Talent Agents
If you are considering starting a showbiz career for your child, you are probably wondering what talent agents look for in a child. Talent agents meet and interview many children, but they only choose a small number of those they see to be their clients.
How can you be sure that talent agents will chose your child? It is important to look closely at your child before deciding to take them to interview with talent agents.
There are certain characteristics that make a child more likely to succeed in show business, and it is these same characteristics that make them appeal to talent agents and other entertaiment industry professionals. (For more information on talent agents, see “Talent Agents.” Also, check for ATA talent agents in LA, NY, and several other locations -> ATA agents.)
When my daughter was young, she often got the attention of those around her. She possessed a large degree of self-confidence, a desire to entertain, and an infectious smile and laugh. People, even complete strangers, often either commented to us that she’d be president some day or that she was going to be a star.
My daughter’s combination of personality and self-confidence, and to a lesser degree, her looks, was what first got her noticed in the entertainment industry. Her talent in singing and acting also played a big part in her being chosen by show business professionals, including talent agents.
Talent agents are typically looking for a variety of characteristics that are likely to indicate that your child could have a successful acting or modeling career. So, “What do talent agents look for in a child?”
There is no simple answer to this question. Part of this is really just a feeling that talent agents get when they meet your child. However, there are a number of characteristics that are likely to help your child be selected by talent agents for representation.
Your child is likely to get the attention of talent agents and other entertainment industry professionals if he or she:
- Has a friendly, outgoing, and fun personality.
- Is comfortable around other children and adults when first meeting them, and is not afraid to leave your side.
- Is very confident.
- Has a “good look.” A good look can be beauty, or it can include features such as big eyes, freckles, great hair, curly hair, red hair, dimples, a great smile, or full lips. Or it can be an unusual or exotic look, mixed ethnicity, or ambiguous ethnicity. It may include classic looks such as the Kid-Next-Door or the All-American-Kid look. This does not mean that your child has to be beautiful.
- Has charisma. This means that people tend to be attracted to your child for any one of a variety of possibly unidentifiable reasons. This is sometimes called the “it factor.”
- Loves to be in the spotlight.
- Can be patient.
- Is or can be well-behaved.
- Is very focused.
- Is expressive.
- Is photogenic and/or looks good on film.
Other factors that may help your child to be noticed by talent agents are talent in music, dance, acting, or sports, looking younger than actual age, maturity, intelligence, good communication skills, good memorization skills, good reading ability, and ability to follow directions well. This list could certainly go on and on.
Most children won’t have all the things listed above, but if your child possesses a number of them, then it is likely that talent agents will be interested in your child.
If your child does not possess many of these, it doesn’t mean your child can’t become a model or actor, but it may make it a little harder for you to get representation for your child. It may indicate that you need to find a coach to work with your child before you go for interviews with talent agents.
It also may just mean the time is not right for your child to interview with talent agents due to ” a stage” he or she is going through. In six months or a year, a child can change considerably, so you can take a look again when your child matures a little bit.
To your success,
Debbie Sikkema
26 comments
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Chris@mgctables
October 23, 2011 at 11:35 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
I think a friendly, outgoing and fun personality is the most important thing talent agents look for in a child. I love children that have those characters.
Sam @ Air Purifier
October 31, 2011 at 12:08 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
ALL of your points are great and true, I think one other thing that a child should have (but doesn’t necessarily NEED) if they possess enough of the other traits- is Drive. Sometimes the parents aren’t the ones pushing the kids, the kids are the ones pushing the parents to let them act. And I’ve seen that drive produce stars, but like I said they really have to have that motivation. I’m just saying if there is a kid who might not be the best looking but has enough desire and focus at a young age to try and follow their dreams sometimes that’s what you need- as an adult drive and motivation is a huge factor in Hollywood, it can be what makes or breaks you. But luckily some people, kids or grown-ups have that “it” factor and that can also be enough to get you by.
Debbie Sikkema
October 31, 2011 at 8:56 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi Sam,
Thanks for reading and commenting (again)! Good point (again). That is something I should add to things that talent agents look for in a child actor. They do look for that drive in kids — to see that the kid really wants this and is willing to work hard to make it happen. It certainly does take a lot of hard work and sacrifice to pursue an acting career. So many people see all the glitz and don’t really think about the dedication and hard work that it takes. For really young kids, the drive may not be so much of a factor, but certainly as children get older, the drive is important.–Debbie
Debbie Sikkema
November 1, 2011 at 9:15 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi Chris,
Yes, I agree that a friendly, fun, and outgoing personality in a child is very appealing! Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting on it.
Warm regards,
Debbie
Angelica
November 29, 2011 at 6:46 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
good information
Marjorie
December 30, 2011 at 1:26 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi Ms. Debbie Sikkema,
Thanks for posting this. It will be really helpful for an interview. But, there is one question I have to ask- What if your parents are stubborn and does not want their child to chase their dreams? I have the qualities that would attract an agent (well, most of them). To add on to my questions, what do you mean by “looking good on film”?
-Marj
Thanks!!!:)
Debbie Sikkema
February 2, 2012 at 4:42 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi Marjorie,
I know it can be difficult to pursue your dreams as a child if your parents don’t support you. Becoming an actor is a very difficult dream to pursue. It is especially difficult for a child — partly because your parents have to help you. You can still pursue it on your own to some degree, but you do need their support to get a talent agent and headshots and go to auditions and get jobs. Do what you can on your own — get into plays and other performing opportunities at school and church and do anything your parents will allow you to do related to acting. Then maybe they’ll see how much you love it and help you. Otherwise, you can get all the experience possible so you can pursue it on your own when you are older.
Looking good on film just means that you are photogenic. Some people seem to look great on film and others not so much. It is helpful if you are one of those who seems to shine in pictures and on film.
Thanks for reading and commenting. Good luck to you Marj.
To your success,
Debbie
Angela@luv
February 20, 2012 at 12:19 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
So much simple, yet useful information. I enjoy reading your articles. Thank you for sharing your insight. I have a son that absolutely has the “IT factor” and the determination to perform, whether in line at the post office or on film. I’m a reluctant, clueless mother with no industry knowledge or ambition to have a child actor. I have so many reservations about his well being. But he wants to work, he wants to get feedback that I fear could damage his confidence & make being a kid more stressful than necessary. But I’ve got a dazzling, smart, well liked, independent actor. That’s what he is and has been from birth. I can’t stop his charisma, so here I go, along for the ride.
Feye@Pediatric Dentist
February 21, 2012 at 12:46 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Very true! Talents for a child actor is far different from adult. A child only needs to be himself/herself, having a good look doesn’t always a need since they could be use in comedy show or somewhere.
Sheena Munswamy
March 28, 2012 at 9:18 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hello Debbie, I think it’s great to start acting as a child because they are just being them, when your an adult you try to be someone your not to impress someone else and that’s great when your acting, but sometimes holding back on who you are can make you miss your chances. when a kid go’s to auditions there just being them! I have three kids and they are all amazing! But my youngest child (Za’kii) he is three years old, he just stands out to me, his personally is awesome! He loves to laugh and smile he also has dimples! they are so so cute. I see him in the entertainment business because he loves being in front of a camera takeing pictures and he is so intergenic! Acting is in his future! Hopefully sometime soon! 😉 Thank you for listing!
Sheena Munswamy
cherissestar
April 29, 2012 at 4:24 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
OK so i am black and i am going to this modeling event called proscout to get a chance to get an agent and a lot of agents pick mixed girls or black girls with long hair and almost every white girl they see thats why it’s so hard for black GRILS to become model mainly when they have hair that is short up to their neck but when their hair is past their shoulders they can get an agent and model for some relaxer or prem box or even an hair growth product that don’t work 😈 💡 SO THIS IS MY IDEA IS TO GROW MY HAIR PAST MY SHOULDERS BY MAY 26 THATS WHEN PROSCOUT IS
MY HAIR IS TOCHING MY SHOULDERS BUT I WHANT IT LONGER THAN THAT AND IF I GET ANY CALLBACKS I WILL TELL YOU GUYS THANK FOR TELLING ME WHAT THEY WANT I WON’T TELL ANY BODY ELS THIS IS MINE TO KEEP I KNOW WATH THEY WANT KNOW and when some black girls go to proscout and don’t get any callbacks they have to guse like i did and do reshrech like i did it took me two years two years i am telling u now i know wath they want hahaha 😀 😛 🙄 😯 🙂 😉 😎 😎 😎 😎 😎 😎
Debbie Sikkema
April 30, 2012 at 4:18 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi Cherisse,
Thanks for your comments. Very interesting perspective. I hope things go well for you. Please let us know how it goes.
To your success,
Debbie
GENESIS OSUNA
June 17, 2012 at 6:08 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hola mi nombre es GENESIS OSUNA. Y mi PASION es la actuacion. Y El modelaje.
Luis Herrera
July 12, 2012 at 5:01 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hello, Debbie Sikkema
I am really frustrated I’ve been trying to find a real agency and its really hard for, I have not had any experience yet, but I want to model and act. I signed up for one source talent but I’m choosing not to go since there are so many bad reviews about it. I would really love for you to send me links to a few stuff that can help me get started it may never be to late to start but its always better to start at an early age I am fifteen by the way. I’d be very thankful to get your help with some agencies.
Luis Herrera
July 18, 2012 at 10:04 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Thank you! It’d be great if you helped me on giving me tips for modeling too! If it helps ill describe myself to you, I’m 5’11 hazel green brown eyes , freckles, longish brown wavy hair light tan, and tonned body! It’d be great if you give me help on that your tips are really helpful by the way, my mom is taking me to a professional photographer to take a photoshoot for my resume and stuff so i can get started!
Debbie Sikkema
July 20, 2012 at 10:29 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi Luis,
You are welcome! I’m glad I have been helpful to you and your mom. If you are interested in modeling, you can get some modeling photos taken and create a zed or comp card that contains a collage of pictures. For now, the headshots should be enough to send to agents and hopefully to some who cover print work as well as film and tv and stage. I’ll try to put together some more information about modeling for my site. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Debbie
Debbie Sikkema
July 20, 2012 at 10:41 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi Sheena,
Sorry I did not respond to your comment sooner. Just seeing it now… Thanks for your interesting comments. Sounds like your three-year-old is a natural and I bet he is cute. Good luck with the acting biz if you decide to pursue it. Take care.
Sincerely,
Debbie
lucrari de licenta
July 21, 2012 at 11:50 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
I’ll right away clutch your rss as I can not find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please permit me recognise in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Luis Herrera
July 23, 2012 at 1:13 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
You’re a huge help thank you so much!
Luis Herrera
July 23, 2012 at 1:21 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
One more question, do they allow you to have piercings?
????? ???
August 1, 2012 at 11:01 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
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Remarry your wife
August 10, 2012 at 5:31 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
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Jane
November 4, 2012 at 10:08 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
My 10 yr old son has had some success with acting in NYC. He has been told he has the “it” factor numerous times. Parents are super supportive, he takes on going acting lessons and actively auditions weekly driving from Boston to NYC.
my question is … would it be worth it to go to LA for Pilot season or auditions?
He is home schooled and the home front is pretty well secured.
I am wondering if its worth it to try or continue NY for now?
thanks
Allysa
February 20, 2013 at 11:11 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi, my name is Allysa. I’m twelve turning thirteen in May. I am very friendly and outgoing. I love to sing. I have gone to many agencies and been called back. The problem is that many were overpriced or scams. I love rehearsing speaking scenes, even if they are my siblings! I was in chorus in elementary, and my old middle school(before I transferred). Many say that I am very funny. I can be patient and focused. I am not that confident, but I belive in myself. I know I have what it takes. Thank you so much for the tips!
Sarah Smith
May 16, 2016 at 3:40 pm (UTC -8) Link to this comment
My daughter wants to be an actor and so we are trying to help her achieve that goal. Thanks for the list of characteristics that make a child noticeable by talent agents. Hopefully, we can help her to become more focused and patient so that she can possibly be picked up by a talent agency.
Hillary Marek
January 31, 2021 at 6:47 am (UTC -8) Link to this comment
Hi, I was a child actor/model and worked steadily in the industry pretty much my whole life. The MOST important advice I give young talent today is this, IF THEY ASK YOU TO PAY, SAY NO WAY! If you or your child is talented enough to land a paying gig, AGENCIES WILL PAY FOR YOUR MARKETING AND TRAINING. They get paid when you get paid, so if you are going to make them money, they will invest in you. If you’re asked to pay to do any of these things, and they won’t let you outsource i.e. you have a friend who is an award winning photographer for Vogue Magazine and they offered to do a full “go see” portfolio for you free but the “agent” says no, you need to pay this guy $150 for a headshot and $200 for comp-cards because he is their official agency photographer. But when you ask where the comp-cards go, they assure you that they send them to casting agencies… No they don’t. If they only needed them to promote you, any photographer would do. They booked 20 other photo shoots today, that’s $7,000 . plus they say you need classes but they will pay for 1/2 because you are so talented and they believe in you. So you ONLY need to pay $500.
Let’s do the math.
Acting workshops $500
Promo Pictures, $350
Total $850
Reasonable amount for all the money you are going to make as a star.
But wait…
The agency has 5 agents, each sees 5-10 kids a day. Approx1/2 those clients sign up. Lets say the average sales turnover rate is 7 contracts per day per agent.
7×5=35
X $850
$29,750
5 days a week
$148,750
Now let’s see what you are worth…
Avg filming time, 6 weeks
$892,500 if they ignore promoting you and focus only on signing new clients.
According to Payscale, the median salary for an actor or actress in general—in plays, TV, and the movies, without regard to the size of the role—$50,529 per year.
They might be able to squeeze about $5k a yr out of you IF you’re working steady.
So, do they focus on your career that will only get them $5052.9 or do they focus on the $77350.00 annual sales from selling the dream?
Exactly.
Stay away from these scams!!