Comments on: Time to Stop Squashing a Dream?

By: Dave Reed

Dave Reed — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:09:02 +0000

I live and work in Hollywood. I do graphic design for an entertainment related company. We do headshots and modeling cards all the time.

Do NOT do pageants. Do get an agent and set up a trust fund for the girl. The agent need not be a member of SAG, however they do register with them.

I believe agents DO want professional photos (disagreeing w/ marileec) but only after they meet the talent in person. If you can, try to get copies of the photos she’s already done and start to build a portfolio.

2 cents please!

dave(at)finalprint.com

By: marileec

marileec — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:24:52 +0000

Oh and they will fly her and pay for you to come along, too. It’s not a big deal for them to do this. You really don’t need money to get into the industry.

By: marileec

marileec — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:23:26 +0000

Pageants are not the path to fame and fortune.

She needs an agent who is a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). They have a list of members. Anyone else will just take your money for pictures and run. Since she is homeschooled, you are positioned to go where she needs to go for jobs.

They are hit and miss, but she can build a portfolio and eventually be in demand. If she has a lot of energy, she can start by doing commercials. They love these kind of kids and there is money to be made.

Contact an agent in the nearest big city. Send them a video and snapshot–do not send professional stuff. They honestly don’t care for professional shots.

If they want them, they will have their people do professional shots for a very low fee.

By: thelittlefluffycat

thelittlefluffycat — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:50:01 +0000

Talk to the people who’ve been asking for her, when they come to tell you how great she was, and let them know that you appreciate it, and that you appreciate the good experience they’ve given her, and if they know people who might also need someone like her, that they feel would take as good care of her, you’d be happy to talk to them.

Pageants are silly, mostly. I have an idea of someone you need to talk to, I will see can I find them and send them over.

By: Rachael

Rachael — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:51:12 +0000

The pageants won’t necessarily help if she wants to act/model. She could still do those things without going all creepy. Maybe get her into some acting classes? Science and history are still important, no matter what she does.

It doesn’t sound like you are squashing her dreams at all. When the opportunity comes up you allow it. You just don’t go seeking it. That seems pretty smart considering how often children change their mind.

By: tigereye

tigereye — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:53:39 +0000

No! You’re both terrific. You’re not allowed to do pageants. And besides, once you sign in, they scan you, and if they locate your soul, you’re unceremoniously escorted out.

Have you had her watch “Little Miss Sunshine”? Maybe that’ll help.

By: Jackie

Jackie — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:27:03 +0000

Sounds like you don’t have to do much- just let the jobs keep coming to her.

And NEVER, EVER pageants. Sheesh. You know this.