Archive for the ‘imdb.com’ Tag
I find that that now every time I watch a movie or a TV show and I see a kid on it, I wonder “Who IS that kid?” I never did this before having a kid in the business. Sometimes I wonder if it makes me a nut that I now want to know “more” about who I am seeing on TV. One thing I do like, though, is that I can go to the Internet Movie Data Base and look up the TV show or movie, and usually find out who is in it, and then find out what other projects they have done. I find this helpful when I see a face that looks familiar but I cannot remember from where – so now I no longer have to wake up at 2 a.m. and say “NOW I REMEMBER!” before I go back to sleep!
Let me sleep!
I do like that I have a place to search information on projects now. IMDB, while it is a subsidiary of Amazon, is a great resource for checking out projects Cody is auditioning for as well as producers, directors, casting directors, and even agents and managers. I never thought I would become so familiar with a website! When I did start using it, I found interesting that these “sudden overnight sensations” had been in the business for years and had many projects on their resume. Most actors and actresses are not like Lana Turner, who was “discovered” while sitting at an ice cream counter in a drug store. Those are few and far between. Most actors are busting their behinds doing what they love, the fame, from what I am seeing, is secondary.
Please share if you have any resources you use to check out projects!
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
Hi!
Cody has been busy as always. He filmed for an episode of Criminal Minds that will air on March 30th on CBS. He had SO much fun! He plays 10-year old Ben. On March 25th, the film he was in last summer The Measure of a Man will premiere in Bakersfield, CA, at The Fox Theatre. It will be fun to see the cast and crew again. We are all very excited.
Happy to be on set!
For those of you not in the Los Angeles market, I know there are a lot of questions. I had (and still have) plenty. Ann Marie Crouch at AMCTalent was a huge help in getting him prepared to come to Los Angeles. The help she gave BOTH of us, gave us both more confidence for coming out here. For Cody, it was confidence getting in front of Casting Directors, for me, the confidence in making such a big commitment.
In an effort to get more information out there, especially to those that cannot uproot their families to move to a “bigger” market, I asked Ann Marie if she would be willing to be interviewed for my blog. “ABSOLUTELY” was her response–boy I love her! She’s always so positive!
Anyway, here goes!
Valerie: How do I know my child is right for acting/modeling?
Ann Marie: The question is “IS my child interested in acting or modeling?” If so, contact a local licensed agency to find out their needs and requirements.
Valerie: My child wants to be a model/actor, but I don’t know if it’s right for him/her, how do I know?
Ann Marie: Have your child try out a class or two. With children the main thing is if they are interested in it. For children in modeling and acting it is all about personality. If they LOVE it we see it on the camera. For acting, techniques will come.
Valerie: I’m concerned about all the scams I hear about, regarding photographers, internet sites, agencies, etc. How do I know which are the best sites, photographers, agencies so that I don’t waste my money?
Ann Marie: Agents should never charge a fee to be with their agency. Agencies make their money by taking a percentage from work their talent gets. Some agencies do require a fee for their website upkeep. This is then your choice if you would like to pay to be on their website.
Before you spend money on a photoshoot do speak with an agency as they may be able to refer a reputable photographer. Agents can tell if a person has potential for modeling through snapshots.
Internet sites. If you are paying to see castings going on in Los Angeles but would not be able to get out there for an audition or job then I would suggest not paying for the site. If there is a local site or place you would be able to travel to then it could be helpful. Always do your homework about anything you may be spending money on.
Valerie: I think my child would be a great actor/model, but they really don’t seem to be interested, how do I get them interested in this?
Ann Marie: If a child is not interested in acting or modeling I definitely would not push it no matter how “cute” they are. Agents can see right away a child’s interest and concentration level. It has to be FUN for them to look real and fun in the camera.
Valerie: What is the difference between an agent and a manager?
Ann Marie: Agent book jobs. They submit the talent’s pictures and work out contracts. Talent usually only hears from their agent if there is a casting or booking.
Managers usually work with a smaller group of talent as their main job is to prepare the talent for possible work. Managers can even help submit talent to agencies for representation. Managers are much more one on one with talent. Helping to mold their career.
Valerie: I talked to someone that said they are an agent, but before they represent my child, they said I have to do a photoshoot with their photographer and pay for acting classes first. Is this normal, or it is a scam?
Ann Marie: As a former model/actress for LOTS of years I feel very strongly about this question. Especially now that I am an agent and teach. When modeling my self I would definitely look into the photographer’s my agent referred because I knew the agent liked their pictures and most likely would get the pictures needed the first time around. In the end it was my choice. Agents should never “require” that you use “their” photographer or take “their” classes to be with their agency. If you have the training already and the agent feels you are “bookable” then it would be in their best interest to submit you.
Valerie: My child has an agent in another town (Altanta, New Orleans, Orlando), but they are not being called for auditions. Why would this happen?
Valerie: Make sure the agent has updated pictures for modeling and updated headshot and resume for acting. It is in the agent’s best interest to submit all of the talent fitting the criteria asked for by a client as the agent only makes money if their talent is booked on a job. Your child may be submitted for jobs on a regular basis but you will not hear about submissions. You will only hear from the agent if they need something, your child has an audition or booking.
Valerie: Is it possible to have my child in an acting/modeling career without going to New York or Los Angeles?
Ann Marie: Yes, yes, yes. Maybe not to actually make a living at acting or modeling but they can enjoy both in smaller markets. The size of the markets definitely will determine the amount of work.
Valerie: If I want to take my child to Los Angeles or New York market, what is the best avenue to make that happen?
Ann Marie: Prepare before you go. Work on training and adding to your resume or portfolio before you spend the money to go to the larger markets. You want to go there ready to sign with an agency and audition. Take your time to prepare and speak to those who are knowledgeable about the market.
Thank you so much to Ann Marie Crouch at AMCTalent for taking the time to answer these questions! If anyone out there has additional questions, feel free to ask them here. If I don’t know the answer, I will ask Ann Marie to chime in with her answer.
That’s all for now!
Valerie Sullivan
momager to Cody Sullivan
www.CodySullivan.com
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Maybe the better question is “How do I know if this is just a phase (or not) that my kid is going through? What is involved?
Well, the ultimate answer…you don’t. Think of it this way, how do you know it’s a good idea to get your son or daughter in to football, piano, guitar, soccer, tae kwon do, or any other activity? You start by getting them lessons, or trying out for the football or soccer team.
When he was in 3rd grade, my son brought home a flyer from school advertising the Oz local children’s community theater. He said he wanted to be in the play “Oliver” that fall.
Cody's first production, Oliver!
In first grade, he had played football for a season. He wanted to quit before the season was over (it’s too hard to play football when you’re busy flirting with the cheerleaders!) So imagine my hesitation that he would quit this before it was done. He wasn’t allowed to quit the football season in the middle, and I made sure he realized he would have to have the same commitment with this new activity.
I’d always thought he would be great in theater or acting because he was melodramatic over even the smallest things by the time he was 2! But I didn’t want to push him, either.
The good thing about how Darla does her productions, she allows for a six week “training” class, teaching the kids (in their eyes it’s playing) about performing on stage.
After six weeks she does a showcase, where parents can come and watch the kids “showcase” what they’ve done in the last six weeks. At this point, they make the decision to commit fully to be a part of this production she puts on, but she also lets kids and parents alike know what this means. Doing a play is a commitment. You can’t just show up when you feel like it. You are a part of the team, and everyone is needed to make sure everything runs smoothly. It can be time intensive, too.
When it got to “production week” (rehearsals every night prior to opening night), my son informed me that he wanted to be an actor. He was definitely more committed to doing this that football!
Ann Marie has also been a big help. She’s an acting coach and talent agent in our little area of Northwest Florida. She also teaches classes in blocks; more for models and film/tv actors than theater.
If you live anywhere else, it’s just a matter of doing some research to find out what your town offers.
Before my son told me he wanted to be an actor, I thought him doing that first play (Oliver!) was a great idea for so many reasons. This teaches him about teamwork, and how important it is to be a part of something bigger than him. It teaches him how to give it his all, in front of a crowd, and how much goes on behind the scenes to put on a successful play.
I didn’t know at first if it was a good idea to get him in to this, but getting the feedback from Darla (at first–he did five plays with her…then we met Ann Marie) was VERY helpful.
Things that I noticed before Oliver! was finished. My son’s grades started improving. He didn’t argue with me on getting his schoolwork done. His self-confidence increased, too. He always spoke so quietly (except when he was outside with his friends!) but once he was taught how to “speak up and project!” he wasn’t so quiet (although we still deal with this on occasion).
Just like with football, soccer, piano, guitar, drum or tae kwon do lessons; you try it for a while, and see how they do. They’re your kids, they will let you know if they want to continue or not. If not, don’t push it.
It has been interesting being out here in Los Angeles in that casting directors to point out to parents, “make sure it’s your kid that wants to do this and not you.” In this world, when a kid comes in for an audition, and they don’t want to be there, they are not having fun or would rather be at their best friend’s birthday party, then you are wasting your time, and everyone else’s time. The casting director won’t give someone a callback (a chance to work on the TV show or film) who doesn’t want to be there–because there are so many others that DO want to be there. So why waste your time?
On the other hand, if you’ve got a child that keeps bugging you, and the feedback you get from the teacher(s) you get is positive and you start wondering what’s next? You take it one step at a time. You do research, you ask questions, and follow up. And keep asking them if they are serious…
My son’s ultimate goal is to be in a movie with Zac Efron and Jim Carrey, directed by Ron Howard. This is an awesome goal, and everyone should have goals. Keep in mind, though, that being an actor of any sort takes time, and a lot of work. Yes, Lana Turner was discovered while sitting at a soda fountain eating ice cream, but the majority of “overnight successes” that you see have been at their chosen profession for years. It’s the same with singers, actors, performers of any kind. As an example, if you go to http://www.imdb.com and search on your favorite actor’s name, you’ll see a history of the projects they’ve worked on (whether they are projects you have heard of or not.)
My son is just starting in this business and his page on imdb is http://www.imdb.me/codysullivan. While he’s worked on five total projects since March, currently only one is on imdb.
But if you look at Ron Howard’s page at
http://pro.imdb.com/name/nm0000165/
you see his long history (granted, we all know he started in this business at age 4, but it shows how much goes on this page).
If you have a favorite actor, or one you see a lot, http://www.imdb.com is a great place to go look to see what that actor has done, and how many projects he or she has worked on before they “made it big.” This is not meant to discourage you or your child, but to make you realize that “overnight sensations” are rare.
Bottom line? It is a commitment at any level. If you don’t know how serious your child is, take in to consideration all your factors. Everyone has work considerations, as well as family considerations. It’s a family decision at any level, and the support needs to be there. Just like with soccer, football, tae kwon do, piano, or any other activity.
If you have comments or questions, feel free to join in the discussions!
Valerie
Momofachildactor's Blog 