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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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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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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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Today we spent the day on the road, on the way to Arizona to visit my in-laws.  It was supposed to be for a week, then to Colorado for my niece’s Halloween wedding, and then drive home.  BUT, as with this business, things change!

Almost everything was packed to leave yesterday afternoon–just last minute stuff left, really.  We met with his manager, then with some friends.  While at the friend’s house, his manager called…he now has a callback Monday afternoon.  So as I am trying to figure out how we’re going to do this (I can call the landlord and see if she’ll let me stay a few more days; or leave and come back), either way, we WILL be back for this callback.  It’s what’s also called a producer’s session.  There will be others that have been called back as well, probably about ten, but when the casting director brings your child in for a producer’s session, it means that they are confident he or she can do the job.  Now it’s up to the producers to find the exact fit for their puzzle from the callbacks.   Knowing what it is the director and/or producers need or want won’t ever happen, so it’s best to not ever try and second guess them.

So after deciding that we’ll spend the weekend in Arizona and drive back for the callback, and having accommodations for Monday night confirmed, his agent calls and asks if he can be at another audition on the same day.  This one in Santa Monica, an hour prior to his callback in Burbank.  For those of you not from the Los Angeles area, this, on the map is only a 30 minute drive.  But in the afternoon, with the traffic, will take an hour and a half if you’re lucky.  Fortunately everyone was quite helpful in adjusting times for us so that I can get Cody to both.

In the last week while getting ready to leave Los Angeles, I have spoken to other parents, and it’s so interesting listening to their stories as well.  Learning how they handle and deal with the roller coaster ride.  One thing is that we’re all here because we want to be (or rather, our kids want to be).  But those of us who travel back and forth (where-ever the permanent home is), it’s kind of humorous to hear that every time you get ready to leave town, things will suddenly get busy!  That’s not to say it hasn’t been busy for us, as Cody has been getting auditions, and even callbacks.

One piece of advice that Cody’s acting coaches in Florida said multiple times; Darla and Ann Marie both continually said you can’t live your life hoping for that next booking, you have to go to the audition, go to the callback, train, but get on with your life.  You’ll go nuts otherwise.  But it’s still a rollercoaster.  I get motion sickness on roller coasters.  I’d rather deal with this kind, though.  It’s a lot more fun to me.

Cody has heard many times from casting directors and coaches, auditioning IS your job, so you need to love what you do.  If the casting directors don’t see that your having fun in the audition, why would they want to work with you on a set?  Fortunately he loves all aspects of this.  Except for missing home, his dad, and the dog.

So what happens if he books the callback?  I could make plans now, figure it all out, so that we’re ready, but really, that’s kind of silly.  I speak from experience.  Even though I don’t necessarily let Cody know, once in a while, I will (for WHATEVER reason) see that THIS audition/callback would be PERFECT, timing, filming, place, etc, and then I start making plans and figuring out what needs to be adjusted.  Only to find out it’s not going further.  After the third time I realized this was a futile effort (even though I continually hear Ann Marie & Darla saying “get on with your life”!)  Sometimes THAT is easier said than done, especially if the ONLY reason you are in Los Angeles is because your child wants to act.

Some of the parents I have met have jobs that allow them the flexibility to telecommute (don’t you just LOVE technology!), others just flat make the move as a family; some families split time between two homes, but either way they manage one way or another.   You have to figure out what will work for you.  I don’t know how full-time stay-at-home parents do it, though.  I have a LOT of respect for them.  This is the second time in my son’s 12 years that I’ve done the full-time stay-at-home bit.  The first time I went stir-crazy after four months…I’ve made it seven this time, but I have other projects I am working on this time, too, that allow me the flexibility I need to accomplish this.

So are you ready for the roller coaster ride?  My son has booked quite a bit just since being in Los Angeles, and it is a different world for boys than it is for girls.  I can’t speak for those with girls that go through this.  I only know what this is like as the mom of a boy.  And I am finding out talking with various parents the true difference.  The ones that understand both sides the best are those that have both a boy and girl in acting.

So what’s next?  We’ll see what happens after Monday, if we need to re-adjust or not.   Either way, I’m having fun, and so is Cody, so I guess that’s all that matters!

Valerie

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Headshots.  You’ve heard the word, you know they are necessary, but you’re not sure what exactly they get used for.  Are they expensive?  What are agents looking for?

Well, as you are getting in to this world, there are a few things to keep in mind.  All agents are different, and what they think will work will be different.  If you don’t have an agent yet for your child, don’t sweat “what if I get headshots taken now, get an agent, and then they want something different?”

I will tell you the MAIN secret that any agent, manager and casting director is looking for.  That the headshot look like the person it is portraying.  If you have an 8-year old girl, don’t dress her in formal outfits and make-up (even lipstick) for her headshots if that is not what she will show up at an audition wearing.  Glamour shots are NOT headshots.

When I was first learning about headshots, it made my head spin.  Theatrical headshots, commercial headshots, how many should I have, who should take the pictures, how many copies do I need, what will we do with them?  Also, what you would buy for wallets, and family and friends, is not necessarily what will work for a headshot.

Models have “comp cards” and I won’t be covering those here.  They are completely different from headshots for an actor.

Theatrical headshot

For starters, this is a “theatrical” headshot.  It means that it is a headshot where you are close-mouthed–dramatic-type and NOT smiling.  At first it threw me off because I thought it meant “for theater” (hence, theatrical) and that is not the case at all.  When going in for an audition for a serious part, whether film or television (versus comedy, or commercials), this is the type of headshot the casting director will require.

Commercial headshot

This is a commercial headshot.  It is used for commercial auditions, and for the upbeat, comedy-type shows and films.  A commercial headshot shows a warm natural smile (WITH TEETH).  There are times when my son doesn’t know which he should bring in, so he just brings one of each in to the casting director and lets them pick which they prefer.  This is his career, and he has to learn and remember, so he is the one that makes sure each headshot he turns in has his resume attached to the back of it.

And you’ll notice, these are not full-body pictures.  Those are required for model’s comp cards, not actors.  The most they want to see from an actor’s headshot is about stomach level on up, and that you can see the face and eyes.  And of course, it bears repeating, that it looks like your child!

Now, what about costs?  How much should headshots cost?  Of course costs vary according to who your photographer is.  From Los Angeles to Northwest Florida, I have seen them cost as little as $150 for 2 “looks” (outfits).  And that was in Los Angeles.  Beware of photographers that tell you they can “guarantee” you a booking or part because of their pictures.  I have not experienced myself, but have heard of scams out there that will “promise” you will be in a movie or on TV, or a “big star” if you use them to get your headshots taken with them, or this person that they know.  It is ALWAYS your choice who to use.

When you are looking for a photographer, ask to see previous work they have done.  Also, ensure they will sign over rights to you of any of the pictures they take.  No matter where you take them to get reproduced, you will most likely need to provide proof that you have authorization to get so many copies made.

How often do you need to get new headshots taken?  If your child is very young to where they are changing from month to month, I wouldn’t worry about spending $150 every few months to a professional photographer, unless you can get one that will do a deal for you.  Taking regular pictures/snapshots with your own camera should suffice.  As a child gets older, though, it will depend on how fast they change.  If you have headshots from where your child is 6, and they are now 10, it’s likely they have changed, and “look 6” in the headshot, but they don’t in person.  Then it’s time to get new ones.

The time frame between getting new headshots for my son has been about 18 months.

SO exactly WHEN do you need headshots?  If you don’t have an agent,  they will want to see a headshot to determine whether or not they have anyone like you’re kid on their books.

Also, every single audition your child goes on, he or she MUST have a headshot to give to the casting director.  Sometimes you will show up and they say they don’t need it, but more often than not, they will need one.  You’re better to be prepared than not.

If you decide you want to mail headshots out to casting directors, you will need copies for these as well.  This is NOT a requirement.  It all depends on what marketing strategy you choose for getting your child’s face out there.

So where can you get all these headshots reproduced?  In Los Angeles there are many places where you can get multiple copies for a good price.  Outside Los Angeles, though, if you are only going on a few auditions a month, there is no need to buy in bulk.  You can print them at home, order on-line, get them at the local drugstore, Wal-mart, Sam’s, or Costco.

I hope this helps you to understand the big deal about headshots.  It was SO confusing to me at first, especially considering I don’t come from an entertainment industry background.

Feel free to comment or ask questions!

Have a wonderful day!

Valerie