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Resources Resources Resources!

I have not been a “momager” for very long.  Cody decided he wanted to be an actor when he was 8, and did local theatre productions for a few years until my husband and I realized he was serious and he continued to push for more; he wanted to do television and film, too.  So when he was 11, just two years ago, we made our first trek to Los Angeles.  My ONLY experience in LA was LAX passing through on my way to and from The Republic of the Philippines when I was stationed there in the ‘80s.  Not much to go on there!

I did as much research as I could prior to arriving in Los Angeles, and did not personally know anyone with a child actor at the time that could help me.  Cody had two fantastic people that helped him get started in Florida, the director of the theatre group he was in, Darla, and Ann Marie, now an agent.  Both taught him what they knew, and gave him a fantastic foundation, however, in the part of Florida we were in (The Panhandle), at the time they were the only acting coaches available to prepare actors—and they are only two people.  As he continued to ask for more classes, more training, we chose to head to Los Angeles and see what would happen.  Darla and Ann Marie prepared Cody well to get in front of Los Angeles casting directors, agents and managers.  It is comforting to look back now and know they helped him prepare a good foundation.  Not everyone has good experiences.  I don’t know anyone personally, but have seen the articles of people paying a “company” thousands of dollars (well over $10,000) to supposedly “guarantee” their child a part on their own show, or with top agencies.  Some companies have been exposed as frauds. Yes, there have been costs to getting my son in this industry, but you have to remember, there are NO guarantees.  If it sound too good to be true, it is.

I will be honest; it is not necessary to get in to one of these “events” to get your child “in” to show business.  And if you meet an agent or manager that says “well, in order to represent your child, you will need to pay me $XX first.”  That’s bogus.  A reputable agent or manager gets paid when your child gets paid.  There are NO upfront costs to get representation.  One cost you will have – to get headshots.  These are your child’s calling card.

So enough time has passed, your child has done local acting work, whether local commercials, plays, student film and is pushing for more.  Hopefully you have at least a few people in your corner to get you started.  Even though Darla and Ann Marie were a HUGE help to me, and always available to answer my many questions, too much information is like a firehose.  It takes time to process it and learn what works best for you.

I am an avid researcher, and for this reason love the fact that I can use the internet for so many things.  I did a lot of research prior to our first visit which helped make a bumpy ride a bit smoother.

So what resources can you check out for yourself and learn about?  Here goes!  Granted these are only a few, and do not seem like a lot, but each of these have a plethora of information.  With these links it may feel like a firehose initially, but bookmark the links and check out as you digest the information;

www.bizparentz.org (a non-profit website advocating for children’s rights in the entertainment industry) This is an excellent site not only when starting out, but as you navigate this industry.

www.sag.org
www.aftra.org
(these two have merged, the websites have not as of yet; there are changes in the process, so just be aware of this.)  Keep in mind that your child will need to do at least one union job before they are able to join the union.  Agents and Managers say to stay non-union as long as you can because once you are union, you cannot do non-union work.  On the flip side, rules are different in different states.  If you have specific questions, it’s best to call one of the contact numbers on their website.  It seems everyone’s situation is different, so it’s often best to get the word from the horse’s mouth! 🙂

www.hollywoodmomblog.com  a great resource for classes, as well as a plethora of other information.  This is run by mom of a child actor.  She can also be found on twitter and facebook.

http://networkedblogs.com/w0Puy   this is a list of places to take classes in Los Angeles.  This list is off The Hollywood Mom Blog.

Actor Training in LA is a great place for classes, coaching, and workshops

ActorsWest another great place for classes, coaching, and workshops

Actorsite is another great place for classes, coaching and workshops

http://forums.delphiforums.com/proactors  you will need to sign up for a free account here; shorthand this site is called PARF (Professional Actors Resource Forum).  I get information overload on this one so don’t browse it often.

This is a start regarding acting specifically.  Deciding to go to a larger market with your child is a big decision.  By doing your research on costs, budgeting, and what is necessary, making a trip might be the best way to go.  I recently watched a video regarding parents that paid $20,000 at an “industry event” where they were “guaranteed” their child would become a star.  I see numbers like that and I am one to look at how better my money can be spent.  With that kind of money, you can get a temporary place in LA for six months – giving your child time to get an agent and/or manager, go out on multiple auditions, as well as get in to classes, workshops and coaching.  Yes you will need to budget – but I for one, knows from experience that it can happen.

Remember that even though your child really wants this, and you want to help him or her follow their dream, it is still a business.  The challenge for you as the parent is to remain the parent, make decisions in the best interest of your child, and run a business.

Does this raise more questions?  If it does, great!  Ask away!  I will do my best to answer based on my experiences.

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I cannot believe it is already the end of May!  Cody has been SO busy that I don’t know what end is up!

In the last five months, between Cody’s 45 auditions (which does not include callbacks, producer’s sessions, testing, booking and filming) his school, acting classes, and my full-time school, I am now bald.  I have pulled out all my hair!

Seriously, we’ve survived.  I was going to school full-time getting my master’s degree.  I finally realized that I no longer have the energy I had when I was 20 years old.  So just this past month, I changed my enrollment to half time.  Ironically, it got more busy for Cody with his auditions!  The Universe abhors a vacuum, and so filled the so-called free time! And for that I am thankful – it was filled with exactly what I had intended it to be filled with!

Some of the things I have learned over these past few months; regardless of how busy you become, you need to have a great support system.  In our case, my husband is still back in Florida working and taking care of the dog and the house and whatever else comes up.  His support while Cody and I are in Los Angeles is invaluable.  Other family members and friends have been wonderful support as well.

I spent more than twenty years in the Air Force, and was stationed overseas for two of my six assignments.  There was a comradarie being stationed overseas that you really can’t explain to those that have not experienced it.  Everyone is sacrificing life away from families (not necessarily kids and spouses, but sometimes–but always parents and siblings).  Fellow strangers in uniform aren’t.  There is a comfort in “knowing” what the others in uniform are going through.  And when the holidays come, even though we cannot spend them the way we did for years at home when growing up, we come together and make and share new memories.

When Cody and I arrived in Los Angeles in April of 2010 (barely over a year now), I looked at it like another temporary duty assignment in the military (except we were funding it!).  I was leaving my husband behind, but also with his support, was excited for the beginning of a new life being the mom of a child actor.  It’s interesting listening to the “naysayers” that like to claim “you’re exploiting your children for the sake of the almighty dollar” or whatever other reason they choose.  I have a son who, since he was 8 years old has said “mom, I want to be an actor” with a focus that I rarely see ADULTS have.  How can a parent deny a child their dream when you have the means to make it happen?  We couldn’t – especially since he kept PROVING he was serious.  And he still does.  Oh yes, and the money he makes?  It’s his.  Not mine, not my husbands.  And anyone that has been in a business for themselves knows how fast the expenses will deplete actual gross earnings.

So getting back to the original question; Is being the mom of a child actor a full time job?  Well…I always hate hearing this answer, but believe it or not, it is oh so accurate.  IT DEPENDS ON WHAT THE GOALS ARE.  I know one mom who’s son was in a movie with mine.  She wants to raise a family with her husband and really doesn’t want to drive two plus hours to Los Angeles every time her oldest (of three) gets an audition.  I can’t say I blame her.  Cody is an only child.  I have already told him that I am not so sure I could do this if he had a sibling that wasn’t interested in the entertainment world.

As for us, Cody’s focus amazes me on a daily basis.  Friends and family tell me it is because of me he is so focused.  I will take some credit – I am trying to teach him what I know about focus and putting your goals in to writing.  But he’s only twelve years old, and while still very much a kid, he’s not only auditioning, he’s writing scripts (he’s got SUCH an active imagination!), and wants to direct and produce projects as well.  I already know, without a doubt, my son will be an integral part of the entertainment world for the rest of his life.  And I LOVE spending my days watching it unfold as I take him to auditions and meet such wonderful people.

Cody recently wrote down his goals (again).  I am most amazed that one of them are that he wants to be an Academy Award Winning Actor – and that he wants to act in that movie by his birthday this year (September 15th).  I don’t know if it will happen, but I don’t know that it won’t either.  And if it doesn’t happen by then, that doesn’t matter.  My mastermind group always says “change the date – don’t change the goal.”

YES, for me being the mom of a child actor IS a full time job.  I’m getting my master’s degree in Business Management, with the focus in Marketing.  I want to market the work he is doing to the right people.  After all, it seems the more he works, the more work he gets!

 

This is Cody's newest Post Card

This is the front side of his latest post card.  We mail these out to our mailing list – snail mail as well as email (depending on preference) to let people know what he’s been doing.

In this past week, he ended up with six auditions.  Two, one a voiceover, and one for a guest appearance on a TV show, we got “short notice” meaning after 5 pm, and they were to be filmed/recorded and emailed BEFORE the next morning.  He did outstanding, and the TV show video was sent to producers.  We don’t know anything further yet (after all, it is a holiday weekend!), but that’s ok.  One of his “auditions” was actually a callback/producer/director session.  He booked a supporting role in Hell & Mr. Fudge as the young Mr. Fudge.  He is very excited, and very thankful to the casting director, producers and director of the film for such a wonderful opportunity (and…who knows…this could be that film in his goal list!)

As for me, over these past few months, I have continued to meet parents – mostly mom’s – supporting their kids as well.  This is NOT an “over night” sensation pie-in-the-sky dream for any of our kids.  I have, once again, become a part of a comraderie of people that nothing has to be said, there is just a “knowing” in what we are all dealing with, but yet an excellent support system to become a part of.  I’ve “heard of” the “stage mom’s” (and really, you DON’T want to be one of them!) yet I have been fortunate enough to not have to deal with any of them.  Supposedly this is a competitive industry, yet I don’t see it that way.  Each child is different, no matter how many “look” alike – and each project is different.  This is a business for the producers, and they want to hire the ones that fit the best in their project that will make money for them.  In reality, they want every single kid to book the job, but they also know the job can only go to one.  And that’s the one with the right “fit” with the rest of the cast.  To me, that is not a competition.  Competition assumes you have control over an outcome.

I deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and often, because of it, I think that I am “not doing enough” in my life.  One of the biggest things I learned just this past five months is that I am raising an outstanding kid to the best of my ability and that requires me to “be there” as much as possible.  I look at my PTSD as a blessing actually, because it has also taught me to pay attention to what my limitations are, and focus on the priorities one day at a time.  As much as I want to “DO” whatever else comes to mind, for now, regardless of his goals and dreams, my 12-year-old son is my priority.  I realize that once he becomes an adult, while I will still be a part of his life, he will very much have a life of his own (believe it or not, he has also mapped out his college and life as an adult…WOW).

If you have something to add, or questions, feel free to add or ask questions!  Writing this blog is one of “MY” things I have chosen to have for ME, so I don’t go completely insane!

Valerie Sullivan
Mom to Cody Sullivan
http://www.imdb.me/CodySullivan
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cody-Sullivan/129844847070985
Valerie@ValerieSullivan.net

 

 

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It has been busy this last month getting settled in.  I always mean to post more, but wow, a lot is going on!

Cody has been auditioning for some pilots, and today we officially found out that one he tested for he did not get.  More on this later.  This is our first pilot season here in Los Angeles, so we’re ready for being busy!

In this hectic month, we got new headshots for him.  His last ones were taken in April 2010, and it is amazing how much he has changed in just nine months!  Here are the ones his agents and manager chose out of the 300.  There were only about 10 I didn’t like, so it was nice to have their help!

Theatrical

Commercial

 

For those of you that don’t know, the difference between a Commercial Headshot and and a Theatrical Headshot is shown here.  Why have both?

To make it easy, commercial headshots are to bring to commercial auditions, and also to comedy auditions.  Theatrical is for the drama shows and films.

So now he’s ready to run with the new headshots!  Just in time for the auditions he’s getting.

Now, for the pilot he tested for.  It was for Disney, and while he did not get it, and he is a little disappointed, there is more to look at than “he just didn’t get it.”

For those of you that don’t know here is how the process works;

Auditions are usually what casting directors call “pre-reads” and they bring MANY in just for one role.

Callbacks can be the casting director bringing in the few they’ve narrowed down to to narrow down further, OR

It can also be a producer’s session.  This is where the producer’s are either in the room, or they will see the video (sometimes a combination of the two depending on how many producers there are).

Producer’s sessions can be multiple as well as the callbacks for the casting directors (there is no set number, it depends on the project).

Once the producer’s have narrowed it down, it goes to testing, and at this point there is just 2 or 3 for a role.  The various actors will come together to test and read together.  This is sometimes called a chemistry read.

The good points in this?  Cody made the casting director look great!   The producers also told him that he hit every single comedic timing point exactly as written and they wanted it.  He left a good impression.

Yes, he was a little disappointed–who wouldn’t be.  But he’s got a great attitude.  Of course, the fact that he had another audition today, and another scheduled for next week (so far) might have helped redirect his attention.  No, he didn’t get it, so he moves on to the next thing.  Honestly it is the best attitude to have–and I’m glad he has it.

See more of Cody’s headshots at: www.CodySullivan.com; www.nowcasting.com; or follow his fan page on facebook

 

 

 

 

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It’s been a while since I’ve posted.  With the holidays, Cody filming Uncle Bob’s Leg, and getting back out to California from Florida, getting into an apartment that had cats previously (bad smell AND I’m allergic…) it has been quite hectic, to say the least.

Hard to believe it's freeezing outside!

We got back in CA on Thursday night, and right away, Cody asked “Can I go to class tonight?!”  I was exhausted, but I could take a break and rest while he went to class, so we went.  Then he went again on Saturday and Sunday, and then had two auditions on Monday.  One was last minute–which means….always be prepared!

I get asked the question “is it really necessary to get your child actor training, I mean really, if they have it, they have it, if they don’t then oh well.”   I have heard of many famous actors that “fell in to acting”  or “I went to an audition because a friend of mine was going, and the rest is history.”  Honestly, child or adult, those are not the norm.

In Florida, Cody had Ann Marie at AMCTalent that helped prepare him to come out to LA.  Before Ann Marie was Darla and the Oz Theater productions.  Any time he got an audition while we were still in Florida, I scrambled to find someone, and unfortunately, those were the only two I knew of locally that could do coaching.  With their hectic schedules, he didn’t always get coached, but when he did, I saw the benefit.

Once we arrived in LA, I found Actorsite and it’s been such a Godsend to us.  They have one location just for the kids–which is the one I will talk about since it’s the one I am familiar with.  What sold me first was the fact that they have mock auditions with real casting directors at least three times a week.   These also include a question and answer session where parents and kids alike can ask the casting directors questions.  They have fantastic teachers there, and six days each week there is some type of opportunity for learning.  You can go to their website for additional information, or feel free to respond here with questions.

I will say, I have watched Cody continually improve.  He improved well before coming out to LA, however, since the opportunities in LA are daily, plus the actual auditions he goes on, his improvement has increased tremendously.  The best part, of course, is that he absolutely loves all of this.

So why not train him myself and save the money?  Well, there are a few reasons.  Primarily, I am not an actor (nor do I have the desire).  I’ll teach him about real estate–THAT I know.  Acting, it’s better that he gets trained elsewhere.  There are SO many nuances and techniques that I have watched him learn–they all make sense once I know about them, but this is like with any business.  If you’re going to learn how to do it right, go to the professionals that know what they are doing.  One thing about being in California, now, too, is that we have connections to people here that can and will coach via Skype if necessary when we are elsewhere.  Isn’t technology fantastic!?

So what’s the deal with training?  What do they teach these kids that we, as parents can’t already figure out.  Well, I’ve learned from the coaches as well, and now if I do anything, I only ask questions to get Cody thinking.  A good coach or teacher will help the actor break down a script, audition piece, also known as “sides.”  These are the 3-4 pages, sometimes more, sometimes less, that are used in the audition.  By breaking down the sides, various teachers will have various techniques, so that the child actually sounds like a child and not just someone reciting words.  The key is to sound “real” and “conversational.”  It’s not as easy as you might think.  There are also the emotions that go in to it.

Let me use an example…just about everyone I know can think of a movie or TV show where they have seen someone and right away they say “That’s a bad actor.”  I used to say that myself about a few.  I could never put my finger on it, until I started watching Cody get coached.  When we, as the viewer, are looking at the actor on TV, we have to BELIEVE they are the character.  If we don’t believe they are the character, they are a bad actor.  So what exactly are they doing, or not doing?  If you are talking to someone, you can TELL they are not listening to you because they are looking at something or someone else–it’s the same with an actor.  Also, what about mannerisms?  This may seem natural to us, but turn on a camera, and you have this small box.  It all turns out different–and sometimes pretty humorous!  That’s part of training as an actor as well.

We’re finally settling in to our routine here–if there is such a thing, and enjoying the roller coaster ride.  It sure is fun!