Talent
Casting

  

 

Summer's here and the time is right - at least that's what many child-actor hopefuls are feeling as they flock to Los Angeles like birds migrating to warmer weather to attend classes, camps and conventions.  Well, the weather is warm. We can pretty much guarantee that, but when it comes to landing representation and ultimately booking jobs, there are definitely no guarantees.  That's why aspiring child actors and their parents need to set themselves up with the best possible chances at success before they commit themselves to the expense.

 

So, how do you get yourself in front of top-notch agents, managers and casting directors? Certainly one approach is to attend some form of a camp, class or convention - many of which take place in major hubs during the summer - where qualified pros are brought in by the organizers to meet with and evaluate young hopefuls.  This year alone, thousands of families migrated from the smaller markets to the major hubs (California, New York, Florida) probably encouraged to attend after having completed some form of basic training in their home towns.  

 

Are classes, camps and conventions necessary for a successful career?

 

In terms of classes, the answer is yes. To make it in this industry, your young performer (over age six) should be enrolled in some sort of program that will further his/her performance education. It is not a question of whether a child must take classes, but rather a question of which ones to choose.  

 

"A child over six must be in class!" commented Jacque Pedersen of All American Rascals Talent Agency. "Any youth client of mine must be in class(es) on an ongoing basis. That is the only way they stay sharp and competitive." 

 

And what about camps and conventions?

 

With the word 'scam' being flung around like hash-browns at a diner, it's no wonder everyone is confused as to whether or not experiences such as these are legitimately beneficial to aspiring young performers. Do real professionals actually attend and find talent?

 

"Industry professionals do attend camps and conventions," explains CIF President Toni Casala." The problem is, agents and managers are often reluctant to speak out about their experiences. Their intention is to be where the best talent is competing, so they attend with the hope that the event will be a good one, and many are. However, sometimes they end up at an event that just doesn't sit well with them.  Now they're in an uncomfortable position - anyone who attended that particular event and felt ripped off can gripe, publically, thus ruining a professional's reputation. The pro may have been there honorably, but that won't matter to the disgruntled parent who is now blogging anonymously and obsessively on the web."

 

Parents also question whether or not professionals attend these events simply because their pockets are being lined by the companies putting on the events.

 

"In our experience the per diem given to these professionals is barely enough to cover the costs they, a reputable pro, may incur from being away from their office.  Assistants must be in place to answer phones, make client submissions and keep the office running," said Casala. "However, there are some pros who attend these events simply because they enjoy traveling gratis, and mingling with other pros, all while collecting a small per diem and sometimes signing a client or two."  

 

It's very important for parents to know who will be evaluating your child at any camp or convention. Be certain that these pros have the backgrounds and experience to really make a difference in your child's future.  

 

Reality: People have been ripped off. There are people who will take advantage of your vulnerability, desire for success and lack of knowledge.  This is why it is extremely important for parents to do their research before choosing which classes, camps and/or conventions their children will participate in as they take a gamble (yes, it's a gamble) in the showbiz industry.  

 

For those who reside in major markets year-round, there are a variety of effective choices when it comes to your child's entertainment education. Unfortunately, however, those of you who live in smaller markets have limited options. You may be under the assumption that your child is receiving the kind of training it takes to make it in a major market, and that the professional you are turning to has your best interest at heart when in fact it is possible that your child hasn't been adequately prepared for a big talent competition.    

 

"One thing that we have been told by industry professionals who attend conventions and showcase performances is that most of the kids that attend are simply not ready," explained Casala. "But we also find that if the parents' expectations are to come out and get a taste of a Hollywood experience, run with the big fish, and moreover, just have fun, they are less likely to feel scammed than those parents who are under the impression that success is a guarantee."

 

Show Business - it's a business after all, not a charity. And like any business there are people out there who want to capitalize off of it. There are also many well qualified industry pro's who need to charge, and deserve to be paid for their time.  The fact is, you will be more prone to those who want to take advantage of you if you haven't first done your homework. 

 

So how do you know if the training your child is about to receive is legitimate?  

 

How do you really know if the intentions of the industry professionals at these events are genuine and whether or not they are ultimately searching for new talent? The answer: you do your due-diligence and you dig deep. 

  

This is our annual convention report -  

 

and yes, Children In Film representatives most definitely attend a variety of camps, classes and conventions. Why? Because we want a front row seat. We know exactly which industry pros are attending.  We know if they are signing kids.  We know if families are finding their experiences to be beneficial and we report this information back to our members every year.  We don't provide you with hearsay from the sidelines, but rather a detailed investigation which includes feedback from our community... your community!

 

So in honor of summer (the time when many camps, conventions, classes, workshops and more are held throughout the country), Children In Film did some serious digging in the sand.  We conducted surveys, spoke with a variety of industry professionals and met hundreds of parents and kids. We interviewed coaches, camp owners, heads of conventions and more in order to help set the record straight.