BY JULEE KLEFFMAN
Is your kid animated prop material? You could be looking at
big
bucks for your tiny tot and a start into show biz. Your kid
has to be cute, easy-going, and, in some instances, a twin.
But before you take your mini-me to fancy photographers and
begin bragging at pre-school parties, there are a few things
you need to know.
Should a parent choose an agent of
a baby talent manager? Most agents won't take children under
age th
ree,
unless they're referred, or they're the child of a current
model. Susie Mains, child booker at DDK in L.A. says, "In
California, we're so busy, we don't have time for many babies
because there isn't much of a call for them, so we usually
refer them to baby talent managers."
Talent managers are the best bet on the West Coast, while
Eastern Sea Borders must go agent hunting. Marlene Wallach,
president of Wilhelmina Kids and Creative Management in
N.Y.C., says, "We accept models on an exclusive basis only,
the same goes for our L.A. and Miami offices, and we are
just as discriminating about our babies as we are our older
models." However, Doris Stinga of FFT (Funny Face Today)
says, "We're probably the only agency [in N.Y.C.] that doesn't
require exclusivity, but parents must make their own choice
in the matter."
Talent managers are the best bet on the West Coast, while
Eastern Sea Borders must go agent hunting. Marlene Wallach,
president of Wilhelmina Kids and Creative Management in
N.Y.C., says, "We accept models on an exclusive basis only,
the same goes for our L.A. and Miami offices, and we are
just as discriminating about our babies as we are our older
models." However, Doris Stinga of FFT (Funny Face Today)
says, "We're probably the only agency [in N.Y.C.] that doesn't
require exclusivity, but parents must make their own choice
in the matter."
Agencies in smaller markets are less
likely to demand exclusivity. Donna Ehrlich, owner of Carolina
Winds Talent in Chester, South Carolina, advises, "Find
an agent that's non-exclusive and is willing to work with
you and your child." Anderson Greene, of Age-Anderson, agrees,
because Miami is a multi-listing mecca. "The "mommy
network" is very important here," says Anderson. "Agents
and parents who build a good rapport work together more
often."
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Courtesy of Tearsheet
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