Anyone have kids who model or act?!

Question

My daughter is a pre-teen and still expresses interest in wanting to do commercials, background roles and modeling clothes for companies. We are in a pretty rural area, and the closest talent agency near us wants $2000 “for skills classes.” This seems odd to me. Of course if she absolutely NEEDS it I’ll pay- but I just got a weary feeling about that. 
Does anyone have experience in this? Can I not just self submit her photos to places? 
She’s got headshots, but no acting reels and no experience. I don’t want her to think that her dream isn’t reachable.

Answer

Hi. I acted professionally for decades. ANY agency that is asking for money up front is a scam. Full stop. Unfortunately, being in a rural area you are very much at a disadvantage, but I’d check for agencies in the nearest  cities. Expect to start tiny. And very very slowly. And expect to do TONS of driving for stuff. And yeah, she’ll need acting classes and headshots etc. it’s not a cheap thing to get into. But the agency should not require specific ones and definitely shouldn’t be requiring them through their own agency (offering is fine. Recommending is fine. Requiring is a giant no). 
The good news is a LOT more projects are doing first round auditions at least, on tape (not so much “local” stuff..but tons more tv shows and movies will do round one on tape now. This trend started nearly a decade ago and has only grown). Good luck!

Answer

If you’re making money then the agency is making money. They take a percentage off of what you’d make per casting (model/commercials/acting gigs etc). The classes are there to help her but $2k is unusual. If she does want to get into acting and commercials classes will benefit her especially in the long run! Do your research on the agency before hand and don’t be afraid to call and ask questions. It’s really important to be signed with a great agency who doesn’t take advantage. That industry is cut throat and if you want it definitely go for it!l 👏🏽 The agency will put in just as much as work as you put in. For example, if you’re slacking on castings or go-sees then you’ll kind of fade off the radar and they’ll slack on finding work for you. Hopefully this helps! Speaking from experience! Feel free to message me with any more questions 🤍  I don’t want to leave a novel on here lol

Anyone have kids who model or act?!

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