What an opportunity it is for our kids to be able to get the chance to model for amazing brands or audition for TV shows and movies! With every great opportunity comes a busy mom (or dad) that has to meet deadlines and demands. I thought as an industry mom, things would be super easy to navigate. But there is a lot of work and thought that goes into the parenting end of the industry. Do you have what it takes to be an industry parent? Here are some tips that I think may help many of you, if you decide to pursue this lifestyle for your kids.
As a parent, every audition will need your help. Self tapes require good lighting, background and a camera. Files have to be formatted and sent to the correct dropboxes and email accounts by the deadline. You also have to be able to chaperone your child to in-person auditions. You must have your child's paperwork and work permit updated. It is a good idea to keep all your paperwork on hand in case it is needed at a shoot.
Auditions will pop up at any time. At-home auditions will have deadlines and specific criteria to meet. In-person auditions will usually get a day's notice, and that doesn't always agree with our schedules. But being a part of this industry means that we need to understand that things will pop up at a moment's notice. We need to be prepared to get our child to their audition at the correct time and location regardless of schedule. If we commit to this industry, we also need to be available for whatever comes around. If possible, have a designated family member to get your child into their audition if you are a working parent or are just unavailable to chaperone that day.
To promote your child, you will need to invest in them as well. We should all know that a legitimate modeling agency will never ask for money upfront. We will however have to invest in pictures that will feature our children and help them to stand out! In my opinion, pictures are by far the most important tool in booking a job for your child. Their picture is the first thing that will get noticed by casting agents and directors. Pictures will need to be updated often as kids change quite frequently. I also encourage parents to invest in some home lighting for self tape auditions. This will help immensely when sending in your audition. A great ring light or a lighting kit will make a huge difference in the quality of your child's self tape.
Your child didn't get the job. No comment and no feedback. Are you prepared to let it go? That comes along with this business. My son first started out in the industry with longer hair. He wasn't booking many jobs and I thought, why not get his haircut. As soon as I cut his hair, he booked it. On the opposite end, I chose to have my daughter cut her hair as a way of standing out. The haircut did not work for her. The industry is really a guessing game and although there is a lot of opportunity, it also comes with a lot of holds, interest, releases and silence. As a parent, you will never know what goes on in a casting director's head. Sometimes things work out, and other times they don't! Children are very resilient, and in my experience, are able to brush things off easily and move on to the next. Are you as a parent able to do this as well?
The truth is that there are thousands of kids in this industry that are all beautiful and talented, just like your child. Your child could have all the requirements for a certain casting and still not be called back. Move on! As the parent, you are always going to be there for them no matter what. Whether it is investing in them, supporting them or preparing them, as long as you’re working for them, they’ll achieve all the success they deserve.
If you’re interested in getting your child into the modeling industry, visit https://www.bensimonmodels.com/.
