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Today is:
 Children
in
Show Business!
I've interviewed one of New York's leading children's agents and the results are below.
Barry Kolker, Carson-Kolker Agency, NYC
Barry Kolker is a former actor who has worked in the kids' agenting biz for more than 9 years. He's considered one of New York's top children agents and has clients working on Broadway, in film and on television.
Note: Direct quotes are in quotation marks.
What's the best way for parents and their children to get in touch with you?
A picture and resume is best, and the picture doesn't need to be professional, a snapshot will do. If there's no resume, then include something with vital statistics, special skills and telephone numbers.
What sort of special skills?
Musical theatre skills are very important. What sports they play is also something he likes to see.
Why would you bring in one kid more than another, and is it hard for a kid to get seen?
Any picture and resume that notes the child can sing and move will usually result in an appointment to come in. It's generally easier for kids to be brought in than adults, and we're always looking. Kids grow up, their voices change, they move on....
"It should be the kid dragging the parent through the door, not the other way around."
-- Nancy Carson |
Is it different for teenagers?
There aren't enough musicals for teenagers, so that limits them a little.
At what age do you start to see children?
3 is the youngest, if they're verbal and can leave Morn and Dad in the other room. However generally 5 is the youngest they see. "Younger than that is too young, they're still little kids."
What happens at these meetings?
"The first thing I ask is do you really want to do this? (He quotes Nancy Carson.) It should be the kid dragging the parent through the door, not the other way around. I'll have them sing acapella (without music) or they can bring a tape to sing to. I meet them with the parents outside the room and I might have them recite some lines, or some sides. If they have anything memorized I'll hear that."
What are you looking for?
"Expressive kids. Hopefully they're loud enough, and they've got a neutral sort of accent (not
Southern or Brooklyn for example). Mainly personality and charisma. You know it when you see
I can tell right away."
Do you sign clients exclusively?
"We tend to work exclusively with clients, yes."
What role do managers play?
"The managers that I like to work with trust us and work with us as a team. Other managers tend to act as direct competitors with agents."
"They (Parents) need to understand if the agent can't speak to them at the time that it's not personal."
-- Barry Kolker |
If you had to estimate what percentage of your new clients come from where, how would you place it?
- 40-50% from managers.
- 40% from referrals
- 10% from the mail.
What's the first thing you say to parents?
"I talk about test deals. Six and a half year commitments being done in 24 hours most in LA. " In other words,
Underscoring the commitment that might be required.
"I ask if they can tour (with a play or musical). Touring involves bringing a guardian with you on the road, the guardian need not be a parent just someone over 18 appointed by the parent."
How many people can actually tour?
Maybe 20%.
Do they need to live in NYC?
'They don't as long as they can come up when I need them to. Usually within 2 hours traveling
distance works well. I will work with their schedules but I always need to know conflicts."
What sort of common mistakes do child actors make?
- Holding the paper in front of their face or holding it down so we only see the top of their heads.
- Their voices are too soft or too shy or they speak too quickly.
What sort of common mistakes do parents make?
- They need to understand if the agent can't speak to them at the time that it's not personal.
- Asking too many questions. (That is, asking for information that's just not relevant)
- Checking in too often. Once a week is too often. Unless of course they have something to say.
What sort of expenses are involved in becoming a client?
No direct ones.
"We always encourage clients to study and we give them a number of suggestions, all of whom are good." This includes both coaches (who work with clients on specific auditions) and teachers (who teach ongoing classes.) They need to have a cell phone or a pager; one way the agent can absolutely get in touch with them if they need to. Music and DANCE teachers are usually important as well. And of course they need to have pictures.
What are some danger signs when dealing with managers/scouts?
No one should ever ask for money up front, with the exception of perhaps a nominal 'registration fee' which just covers the initial cost of representation.
The big danger sign is being interviewed alone with the door closed. According to union rules the door has got to be open with the parent nearby.
What about conventions and seminars and other pay events?
If they're guaranteeing you'll be seen by LA or NYC agents, it's a sign it's more legitimate.
"(A child actor) has to love it so much, have a supportive family and be able to emotionally balance school, friends sports and hobbies into their lives. You need to try to be a well balanced kid."
-- Barry Kolker |
What about braces?
"They've got to come off for a legit job. (Some commercials actually ask for them). Some people have them removed, but today their are more options. Clear braces, removable retainers. It's just less obvious than it used to be."
Closing words?
"I'm a former actor who's been doing this for 9 years and I take a personal professional interest in the kids and their families. I try to see them in everything that they do. (A child actor) has to love it so much, have a supportive family and be able to emotionally balance school, friends, sports and hobbies into their lives. You need to try to be a well balanced kid."
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