What type of talent do you represent and for what types of projects?

CESD is a bi-coastal agency representing top celebrities, actors, models, voice over actors and puppeteers. We have departments for film, television, commercials, modeling and voice over. We provide across the board representation. We have a staff of approximately 40 in each office. My desk is the beginning point for a young actor or model's journey. As Director of Youth Commercial and Youth Print, I handle professional established talent as well as developmental talent.  

What do you look for in new potential talent?  

I look for talent who have successful careers and who have a body of work that can be promoted or who have some following in the industry. The name on the door says "Talent Agency," and that is always primary for me. Beyond sheer talent, I seek an affable, confident child who loves people, and who loves talking with adults.

If I am scouting new developmental talent, I focus in on those who have taken command of their talents and those who have some experience performing. There are iconic youth prototypes which recur and there is a steady level of demand for great actors and improvisational actors as well as the prototypes of the "aspirational" athlete, the hip kid, the class clown, the cool skater kid the beautiful, the cerebral, and the quirky.

What's your way of determining if they have the "it" factor?  

How should a CIF Member schedule an interview with you? 

The best ways to submit for representation are by mail to CESD or email; or a referral call from someone who knows me; or a management referral. Our website can guide those looking to submit to additional departmental or office addresses and agents responsible. I open the child submission mail first in our department because print and commercials, my areas, require a constant renewal of talent. Most of my clients refer friends and neighbors and talent they meet at auditions to me. I am open to beginners, and I appreciate those with experience.

 Carol Lynn Sher is an active member of ChildrenInFilm.com. Simply check out her profile for her CESD web address or to contact her for email and snail-mail information. Remember, as an Enhanced Member of CIF you have a built in "referral system" when you contact a pro through the site. If seeking a manager, seek one who will be able to provide you with referrals to the agents you want to get the chance to know.

When is the best time of year, for you and your agency, to find and meet with new potential talent? 

We always need new talent because kids change so fast. For commercials and modeling, CESD handles young talent ages 4-21. The baby department will accept new submissions of babies ages 5 - 12 months.

We are busiest during the traditional school year. We make time every week for representation meetings all year, excluding holidays. In a week, I average 60 submissions via US mail, and around 75 via email. I field 30-50 referral calls per week. I am not able to return cold submission calls. I will respond to a great face and type and I do personally go through all of my emails. Professional photos for submission are not required. I can tell from a snap-shot, the general idea of the look of the talent or model. Parents should be careful to make the shots non-returnable and make them very natural shots. I just need to see the talent, preferably looking at the camera. Show me a smile, even if that shows braces or an incomplete set of teeth.