02/01/2023
“Kids, you could be a big star and work on popular TV shows! Call this number now!”
I hear that radio commercial pretty much every time I’m in my car. Chances are, if your kids have heard it, they’ve probably begged you to call so they can be on TV. But…are ‘talent showcases’ like that the right way to get your child into acting or modeling? (Spoiler: nope, it’s a total scam. Definitely don’t call that number!)
I started shooting for Cameo Kids several years ago (photographers, if you’re wondering how I approached the agency to work with them, that will be a Tips Tuesday in a few weeks!). Since then, the kids and teens I’ve photographed have gone on to book jobs in movies, TV, voiceover, print, and fashion. They even booked me in a commercial for Hasbro, which you can see at the end of this post. 😉
So, you want to know the right way to get into the industry? Here are the six steps to get your kiddos modeling and acting!
1. Make sure modeling or acting is right for your kids.
Kids that are successful in modeling and acting:
Can take direction well
Are respectful toward adults and other kids
Are outgoing in new situations, and with new people (a few minutes to warm up is okay)
Enjoy attention
Can handle rejection or disappointment
Babies that are successful:
Have a very unique or a very classic look
Enjoy attention
Are reactive and have a variety of facial expressions
Have a long(er) attention span
Are comfy with strangers and new settings
If you can picture your child being excited to walk onto a brightly-lit TV commercial set surrounded by strangers, they’re good to go for acting. If your child is more shy, but has unique features (like red hair or dark skin and blue eyes), they might be better suited to just model. Either way, it’s key that your child wants to get involved and is a part of the decision process. If it’s right for them, it can be a great way for your child to view the behind-the-scenes world of media. Knowing how a movie or advertisement is produced is valuable for a generation that is marketed to constantly.
