Why Sign Up with a Child Talent Agency?
So you’ve decided that you and your child might give this modelling and acting thing a whirl. You’ve done your research and understand all the work that’s involved. But now that you’re ready for the off, you’re starting to wonder if you really need an agent at all. Can’t you just do it all yourself?
The simple answer to that is yes, you can.
But that doesn’t mean that you should.
Yes, we know what you’re thinking; of course an agency is going to recommend that you sign up with an agency. But trust us on this one; signing up with a child talent agency will make your life a whole lot easier. Here’s why.
Better exposure
A good agency will have an extensive network of contacts that its agents have worked years to build up. This network will include photographers, makeup artists, casting directors, marketing executives at top brands, coaches, and even other talent agents.
This puts an agent in the perfect position to get your child’s portfolio in front of as many eyes in the industry as possible. And better exposure inevitably means more opportunities.
More audition experience
More opportunities mean more auditions. While it may seem a little rough on your child to go through so many castings, the experience will stand them in good stead in the months and years to come.
Even though your child may not be doing any paid work at this stage, the time spent auditioning will give them a good feel for what casting directors usually expect from them. This familiarity breeds confidence, and if your child is feeling confident, then the chances are they’ll enjoy what they’re doing a whole lot more.
Training opportunities
Unless you have spent some time modelling or acting yourself, you may not be familiar with the techniques that your child may have to learn to improve their skills. An agent can put you in touch with the right coach to help your child, and that’s the power of their network in action right there!
Some agencies will go one better and offer your child in-house training and workshops covering the basics of acting and modelling. This is something we do here at Bubblegum, and it’s hugely popular with the kids and parents on our books.
No inadvertent mistakes
In the world of child modelling and acting, there are many little things that you should and shouldn’t do. Like for example, did you know that it’s not really the done thing to ask a casting director for feedback? Pushy and over-eager parents are also sometimes frowned upon as some casting directors feel they are too much trouble to deal with.
Your agent will make sure that you know where the boundaries lie and that you don’t make any inadvertent mistakes that could limit your child’s opportunities. You really don’t want to be the person that sabotaged their child’s modelling and acting career.
More time for you to support your child
We’re not going to lie; while child talent agency work is hugely rewarding, it’s also extremely tiring. We’re constantly keeping tabs on the latest ad campaigns and film projects lined up for the coming year while maintaining contact with the parents and children on our books.
As a parent going it alone, you won’t have to deal with other children, but you will have to keep a close eye on the industry and watch out for suitable roles for your child. For someone new to the industry, this alone can take up a considerable amount of time.
With an agent working on your child’s behalf, you never have to worry about this. You can spend more time focusing on the important stuff like supporting your child and helping them practice for auditions.
If you’re still prepared to look for acting and modelling opportunities without an agent, then we genuinely wish you the best of luck. On the other hand, if you’d rather have a little more time with your child and take advantage of our extensive network of contacts and decades of experience, then apply now to join us here at Bubblegum.
