The Hunt, The Wait

Watch out! It is very easy to be taken advantage of when looking for representation. There are companies that will charge a one time 3 or 5 year fee to refer you to agents. While it all sounds very believable, it took one call to a SAG franchised agent to tell me they are operating illegally. That information alone took two meetings with companies off my agenda. It also doesn't hurt to check out www.ripoffreport.com.

Things you need to get started: photos or headshots, an agent, a work permit and a coogan trust account. Once you get representation from an agent, they'll make sure you have what you need.

Work Permit- This application form is filled out by the parent, the doctor and then mailed or walked into the local Division of Labor office in your neighborhood. After about 15 minutes in my local office, I had permits in hand.

I'm a new parent, I take photos. A lot of photos. I'm also a salesperson- always have been. I had tons of photos, but I wanted to make a GOOD impression for agents. So, I called up a local photographer I knew. She took amazing photos and I plan on working with her in the future for updates. It's recommended that photos be updated every 3-6 months. Unless, of course, you want your one year old looking a little premature.

The hunt for representation began. I started going down the list, targeting agencies that specialize in representing youth. I called and asked if I can submit photos by email and usually was able to get a positive response (hey, it saves on wasted resources if they choose not to represent your child). I preferred sending photos to the people who picked up the phone and sounded nice. Not everyone is exactly pleasant, especially in entertainment. They can be preoccupied or stressed about some project- I got a few "just mail it in" remarks... i didn't.

By the end of the week I had a handful of agencies that expressed interest. It took the work of one agent to shine to make decision. She was motivated to sign me up and continued communication with me throughout the weekend- while every one else was 'out til monday'.

Now its the sit and wait game. I make sure I turn on call forwarding- should I get a call for a job when I'm away from the house. I check and supply my diaper bag and make sure that the file folder with their permit information is ready to go. No telling when a job might happen, but we're ready when it does.