How Do I Know When I Am Ready- Acting 101

I receive tons on emails of novice talent informing me that they are the next big thing. However, what is more disturbing is the hunger in parents eyes looking for some form of capital gain from their children  mediocre talents. I get hundreds of parents so in love with their children that they fail to see the industry professional assessment regarding talent.  This is called entertainment industry because it is just that funny.  Seriously,  it takes more than lust for money or a cute face and some doe eyes. How about simple research and a little talent can go a long way.  How do you expect momentous gain with minimum investment? No Resume! No Comp Card! No Head shot! No understanding of the ABC's to this industry. No call backs! So, let's begin from the beginning, I am in no way criticizing your parental skills, I am just simply stating if you want to do something, it doesn't hurt to do a little research and investigation.  The Do's- Can your child read, STOP! If I had a penny for each kid that came to one of my auditions that could not read, I could purchase a small island. Does your child actually know a monologue? Do you know what a monologue is? What is the difference between dialog and monologue? What does beat  mean in a script? What is slating?  What is a cold reading?  Any techniques on how to break down a scene? A monologue is a great start! Please begin here. However, if you are thinking and want to test the waters. Start with the "Hello" a simple picture. Please, this is at the novice level, we are not ready for LA , New York, or the world. Baby steps. DO take a professional head shot, your iphone camera may make awesome selfies but it will not get you into the office of a reputable agent. I'm sorry, the prices of iphone should get you at last a call back. Sorry, to disappoint you but selfies however cool is not a head shot it is a selfie. People just because you have an amazing camera and uncle Bill takes great family photo's. IT IS NOT A HEAD SHOT.  A HEAD SHOT is a single picture used for actors with your name on it.  A comp card professionally called a composite card or Zed card is a series of picture on card stock paper and it will have various information such as measurements, name, height, and weight. These pictures are your hello it is the first opportunity to make a lasting impression on a agency or client. So let me help you out and give you a little cheat sheet for your child talent. Disclaimer, this is strictly based on my professional working opinion. What do I know, for those that dare to be dangerous. A child under four it is my professional recommendation that they do not get a  professional head shot, those family studios or school pictures will do.  Once four and up, a talent needs yearly head shots based on the talent appearance. Kids grow so fast, so you want the picture to be a great representation for your child present look.. Don't over load or confuse yourself take your time and start at  "Alpha." be careful not to confuse a portrait shot with a comp card or head shot.

 A picture it's worth a thousands words.  Here are some great photographers- Good Luck!

Photographers: Local Chicago

www.isocko.com 

www.bauwerks.com

www.ciannemitchell.com  

 www.facebook.com/snow.dogphoto

www.organicheadshots.com

www.facebook.com/anre.photo