In Mind On-Set
Are children being asked to work overtime or beyond the permitted work hours?
Are children getting adequate meal and rest periods?
Are they being tutored in a safe and effective manner?
Have they been asked to do hazardous work?
Are they permitting the parent to be within sight and sound of the child at all times?
Have they been provided an appropriate dressing room area?
Are children getting adequate meal and rest periods?
Are they being tutored in a safe and effective manner?
Have they been asked to do hazardous work?
Are they permitting the parent to be within sight and sound of the child at all times?
Have they been provided an appropriate dressing room area?
Hints and Tips
1. Buy a 3 ring note book and dividers.
Put in this note book:
Work permit
Coogan Information
Copy of Social Security Card/Birth Certificate
Head Shot
Screen Children's Address
Calendar
Pen and Stapler
Guardian Forms Blank
2. When your child works a job, keep the copy of the voucher in a file. Write on your calendar, who your child worked for, where, the hours, and any bumps (extra for clothes, stunts, smoke, etc.) When you get paid mark it off your calendar, staple your check stub to the voucher. (sometimes it's up to six weeks to get paid, be patient, we have never not been paid, sometimes it's just busier in the office than others)
3. Write down what you spend on the calendar, hair cuts, shampoo, make up, almost anything cosmetic can most likely be tax deductible, also sometimes lessons (dance, acting, karate) can also be tax deductible, as well as your note books, calendars, pagers and other expenses.
4. If you are interested in doing this you need to call the Unemployment number in the government section of your telephone book. You must have your child's Social Security number, and their last employer (have the last voucher) in front of you when you call. I don't know how much they need to have earned, the amount they collect per week and how long they can collect is different, for each claim. IF YOU TURN DOWN WORK FOR ANY REASON WHILE YOUR CHILD IS ON UNEMPLOYMENT YOU COULD LOSE BENEFITS.
5. Be on time, plan on being there a half hour early. (Be ready most of the time your child will not go to makeup or hair, it's up to you.) Plan for delays. Buy a current Thomas Guide and keep it with you. If you arrive early be considerate of the production crew if they are eating. If you are invited to have breakfast because you're there early (most of the time you will be told to go have breakfast) then remember to be kind to those that only have a limited time before they have to get back to work (you'll make their day if you let them go ahead of you in line).
6. Follow the rules: One parent! No extra children! (on some sets even switching parents is a problem, ask ahead to avoid problems). There are many reasons for this, room on shuttles, seating, food, safety, insurance.
Bring school work
Have your paper work
Bring *requested wardrobe*
Make sure your child behaves.
Turn off Cell Phones and Pagers (and be quiet when rolling even whispers can be heard)
You are in charge of making sure your child's need are meet. You should always be within sight and sound of your child
.
Put in this note book:
Work permit
Coogan Information
Copy of Social Security Card/Birth Certificate
Head Shot
Screen Children's Address
Calendar
Pen and Stapler
Guardian Forms Blank
2. When your child works a job, keep the copy of the voucher in a file. Write on your calendar, who your child worked for, where, the hours, and any bumps (extra for clothes, stunts, smoke, etc.) When you get paid mark it off your calendar, staple your check stub to the voucher. (sometimes it's up to six weeks to get paid, be patient, we have never not been paid, sometimes it's just busier in the office than others)
3. Write down what you spend on the calendar, hair cuts, shampoo, make up, almost anything cosmetic can most likely be tax deductible, also sometimes lessons (dance, acting, karate) can also be tax deductible, as well as your note books, calendars, pagers and other expenses.
4. If you are interested in doing this you need to call the Unemployment number in the government section of your telephone book. You must have your child's Social Security number, and their last employer (have the last voucher) in front of you when you call. I don't know how much they need to have earned, the amount they collect per week and how long they can collect is different, for each claim. IF YOU TURN DOWN WORK FOR ANY REASON WHILE YOUR CHILD IS ON UNEMPLOYMENT YOU COULD LOSE BENEFITS.
5. Be on time, plan on being there a half hour early. (Be ready most of the time your child will not go to makeup or hair, it's up to you.) Plan for delays. Buy a current Thomas Guide and keep it with you. If you arrive early be considerate of the production crew if they are eating. If you are invited to have breakfast because you're there early (most of the time you will be told to go have breakfast) then remember to be kind to those that only have a limited time before they have to get back to work (you'll make their day if you let them go ahead of you in line).
6. Follow the rules: One parent! No extra children! (on some sets even switching parents is a problem, ask ahead to avoid problems). There are many reasons for this, room on shuttles, seating, food, safety, insurance.
Bring school work
Have your paper work
Bring *requested wardrobe*
Make sure your child behaves.
Turn off Cell Phones and Pagers (and be quiet when rolling even whispers can be heard)
You are in charge of making sure your child's need are meet. You should always be within sight and sound of your child
.
Note About Managers
A manager is someone who manages your child's career after they have established them self in the business. Managers generally get 15% of gross income from acting jobs.
There are many unscrupulous "managers" out there claiming to have the ability to make someone a star. The truth is, a manager can recommend photographers, classes & workshops, resume printing services, etc. But this information is available for free, and is certainly not worth paying 15% of your income.
There are many unscrupulous "managers" out there claiming to have the ability to make someone a star. The truth is, a manager can recommend photographers, classes & workshops, resume printing services, etc. But this information is available for free, and is certainly not worth paying 15% of your income.
Note For Young Performers
Acting in show business as a young performer can be a great experience. It can give you a head start by helping you develop leadership skills, teamwork skills, self-confidence and the ability to earn some money for your future.
This industry is called show business for a very good reason - it is a business. It is also a lot of fun, and for a young performer it should always be fun. If for any reason it is not fun and educational for you, talk to your parent or guardian and let them know. You can always take a break from the business and decide later if you want to come back. You should only be in this business if you are dedicated to it and are passionate about acting.
Reputable Talent Agents For Kids
Do NOT call Talent Agents, please submit by email or mail only unless specified otherwise. No personal unannounced drop-offs. Talent agents are extremely busy professionals who need their time spent on getting their talent submitted for work. Imagine if you had a talent agent, and they were too inundated with phone calls from people with general questions, and did not have time to submit YOU to casting directors. It is simply common courtesy to not call the agents.
Lara Holmes
L & L Talent
609 Deep Valley Drive
Suite 200
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
agent@lltalent.com
Abrams Artists Agency
9200 Sunset Blvd
Suite 1130
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Agency For The Performing Arts
405 S. Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Aimee Entertainment Association
15840 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 215
Encino, 91436
Buchwald Talent Group, LLC
6500 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 2210
Los Angeles, 90048
The Chasin Agency
8899 Beverly Blvd., 7th Floor, #716
Los Angeles, 90048
Cinema Talent Agency
468 N. Camden Dr.
Ste. 200
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Circle Talent Associates
433 N. Camden Dr.
Ste. 400
Beverly Hills, 90210
Coralie Jr. Theatrical Agency
907 S. Victory Blvd.
Burbank, 91502
Howard Talent West
10657 Riverside Dr.
Toluca Lake, 91602
L.A. Talent
7700 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, 90046
Twentieth Century Artists
19528 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 612
Tarzana, 91356
Miramar Talent Agency
7400 Beverly Blvd.
Suite 220
Los Angeles, 90036
Susan Nathe & Associates
8281 Melrose Ave.
Ste. 200
Los Angeles, 90046
The Orange Grove Group, Inc.
12178 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 205
Studio City, CA 91604
Pacific West Artists Talent
Agency
12500 Riverside Dr.
Ste. 202
North Hollywood, 91607
Progressive Artists
1041 N Formosa Ave
Formosa Bldg., Room 194
West Hollywood, 90046
The Savage Agency
6212 Banner Ave
Los Angeles, 90038
Screen Artists Agency
4361 Tujunga Ave.
Ste. A
Studio City, 91604
Scott Stander & Associates, Inc.
13701 Riverside Drive
Suite 201
Sherman Oaks, 91423
Starwil Talent Agency
433 N. Camden Drive
4th Floor
Beverly Hills, 90210
Ann Waugh Talent Agency
4741 Laurel Canyon Boulevard
Suite 200
North Hollywood, CA 91607
Shirley Wilson Talent Agency
5410 Wilshire Blvd.
Ste. 510
Los Angeles, 90036
Osbrink Talent Agency
4343 Lankershim Blvd.
Suite 100
Universal City, 91602
Cunningham Escott Slevin
Doherty, Youth Division
10635 Santa Monica Blvd.
Ste. 140
Los Angeles, 90025
Coast to Coast Talent Group,
Inc. Youth Division
3350 Barham Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90068
The Beverly Agency, Inc.
Warner Center Plaza
21550 Oxnard St., Ste. 880
Woodland Hills, 91367
Visionary Artists Agency
5503 Denny Avenue
North Hollywood, 91601
Avalon Artists Group
5455 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 1111
Los Angeles, 90036
Brass Artists & Associates
9025 Wilshire Blvd.
Ste. 450
Beverly Hills, 90211
Henderson & Romo, Inc.
10 Universal City Plaza
20th Floor
Universal City, 91608
K. Levy & Associates Talent
Agency, Inc.
4869 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
2nd floor Suite #8
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Bobby Ball Agency - Kids and
Young Adults
4605 Lankershim Blvd
Ste. 721
Universal City, 91602
Williams Talent Agency, LLC
Sunset Gower Studios
1438 N. Gower Bld. 35
Hollywood, CA 90028
The Michael Zanuck Agency
28035 Dorothy Dr.
Suite 120
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
All American Rascals
3317 East 10th Street
Long Beach, 90804
Debra Manners Talent Agency
4804 Laurel Canyon Blvd
Ste. 597
Valley Village, 91607
Webb Agency
11620 Wilshire Blvd.
Ste. 900
Los Angeles, 90025
Alcus Holly Agency
8350 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 200
Los Angeles, 90211
ChezChic Talent
9663 Santa Monica Blvd.
Suite 5000
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Network International Models &
Talent
8730 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 250
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Lara Holmes
L & L Talent
609 Deep Valley Drive
Suite 200
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
agent@lltalent.com
Abrams Artists Agency
9200 Sunset Blvd
Suite 1130
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Agency For The Performing Arts
405 S. Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Aimee Entertainment Association
15840 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 215
Encino, 91436
Buchwald Talent Group, LLC
6500 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 2210
Los Angeles, 90048
The Chasin Agency
8899 Beverly Blvd., 7th Floor, #716
Los Angeles, 90048
Cinema Talent Agency
468 N. Camden Dr.
Ste. 200
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Circle Talent Associates
433 N. Camden Dr.
Ste. 400
Beverly Hills, 90210
Coralie Jr. Theatrical Agency
907 S. Victory Blvd.
Burbank, 91502
Howard Talent West
10657 Riverside Dr.
Toluca Lake, 91602
L.A. Talent
7700 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, 90046
Twentieth Century Artists
19528 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 612
Tarzana, 91356
Miramar Talent Agency
7400 Beverly Blvd.
Suite 220
Los Angeles, 90036
Susan Nathe & Associates
8281 Melrose Ave.
Ste. 200
Los Angeles, 90046
The Orange Grove Group, Inc.
12178 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 205
Studio City, CA 91604
Pacific West Artists Talent
Agency
12500 Riverside Dr.
Ste. 202
North Hollywood, 91607
Progressive Artists
1041 N Formosa Ave
Formosa Bldg., Room 194
West Hollywood, 90046
The Savage Agency
6212 Banner Ave
Los Angeles, 90038
Screen Artists Agency
4361 Tujunga Ave.
Ste. A
Studio City, 91604
Scott Stander & Associates, Inc.
13701 Riverside Drive
Suite 201
Sherman Oaks, 91423
Starwil Talent Agency
433 N. Camden Drive
4th Floor
Beverly Hills, 90210
Ann Waugh Talent Agency
4741 Laurel Canyon Boulevard
Suite 200
North Hollywood, CA 91607
Shirley Wilson Talent Agency
5410 Wilshire Blvd.
Ste. 510
Los Angeles, 90036
Osbrink Talent Agency
4343 Lankershim Blvd.
Suite 100
Universal City, 91602
Cunningham Escott Slevin
Doherty, Youth Division
10635 Santa Monica Blvd.
Ste. 140
Los Angeles, 90025
Coast to Coast Talent Group,
Inc. Youth Division
3350 Barham Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90068
The Beverly Agency, Inc.
Warner Center Plaza
21550 Oxnard St., Ste. 880
Woodland Hills, 91367
Visionary Artists Agency
5503 Denny Avenue
North Hollywood, 91601
Avalon Artists Group
5455 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 1111
Los Angeles, 90036
Brass Artists & Associates
9025 Wilshire Blvd.
Ste. 450
Beverly Hills, 90211
Henderson & Romo, Inc.
10 Universal City Plaza
20th Floor
Universal City, 91608
K. Levy & Associates Talent
Agency, Inc.
4869 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
2nd floor Suite #8
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Bobby Ball Agency - Kids and
Young Adults
4605 Lankershim Blvd
Ste. 721
Universal City, 91602
Williams Talent Agency, LLC
Sunset Gower Studios
1438 N. Gower Bld. 35
Hollywood, CA 90028
The Michael Zanuck Agency
28035 Dorothy Dr.
Suite 120
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
All American Rascals
3317 East 10th Street
Long Beach, 90804
Debra Manners Talent Agency
4804 Laurel Canyon Blvd
Ste. 597
Valley Village, 91607
Webb Agency
11620 Wilshire Blvd.
Ste. 900
Los Angeles, 90025
Alcus Holly Agency
8350 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 200
Los Angeles, 90211
ChezChic Talent
9663 Santa Monica Blvd.
Suite 5000
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Network International Models &
Talent
8730 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 250
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
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