Content provided in partnership with

Raising A Superstar Brandy Arjay Raeven - managing child celebrities

Black Enterprise, Dec, 1999 by Shawn E. Rhea

<< Page 1 Continued from page 3. Previous | Next

Getting your child an agent is essential, but it can be difficult. Tracy Stewart-Kaplan, an agent with Aria Model & Talent Management, says that parents should first identify the agencies and, if possible, draft a wish list of agents whom they would like to have represent their child. She notes that some agencies (visit www.black enterprise.com for a list) have children's divisions. Send your child's photos and resume to those agencies and give them a couple of weeks to contact you. "With a little kid under 10, there's not a whole lot you can do beyond sending pictures. When they get a little older--around 12--that's when experience becomes important," notes Stewart Kaplan.

Most Popular Articles in Business: Research and Markets : Tesco Plc - SWOT Framework Analysis; Do Us a Flavor - Ben & Jerry's Issues a Call for Euphoric New Flavors; eBay made easy: ready to start an eBay business? These 5 simple steps will ...; Katrina's lawsuit surge: a legal battle to force insurers to pay for flood ...; Wal-Mart's newest distribution center opened last month near the southwest ...; More »

There are a few other steps that you can take. Ask a friend whose child has an agent if she can recommend your child. Be prepared for her to say no, however. Agents take client referrals very seriously, and no client wants to jeopardize her relationship by recommending a child who may not be ready for representation.

If your child is going to be in a substantial community theater or semiprofessional production, send postcards inviting agents to attend the performance. Ask them to R.S.V.P. so you can give them complimentary tickets. Be certain your child's performance and the quality of the production are up to standard before inviting agents; you'll only have one opportunity to impress them.

Once you secure a meeting with an agent, be clear and honest about your child's goals and concerns. "Parents shouldn't feel they can't interview an agent, because they're going to interview you and your child," says Phyllis Larrymore Kelly, mother and manager of 14-year-old actress RaeVen Larrymore Kelly. "Ask them how they would handle it if your daughter got sick and was unable to make a booking. Find out how often they want your child to audition."

An agent is responsible for booking auditions, and for negotiating payment and contracts should your child land the part. He will earn 10% of whatever bookings he secures for your child. Floria Smith warns parents to watch out for agencies that ask for money to represent your child. "I actually got ripped off when [Arjay] first started," Smith admits. "We went to an agency that charged us just to get started, then wanted us to pay more money for [acting] workshops." Smith advises parents to check with the Screen Actors Guild before signing on with any agency that is not well known.

Modeling is another way you can break your child into the entertainment business and help her gain the experience that might attract a film and television agent. Although most of your child's initial bookings are likely to be for low-budget print ads paying between $40 and $75 an hour, the work will help build her resume. It's important, however, that you make sure your child is represented by an agent who can screen for legitimate bookings. There are people--including pornographers-who prey on unsuspecting parents and children.

Modeling is what Janet Smollett used to get all six of her children, including actress Jurnee Smollett (Eve's Bayou and the current CBS sitcom Cosby), into the professional arena. Smollett sent her own photos of her children out to agencies. "One sent me a letter saying that my oldest son, JoJo, didn't have `the look.' They said [to] cut his hair and send us another picture," she explains. But JoJo didn't want to get his hair cut, and Smollett honored his wish. While another agency eventually signed him, Smollett said she learned an important lesson about being true to her children's identity and helping them manage rejection. "I've had to run [the business] in a way that wouldn't be harmful to my children," she says.

Raising A Superstar Brandy Arjay Raeven - managing child celebrities

Black Enterprise, Dec, 1999 by Shawn E. Rhea

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Sports

Most Popular Articles in Business

Most Popular Publications in Business