Ah, modern day technology... isn't it grand!?  We can secure representation for our child actor from the comfort and convenience of our home computer.  We can follow industry pros on Facebook and Twitter to learn the inside scoop, and...drum roll please... our children can indeed work in the industry even if we don't set up camp underneath the Hollywood sign.   But is making it in showbiz from another town really as easy as it sounds?

Joann Perahia, mother of Alex and Philip Haussmann (who starred in the film "2012") gave CIF an honest assessment of the situation. The family is technically a quick ride into Manhattan.  However, they have never had to make a permanent move out side of the state of New York.  She admits that not living in Los Angeles hasn't been easy.

"Prior to ["2012"] no one would represent the boys from L.A. unless we lived there," she explained.

But making it in Hollywood as an outsider is indeed possible.  Spencer Breslin, Bailee Madison, Keke Palmer, Demi Lovato (and her sisters, Madison and Dallas) in addition to a number of current CIF members (including blogger, Carl Sprayberry's children) all have success stories about making it before a major or permanent move.  So what's the secret? 

To start, you have to find the proper and willing representation.  

"You must first get a [local] agent or manager who gets casting breakdowns all over the country, and has the ability to convince those in LA/NYC to do video auditions," explained Joann.

Then you must be diligent about gaining a Hollywood-connected agent or manager who will work with out of state talent.  Annet McCroskey of Artistic Endeavors is one such manager.  

"I have found some wonderful talent in other states who are working consistently in both their home state and Los Angeles," explained McCroskey. 

A History Lesson

In the old days (yes, oh so long ago in the 20s and 30s), the majority of productions were done through movie studios. To get technical with terms, a movie studio is a company that distributes films, but literally speaking a movie studio is a controlled environment (such as a sound stage or backlot) where industry pros make motion pictures. The vast majority of these studios were in Los Angeles, but today they are spreading throughout the country.

"New Orleans, Atlanta, Chicago and a little bit in Oklahoma," listed McCroskey. "Michigan, Florida and North Carolina - they all have quite a lot of projects slated to film there due to tax incentives and beautiful locations. Kids from other areas bring a unique quality and a certain authenticity to a character."

A Geography Lesson

With the onset of tax incentives for productions in states other than California, films, television and commercials are being shot all over.  In addition to McCroskey's list, States like Missouri, Texas and Arizona are home to many productions for this reason.  Chicago and New York City are major hubs for advertising and theater, and Canada too is a hotspot. Have a map in front of you? If you mark the areas listed above, we're pretty sure one of them is going to be within your reach.  In fact, check out our online article to find out what it takes to be considered a local hire.

Getting Started in Your State

The best way to launch your career from out of town is to follow the casting process.  Once you understand the process, the KidStart program can walk you through each step.  Do your homework and learn all there is to know about the business as a whole and the way it relates to your home town. This way you'll know how and where to seek opportunities and how to avoid scams.

"Become a big fish in your small pond," suggested Brian Vermeire of Holdon Log, "and track your success securing representation, attending casting calls, and booking work."  This way you'll know the right time to make the move to a bigger hub, if that is the path you choose to take.

To learn important tips for launching your career outside of Los Angeles, with additional advice from Annet McCroskey and parent, Joann Perahia