help my baby please

Hello!!

My name is Brian, I'm a Filmmaker from Chicago. My company is called Rain Dance Productions. We do Film, Television, Media and Photography production.

What type of modeling would you like to get your child involved with? Fashion Modeling? TV Commercials? Print Ads/Magazines? or Acting? What area?

How old is she? Depending on your area and if they hire children, there should be some reputable agencies that you should be able to take her to register.

First, Don't fall into the trap that you have to pay money to register with an agency. THIS IS FALSE and a SCAM!! Most reputable agencies work on commissions when they find you work they get a percentage of your salary between 10% and 20% depending on the agency which is taken off the top before you get your check.

Second: Don't ever leave your child alone with anyone. You are her guardian and you must be THERE TO WATCH EVERYTHING. YOU MUST GO with her EVERYWHERE to all of her JOBS or Auditions until she is of age over 18 and has the knowledge, skills, experience and discernment to see through the snakes and scams artists that are also in the ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS out to take avantage of anyone that is not preparedm, knowledgeable or vunerable.  If you and your child are going to embark on a career in the entertainment industry you are going to have to sacrifice the time, energy and money to make it happen. 

You will have to be able to clear your schedule to take her to auditions, agencies and talent shows to find work and help her develop her skills as a Model or Actor. You will also have to take the time to help her read, understand, and learn her script, or her routine for each opportunity that you find.

THIRD #3 Never Sign anything or any kind of Contract before talking it over with an Entertainment Lawyer.  Check out your local legal aid organization for free help and information on the Entertainment Industry. Find a lawyer that will help you jump start your daughters career, and be there for advise on the jobs that you acquire.

Check out Baltimore Legal Aid organizations:

http://www.mdlab.org/

Legal Aid locations

http://maps.google.com/maps?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4RNWN_enUS266US266&um=1&q=Legal+aid+bureau&near=Baltimore,+MD&fb=1&view=text&sa=X&oi=local_group&resnum=4&ct=more-results&cd=1

4th = Get your child involved in a local cotillion, ball, or fashion show. Many church groups and local organizations hold Cotillions, Balls, and Fashion Shows, check with local churches, hair salons, etc., to find out if any are happening in your neighborhood.

My sister started modeling at a Hair & Fashion show at 5 years old, then later she was chosen to be in a documentary on childhood asthma. 

Get your child involved in some speech classes possibly on the local debate team. It will help you with public speaking and presentation or learning how to present yourselfs and put your best foot forward at all times.

Check the local Modeling Schools.

John Powers is in your area. You might also find a low cost but reputable school as well.

Baltimore 410.779.2920

Check out or click on the following websites for more information and leads that will help you go the right direction to help start your daughters career.

Check out the Balitimore Office of Promotion and the Arts. They can help you with information about classes, events, and programs that might help your daughter out. They usually have free brochures of events in your area.

http://www.bop.org/

Check out the Maryland Film office:

Film and Production Guides are usually Free, send for one and see if they have Acting and Modeling Agencies listed in your area. Usually they will also have Acting and Modeling coaches and schools listed for your area. 

To order a copy of the
Maryland Regional Production Guide, contact:

Maryland Film Office
217 East Redwood Street
9th Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
1-800-333-6632
410-767-6340
In State Hotline: 410-767-0067
fax: 410-333-0044
filminfo@marylandfilm.org
www.MarylandFilm.org

5th + = Once you get the Maryland Production Guide, check out local FILM SCHOOLs in your area.  This is a great opportunity to connect with local student filmmakers that may have opportunites for young actors to gain experience. 

6th = check out local photography schools to connect with young photographers. You will Need Head Shots to register with any agency. This is an opportunity to get low cost quality head shots from up and coming photographers at your local area schools.

http://www.art-photography-schools.com/maryland-photography-schools.htm

7th= Check out Mandy.com. This web site is an international Media, Film and Television website that lists all of the productions, production companies and media talent from all over the world.

http://www.mandy.com/

Currently in your area their is an independent documentary that is being filmed. Check out the ad on mandy below. They are looking for actors from age 7 to 65

http://www.mandy.com/1/cast3.cfm?v=28366522

 Check out Craigslist.com

Most Model opportunities are listed under the GIGS Section, click on the TALENT SECTION.

 http://baltimore.craigslist.org/tlg/

 For film and acting Opportunities check out the jobs section and click on the TV/Film/Video Tab.

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/tfr/

Well I am tired of typing. I am certain that this information will help steer you and your daughter in the in the right direction.

BEST OF LUCK TO YOU and YOUR DAUGHTER.

Keep me posted on your successful careers.

Sincerely,

 Mr. Brian A. McGee + Producer & Director + (Rain Dance Productions), Film, Video and Television Production - Chicago

You're very welcome. We all want our children to be happy and make their dreams come true. I wish you and your daughter all the best!

thanks for your post also i am happy you are looking out for the safety of me and my child all i want is what my child wants to be a model i feel bad cause i really don't have a clue about modeling

Phoenixrising, Let me ask you something...

You innocently post on a bulletin board about your child and you get a response from someone saying they have information (nothing more) and they give you an email address. What would your response be?

How many emails do you get a day that are scams? How much does your child get?

The information you gave coolwhip was very insightful, and very much appreciated.

But I will not apologize for making the wrong assumption. I am sure anyone, including you, would have done the same. I was wrong in this case, for which I am glad. However, down the road, I may not be.

thanks for the advice phoenix sounds good have to do some traveling no modeling agency's where i live

To phoenix rising:

If you have information - just post it. Your cloak and dagger routine is nothing more than garbage.

 TO coolwhip 30:

Stay away from idiots like phoenix rising. They are probably nothing more than scams or perverts. If you are looking to get your daughter into a modeling career - make sure the company you are working with is legitimate!  Check them out with your local Better Business Bureau or the city where their license was issued. Get all their information - write down where they are located, address, phone,  name of the company, where their offices are located, who owns the company, etc. CHECK THEM OUT THOROUGHLY before you sign anything or hand out any money!!!! Just because someone has a website doesn't mean anything - anyone can get a business license and a website. 

Here is some information I found that may be helpful. I am not in the industry, but please be completely informed before handing your child over to anyone!  

 On a side note, I understand all about dreams. I had my own and my children have theirs as well. My son wants to make movies. I am all for it, BUT, he has to get his education first - that includes graduating from college first. Which he has and he studies film. Every child has a dream and the entertainment business can be very lucrative, but it is one of the most difficult to get into. You have to have something to fall back on. What if your daughter tries to get into modeling and doesn't succeed? Where will she be in 10 years? Will she be able to support herself? Without that degree, she won't. Please insist that your daughter have a backup plan, make sure she gets her education. The entertainment industry is far too fickle to rely on. Not everyone is lucky enough to be the next american idol. You have to have a back up plan. And who knows, once she gets into it, she may not even like what it entails. 

Whatever you choose, do your research! Good luck!